Larry Guerra, Owner

Owner Larry Guerra built the winery to pursue his passion for viticulture and wine and to showcase exceptional wines made from grapes grown in the Ojai Valley Region.

The first estate vines were planted in 2009, with varietals selected based on the region’s unique climate and soil, after extensive research and analysis. Some of the plantings brought new varietals to the Ojai region, such as Barbera, Tempranillo, Carmenere and Touriga Nacionale. Others have long thrived in the region, including Syrah, Grenache and Viognier.

Larry’s dog, Luke, is a fixture at the Tasting Room – be sure to follow along with Luke’s wine dog adventures on Instagram @topamountainyappyhour!

Larry Guerra can be contacted at larry@topawines.com.

Katie Ota, General Manager

Katie joined the TMW Team in April 2019, but she’s no stranger to the wine industry, nor the Ojai Valley. Katie is Ojai born and raised, and spent the previous decade managing the Direct-to-Consumer program at Bonny Doon Vineyard, in Santa Cruz, California. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with a minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz.

Katie is much more of a behind-the-scenes team member – but you will see her in the Tasting Room when she is able to escape her desk. Katie loves organization, systems, computers and data… we know, BORING! But she knows how to have a good time, too. If you ask her anything wine club or e-commerce related, just prepare to have your ear talked off.

Katie lives in Ojai and enjoys cooking, spending time with her dog, Rally, and reconnecting with her old stomping grounds here in the Valley.

Katie Ota can be contacted at katie@topawines.com.

Dominic O’Reilly, Winemaker

Winemaker Dominic O’Reilly’s winemaking career began at Owen Roe, his family’s winery, which has facilities in Washington and Oregon. He worked his way quickly from cellar-rat to management, gaining many skills in this fast-paced and competitive industry. Dominic developed a deep-rooted passion for the art of making and tasting wines, and soon began honing skills towards terroir-driven and European influenced styles.

Having begun his education in wine at an early age, Dominic chose to study Philosophy and Literature rather than pursue a degree in enology. After college, he began a life-changing role at the Ojai Vineyard in 2010, where he fell in love with the terroir and regions of Southern California and decided to devote his career to understanding it. Working closely with Adam Tolmach at the Ojai Vineyard, Dominic further refined his skills and style. In 2014, after a year of consulting, Dominic accepted the position of head winemaker for Topa Mountain Winery. Dominic has also broadened his experience with harvests in Australia at Killikanoon Winery, located in the Clare Valley, as well as Isabel Estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. He continues to consult for wineries and vineyards both locally and internationally.

Dominic has taken full advantage of the many microclimates spread across Santa Barbara County and Ojai. With his wines, he has been able to achieve complexity, marrying a balanced and refreshing style with the fruit and flavor evocative of our warmer Southern California climate.

Dominic and his wife, Anna, own and operate Anna’s Cider in Santa Paula, California – the first and only cidery in Ventura County.

Dominic O’Reilly can be contacted at dominic@topawines.com.