Behind the Scenes at Grapeline
Behind every seamless Grapeline wine tour is a team that never stops moving: booking the routes, training the drivers, keeping the fleet road-ready, and answering the phone with a smile at 8 a.m. on a Saturday. We call them Grapeheads, and whether they’re coordinating logistics in Temecula, managing operations up in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara, or fielding bookings for Sonoma and Napa, they’re the reason your day runs exactly as planned, even when you never see them doing it. Meet the people making it happen.
Lindsay Watkins
Central Coast Specialist
Lindsay runs the show in the Central Coast, overseeing Grapeline operations for wine tours in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County. From booking winery logistics, to scheduling our tour hosts and maintaining partnerships, she makes sure every tour includes smooth transportation, incredible wine experiences, and a side of local charm.
Jodee Morgenroth
Sales and Hospitality Manager
Jodee leads sales and logistics for Grapeline’s sister company, Stryder Transportation. From airport runs, to wedding shuttles, and sports team outings, Jodee keeps our vehicles on the move across Southern California. She is also one of the friendly voices on the phone for Grapeline and a jack of all trades supporting our team. If it needs to be done, Jodee will jump in and do it.
Chris Malone
Fleet Manager
Chris keeps the wheels spinning—literally—at Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation. From maintaining our 30+ vehicles across all of our California locations to coordinating scheduling, repairs, and inspections, Chris ensures every shuttle, touring van, and limo rolls out clean, safe, and mechanically sound.
Tina DeFalco
Office Manager
Tina is the force behind Temecula’s shared wine tours with more than 20 years of experience at Grapeline. She handles day-to-day office operations, coordinates with the wineries, plans tour routes, and makes sure the team runs smoother than a well-aged Cab. Ask anyone—if Tina doesn’t know it, it’s probably not worth knowing.
Mike Miles
Senior Driver/Host Manager
With more than 20 years of service to Grapeline, Mike trains and mentors all the incredible rockstars behind the wheel. From safety standards to storytelling techniques, he ensures every tour guide and driver delivers that signature Grapeline magic—equal parts professionalism and personality.
Bhavani Vajrakarur
Marketing Manager
Bhavani leads the charge in making sure Grapeline shows up in all the right places —and leaves the right impression. She works closely with the founders and steers everything from SEO and e-campaigns to social media and community engagement, even earning the Valley Young Professional of the Year Award(opens in a new tab), to ensure it all aligns with the brand.
Rosie Hermozillo
Human Resources Coordinator
Rosie oversees hiring, onboarding, and training, and makes sure everyone stays happy and compliant. When any team member needs support, her door is always open. She brings a strong background in the casino and hospitality industry to Grapeline.
Scott Wilson
Director of Operations
Scott oversees our day-to-day operations, including our field teams, fleet, safety and compliance, scheduling, and the systems that keep Grapeline running smoothly. With an extensive background in hospitality, tourism, and destination management(opens in a new tab), he brings years of industry experience, helping deliver a ‘grape’ experience for every guest.
Carla Del Rosario
Accounting Specialist
Carla keeps the books balanced and the numbers in check across both Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation. She manages invoices, payments, payroll, and all those important things that keep the tours flowing.
Lori Campbell
Temecula Events Specialist
Another 20-year Grapeline veteran, Lori is the mastermind behind Grapeline’s private tours in Temecula. Whether it’s a 10-person getaway from San Diego or a full coach of wine-loving coworkers for a company retreat, Lori’s goal is simple: Make it seamless, stylish, and way more fun than doing it yourself.
Ernie Warren
Fleet Assistant
Ernie is the hard-working pro making sure our fleet stays road-ready and tour-worthy. As Chris’ right-hand man, he helps manage vehicle maintenance, detailing, inspections, and day-to-day logistics. He is also one of our most trusted drivers.
Pam Kreiter
Hospitality Team Member/Compliance Specialist
Pam may not be out in the vineyards, but she’s often your first sip of Grapeline hospitality. As our weekend “routemaster,” she keeps drivers and tour hosts across the state supported and ready to serve. Her attention to detail also helps keep our vehicles and drivers compliant, while she co-manages scheduling to ensure every tour has the right team and vehicle in place.
Tori Laen
Hospitality Team Member
Tori is our newest office team member, assisting primarily with Central Coast tours. From guest communications to managing reservations, she’s one of the forces behind the scenes making sure our guests have a great experience.
Elaine Bartolome
Brand Ambassador
Elaine is the friendly face out in the community representing both Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation. She’s always on the move—building relationships, spreading the word, and keeping both brands top of mind just about everywhere she goes.
Experience California Wine Country with Grapeline
Have questions about our wine tours, private transportation, or special events? Reach out to our wine country specialist for help with options and booking.