About Us

PRESIDENT

Taylor Case is the President of Navigator Wine Collection, one of California’s leading premium producers, where he oversees national sales strategy, brand development, vineyard sourcing, and full-production operations. He began his wine career in 1995 at a restaurant with a 1,200-selection wine list, which sparked a lifelong passion for the industry.

Over the past three decades, Taylor has held key leadership roles at Breakthru Beverage, Vineyard Brands, Wilson Daniels, and Folio. At Vineyard Brands, he launched its first National Sales Program, expanded market share across the Southeast, and helped drive Marques de Cáceres to the No. 1-selling Spanish brand in the U.S.

Beyond his executive work, Taylor has supported the Destin Charity Wine Auction for more than 15 years. A pilot before he had a driver’s license, he brings that same drive and curiosity to travel, kitesurfing, and wine exploration around the world.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Patrick brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in the wine industry, spanning grape growing, winemaking, operations, and sales. He’s managed production facilities, led high-performing teams, and helped drive strong revenue growth through wine, grape, and custom crush programs.

A former Sonoma grower and winery startup consultant, Patrick also enjoys sharing his knowledge as an instructor in wine business education, speaker at wine events and on technical panels. His background bridges the vineyard and the boardroom, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth through variable market cycles at Navigator Wine Collection.

SALES ANALYST & LOGISTICS MANAGER

Michelle brings over a decade of hands-on experience in the wine industry, spanning retail management, education, hospitality, logistics planning and inventory control. She has led high-performing teams at Total Wine & More, driving sales growth, optimizing inventory control, and developed in-store wine education programs that enhanced both staff expertise and customer engagement. She is a WSET 3, Certified Wine Educator,2022 Ruinart Challenge winner, and now as the Sales Analyst and Logistics Manager is able to efficiently coordinate sales, fulfillment, and distribution channels for Navigator Wine Collection.

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Shannon brings over two decades of expertise in procurement and operations within the wine industry, including 24 years at Jackson Family Wines in a career rooted in precision, collaboration, and a passion for quality.

While studying Viticulture, Enology, and Wine Business at Santa Rosa Junior College, Shannon earned her WSET Level 1 certification—deepening her appreciation for wine, spirits, and the craft of fermentation. A true hands-on creator, she’s made her own wine, beer, and cheese, reflecting her curiosity and dedication to the art of production.

As Procurement Manager, Shannon brings a strategic approach to sustainable cost-saving initiatives and a deep understanding of wine packaging. She’s excited to contribute her experience and energy to the Navigator Team, helping drive innovation and efficiency through every stage of the supply chain.

HEAD WINEMAKER

Mike Rayner grew up just outside the town of Sonoma, with family roots extending six generations through Sonoma County. His passion for viticulture began early, exploring vineyard sites throughout the hills of Napa and Sonoma and tasting wines crafted from those local plots. These early experiences shaped his understanding of the deep connection between place and the wines that express it.

After completing his studies at UC Davis, Mike began his winemaking career at Domaine Chandon, working on méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines. His experience expanded through key roles from Cellar Master to Winemaker at Carneros Creek Winery, Havens Wine Cellars, Newton Vineyard, Draxton Wines, and as Head Winemaker for Cameron Hughes Wine.

Today, as Head Winemaker at Navigator Wine Collection, Mike draws on his extensive knowledge of California’s diverse growing regions to craft blends with precision, balance, and integrity. His approach celebrates the character of each vineyard source, ensuring Navigator’s wines consistently reflect the best of what California has to offer.

ASSISTANT WINEMAKER

Lorena was born and raised in Oregon and first discovered her passion for the wine industry through her father. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Enology from Fresno State and began her career with E. & J. Gallo, working in both the Fresno and Livingston facilities. Lorena then spent two years at Oak Ridge Winery as an Assistant Winemaker, focusing on white and rosé wines and contributing to the development of their premium program, including management of the Pellenc optical sorter and harvest operations.

Before joining Navigator Wine Collection, Lorena served as Assistant Winemaker at Precision Wine & Spirits, where she worked closely with the winemaking team across all premium programs. Today, she brings that experience, technical skill, and hands-on leadership to Navigator, guiding production across multiple varietals and ensuring the quality and character that define our wines.