Meet the incredible people behind Hoopes Vineyard.
Lindsay Hoopes
Alpha Dog
Born and bred a wine enthusiast, Lindsay Hoopes grew up on a farm playing amidst the vineyards. Joining her father, Spencer Hoopes, during their daily walks along the vines, frequent conversations in the Hoopes household focused on growing cycles and brand strategy. Often found in the garden, Lindsay’s interests have always been rooted in nature. Developing a unique and in depth perspective of the wine growing world, it’s no surprise she has become one of the youngest and one of the few female winery leaders in all of Napa Valley.
Influenced by her force of her Grandmother, Lindsay was taught to ask questions and challenge traditional roles. Displaying her penchant for debate at just 6 years old, she presented a well-researched and passionate case to her father about why she should have a dog - and proposed a Jack Russell Terrier, the image that later would grace the Hoopes label.
From elementary debates to her leadership role in the Young Presidents Organization, Lindsay has long been affirming her power for connecting and expressing. Receiving her Masters of Law from Trinity College in Ireland, Lindsay earned not only an honorable degree and wealth of knowledge but a love for the green-hued country and its dramatic cliffs; where she would celebrate her marriage.
Spending many years as San Francisco’s Assistant District Attorney, she worked on high-profile cases, making headlines. Now leading her family’s multi-generational business, she adds a rich sense of adventure and a wild can-do spirit to every facet of the brand. Having traveled to 72 countries and fluent in Spanish, Catalan, and Mandarin, it’s fair to say, Lindsay is the curious type. Welcoming change, innovation and growth, Lindsay connected with famed vintner Aaron Pott to craft bold cabernets. Like watercolors on a palette, another of Lindsay’s hobbies, the duo blends old-world-farming and taste profiles with new-world fruit flavors to create powerful and vibrant wines.
Combining her affinities for science, nature and fine wine, Lindsay strives to enrich local biodiversity and promote the health and longevity of Napa Valley’s farming community through regenerative agriculture and her dedication to the Save the Family Farms initiative. Rescuing nearly 30 farm animals, her family’s vineyard is home to her husband, two sons, Rohan, and Rajan, two dogs and a herd of pigs, chickens, a turkey, goats and a donkey. Lindsay spends much time with her children, imparting a love for the outdoors as they frolic in the company of rescued animals or soak in the lush greenery of the surrounding vineyards. A talented chef, Lindsay’s approach to cooking food is no different than her attitude towards life; she’s inquisitive and willing to try new things. To Lindsay, sharing meals, and her family’s opulent wines, is an act of love. Inspired by her Dad’s willingness to savor rather than hoard beloved wines, Lindsay embraces the belief that every day is a special occasion. Like life, Hoopes Wine is to be enjoyed.
Lisa Brooks
Director of Finance
Lisa’s love of wine started many years ago on her first trip to Napa Valley in the early 80’s when she was early in her career at Arthur Young. While the valley has grown and changed over the many years her love for the wines, sunsets, people and ambiance kept pulling her back until she ultimately decided to make a permanent move in 2018.
A few year ago, Lisa decided she wanted to learn a little more about the other side of the wine industry. She took the role as Hoopes Director of Finance in October of 2021 to satiate her curiosity of what it really takes to make a winery run.
When Lisa is not laughing with her grandkids and living her ‘Napa Dream’ in the 707 she can be found in the 808 soaking up that Kauai sun and having a Mai Tai.
Barrett Hamilton
VP of Global Sales
In 2023 Barrett joined the team after a 26-year friendship with Lindsay Hoopes that started in high school. Lindsay and Barrett had run into each other frequently at trade shows for most of a decade after Lindsay took over the winery in 2012 and had been in close contact about the industry during that time to bounce ideas off each other, talk shop in general, and trade stories about their children who are similar ages.
Barrett’s passion for wine started young. His parents were avid wine lovers, ensuring he had champagne and sips of red wine on holidays as a child. He first learned about wine from an educational standpoint while working at multiple Back Bay Restaurant Group locations in Boston but started his proper wine training while working in Chapel Hill. The GM of his restaurant brought him to all the local trade shows, had him sitting in on all sales tastings, and asked Barrett to put together the restaurant’s first wine training program and manual.
Prior to joining Hoopes, Barrett worked for 12 years with Kobrand Fine Wines in the northeastern US, selling some of the world’s most iconic wine brands and specialty spirits. While attending Columbia University in New York City, he became the sommelier and wine buyer for multiple restaurant groups. After finishing school, he decided to make his passion for wine his career, while also continuing his wine education with the Society of Wine Educators and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Barrett grew up in New England, but has lived and worked in Colorado, North Carolina, California, and Germany during his unique journey. He has passions for car racing, hiking and backpacking, skiing and snowboarding, and target sports, but most of his free moments are spent with his family and two corgis, Waffles and Whisky.