CVCA At a Glance

  • Jeff Newton

    CO-OWNER

    Jeff founded Coastal Vineyard Care Associates in 1983 and for over 30 years helped shape the viticulture history of Santa Barbara County. In 2012, Jeff was named one of the "Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry" by Into Wine.

  • Ruben Solorzano

    CO-OWNER

    After immigrating to the United States in 1989, Ruben began working with wine grapes. Over his almost 30 years with Coastal, Ruben has established himself as a leading winegrower in California, managing many celebrated estates.

  • Ben Merz Photo

    Ben Merz

    CO-OWNER

    Ben joined Coastal immediately following graduation from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Viticulture and Agribusiness. His reputation as a respected viticulturist with a deep and broad level of experience has promoted strong and lasting relationships with vineyard clients, winemakers and industry professionals.

  • Mike Testa Photo

    Mike Testa

    CO-OWNER

    Mike graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a dual major in Business Marketing and Wine Business. He earned his MBA from Arizona State University, is a graduate of the California Ag Leadership Program, and currently serves as a Director for the California Association of Winegrape Growers. Mike has extensive experience in grape sales, and has fostered a strong relationship with hundreds of winemakers across California.