James Nieves
Managing Director of Sales & Marketing
James Nieves grew up in San Francisco and began his career as a flight attendant, a role that sparked a lasting appreciation for travel and led him to live abroad in Prague. It was there, over a glass of Moravian Frankovka, that he first understood what wine could be, a moment that would quietly shape everything that followed.
Returning to San Francisco, he built his career in fine wine, first in the Financial District with a boutique brokerage, then in direct-to-consumer sales with a Bay Area start-up, where he quickly became one of the company’s top producers and a trusted resource for clients seeking both access and guidance.
Today, James serves as Managing Director of Sales & Marketing for Malk Family Vineyards and Peirson Meyer, the personal label of winemaker Robbie Meyer. Working closely with Robbie, he helps shape the vision and voice of both estates, while personally guiding collectors and clients through the wines with a focus on long-term relationships, not transactions.
Known for his instinct, discretion, and access, James has built a reputation for connecting people with wines that matter, often before they know to ask. His approach is rooted in trust and an understanding that the right bottle, shared at the right moment, can define an experience.
He believes the bottle you open with the people you love is the occasion itself, and that the moments worth remembering are rarely the ones we plan.
Carole Martinson
Estate Hospitality & Community Relations
Born and raised in Sonoma, it’s no surprise that Carole found her way into the wine industry. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to work with some of the most prestigious wineries, gaining valuable experience and learning something new at every step along the way. Her passion for wine, combined with her background in PR, media, and marketing, has allowed her to build meaningful connections and bring stories to life.
Today, Carole is excited to be part of Malk Family Vineyards, where she will share her love of the wine industry. Curious and always eager to discover what’s next, she believes some of life’s best moments are meant to be shared—ideally over a great glass of wine and a delicious meal with family and friends.
Chris Makiva
Systems & Operations Manager
“Pinch me, I must be dreaming!” was Chris’ first reaction to joining the Malk Family Vineyards team. After 25 years in public sector technology, she made the leap into the wine world as our Systems & Operations Manager—a role that perfectly blends her high-level tech expertise with a lifelong passion for wine. In short, she works behind the scenes to ensure that something beautiful can make it into your glass.
While her primary focus is streamlining systems and operations, Chris’ transition to the wine industry came as no surprise to those who know her. With a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and a Certified Champagne Specialist, Chris is constantly expanding her wine knowledge to share the story behind every bottle. When she isn’t optimizing systems, you may find her pouring a glass and sharing her passion for our wines. Outside the vineyard, Chris serves as a Regional Ambassador for the American Wine Society and enjoys exploring global food and wine destinations with her husband.