To Constance and Fahri, Skipstone is more than a winegrowing estate — it is a devoted partnership with the earth.

A native of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, Fahri speculates that an affinity for the land may be in his blood. Blessed with tranquil olive groves and idyllic Mediterranean sunshine reminiscent of his birthplace, Skipstone inspires in Fahri an instinctive connection to the property. Fahri’s years as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist have given him a striking ability to envision the potential of a property like Skipstone. He believes passionately in Skipstone’s mission to produce wines that rival the quality and artistry of California’s most highly regarded wine estates.

A quintessential connoisseur of fine-and-fast things in life, Constance leverages her deep expertise in marketing luxury products to help expand Skipstone’s brand recognition. Instilled with an unconditional commitment to quality through her European roots from Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, she connects naturally and harmoniously with Skipstone. Constance graduated from Centre International de Glion in Montreux, and led marketing, brand building and event management activities at Cartier, Rolex and Formula 1.

Constance and Fahri’s extensive travels around the world serve as a source of their inspiration for new and unique ideas. Their global perspective and pioneering spirit provide the core foundation for every endeavor of Skipstone.

Philippe spent much of his early life in Bordeaux, receiving his geology degree in 1989 from the University of Bordeaux. In his final year of study, he took a wine course out of sheer curiosity, and from that moment realized that his future lay at the intersection of geology and wine.

In 1991, Philippe earned his master’s degree in agronomy and enology under the direction of Professor Sequin, a renowned terroir specialist. Fascinated by the relationship between soil and wine quality, that relationship between the land and what ultimately reaches the glass has remained central to his work ever since.

Following his studies, Philippe worked alongside respected winemakers at estates including Haut-Brion, Pétrus, Dominus, and Badia a Coltibuono before settling in Napa Valley in 1994.

Today, Philippe consults for a select group of California wineries and vineyards, drawn to properties whose land offers something compelling to explore. It was this promise that originally drew him to Skipstone in 2006.

Two decades later, his work at Skipstone remains guided by the same idea: understand the land deeply, and allow its character to find its clearest expression in the wine.

Patricia Smith serves as General Manager of Skipstone, where she oversees the estate and guides its continued evolution with a thoughtful balance of hospitality, leadership, and long-term vision. Smith was promoted to General Manager in 2026 following the opening of Skipstone’s new estate winery, a defining new chapter for the Alexander Valley property and one she helped bring to life.

Smith joined Skipstone in 2018 as Estate Director, helping shape the deeply personal approach to hospitality that has become central to the Skipstone experience. From private client relationships to the day-to-day life of the estate, her influence can be felt throughout the property. She also led the redesign and relaunch of the five-bedroom Residence at Skipstone in 2023, further extending the estate’s sense of place and hospitality.

Prior to joining Skipstone, Smith worked with luxury travel company Inspirato, managing private estate and destination experiences across Northern California. Raised in Sonoma County, she brings a lifelong connection to the region’s agricultural heritage and an understanding that exceptional hospitality is ultimately personal.

Today, Patricia works closely with Fahri Diner and the entire Skipstone team to guide the estate forward while preserving the intention, care, and sense of place at its foundation.

Michael has spent the past twenty years working in wine and hospitality, guided by the belief that great wine is best enjoyed through meaningful experiences and genuine connection. A graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, he began his career at The Ritz-Carlton, where he developed a deep respect for thoughtful, guest-centered service. In 2016, he passed the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Exam, reflecting his ongoing commitment to learning and expertise.

After ten years as a wine director in San Francisco restaurants, Michael spent the next nine years at Napa and Sonoma wineries, welcoming guests, sharing stories, and building lasting relationships with wine lovers. Those years shaped an approach to hospitality grounded as much in listening and understanding as in knowledge, allowing each conversation around wine to become personal.

Michael first discovered Skipstone more than a decade before joining the team, giving his arrival at the estate a particular sense of familiarity. Today, he works alongside Jason and Patricia in caring for the collectors and friends at the heart of the Skipstone community. For Michael, the opportunity is a natural continuation of a career spent bringing people and wine together, now through an estate he admired long before becoming part of its story.