May 8, 2025 (Pope Valley, CA) — Established in 1897, the historic family-owned Pope Valley Winery today announced the appointment of April Dastic to the role of Hospitality Manager.
The 11th oldest winery in Napa Valley, Pope Valley Winery holds important winemaking history for Napa Valley in the hand dug cave and three-story gravitational-flow winery. Fourth generation sibling duo David Eakle and Diana Eakle-Hawkins have advanced the vision of Pope Valley Winery since taking ownership in 2017.
Tucked away deep in the recesses of Napa Valley, Pope Valley is the fastest growing wine region in Napa Valley and yet still flying under the radar of some consumers. Pope Valley Winery is situated on the north face of Howell Mountain.
“The appointment of April represents the next step in our ambitious agenda to transform and restore Pope Valley Winery to it’s historic significance that provides a unique experience for consumers”, said Michael Coode, Head Winemaker and General Manager of Pope Valley Winery. “April’s commitment to relentlessly personalizing experiences that delight customers made her an obvious choice for the Pope Valley Winery team”.
“This represents another exciting step in this next chapter of the 128-year-old Pope Valley Winery,” said owner David Eakle. “April joining the team demonstrates our commitment to advancing the farming and winemaking history of Pope Valley Winery”.
Owner Diana Eakle-Hawkins said, “April’s unique ability to connect deeply with customers and build long lasting relationships with hospitality professionals makes her a terrific addition to the Pope Valley Winery team.”
April has extensive management experience spanning hospitality and retail with brands such as Silver Oak I Twomey, Sur La Table, and Pier 1 Imports. “The opportunity to join a boots-on-the-ground grape growing and winemaking family-run winery at Pope Valley Winery is an exciting next career chapter”.
Raised in Healdsburg, April grew up on six acres on the Russian River where her grandfather farmed Grenache grapes. “Being surrounded by vines and the rhythm of the seasons instilled in me a deep appreciation for the land and the craft of winemaking. When I met the Eakle family and first set foot on the winery property, it immediately brought me back to my roots. It felt like I was coming home”.
