MEET Our Team

Ridgely Evers, Founder & CEO

“Witnessing the urgent need to address climate change, I realized that combining my 30+ years of farming experience with regenerative viticulture could create a positive impact on the world, while producing amazing wines at the same time. I created AVIVO with a vision to transform how we farm grapes in California, and hopefully inspire others to join this movement.”

  • Ridgely never intended to grow grapes or be in the wine business, but in the late 1980’s, he purchased a property in Healdsburg, CA that was perfect for farming something.

    So, in 1990 he decided to revive the California olive oil industry by planting olive trees from cuttings imported from Tuscany. The success of these trees in California was undeniable.

    A decade later he embraced Biodynamic farming, and impulsively began experimenting with Italian grapes. To his delight, the wines were outstanding. Even better, regenerative farming wasn’t just building soil, it was capturing a lot of carbon in the process.

    This series of happy discoveries, coupled with his commitment to address climate change at scale, was the inspiration for AVIVO.

    Today, Ridge guides AVIVO with the specific intent of shifting California viticulture away from its overwhelmingly degenerative model. The company is committed to openly sharing its regenerative farming techniques and results but also financial performance, with the goal of encouraging others to follow.

    Ridgely lives in Healdsburg, CA with his lovely wife, Colleen. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling and woodworking. And, he still farms those olive trees.

dANIEL fiTZGERALD, Director of winemaking & owner

“I was drawn to the AVIVO project for two reasons: first, the challenge of making a truly clean wine at volume with integrity; and, the opportunity to be part of a project that could positively impact an industry I’m deeply passionate about.”

  • Daniel is a devoted winemaker who believes in creating wines that genuinely represent their origin, harmonizing elements of site, season, and heritage. His passion for fine craftsmanship, nature, and attention to detail make him a natural in vineyards and cellars. Daniel's relentless pursuit of excellence drives his love for winemaking, fueled by curiosity and a strong work ethic.

    Living in Belgium for 14 years shaped his preference for delicate, lower-alcohol wines. An unexpected harvest internship led him to trade his architecture studies for winemaking, working across hemispheres before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Enology from CSU Fresno in 2007.

    Daniel continued to hone his skills under the guidance of industry pioneers like James Haliday and Bob Cabral, contributing to esteemed wineries such as Coldstream Hills, Williams Selyem, and Robert Sinskey Vineyards.

    Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, Daniel has gone on to own three production companies and build three wineries, all the while continuing to craft highly regarded wines.

    Currently, he serves as Managing Partner and Director of Winemaking for Elevation Custom Crush and Avivo Wines, and as the winemaker for Paradise Ridge Winery and Enos Vineyards. Alongside his wife, Barbara, he owns DANIEL Wines, focusing on crafting artisanal California wines, and Volare Imports, specializing in Italian wines.

    The couple celebrates their shared love of (and careers in) wine, splitting their time between Sonoma Valley and Puglia, Italy.

tRACEY WELCH, Chief Financial Officer

“I love the excitement of starting something new with such a passionate group of people.  Our very experienced team is devoted to not only creating high quality, amazing wines for our customers but also to benefiting our world through regenerative farming and sustainable practices.”

  • Tracey is a Certified Public Accountant. She worked as an auditor for Price Waterhouse Coopers, then spent several years leading complex business software integrations for their clients.


    Tracey has over a decade of experience in the wine industry, with particular expertise in regulatory and compliance issues, in addition to her broad background managing finance and human resources.


    Tracey and Ridge have worked together since 2012.

    Tracey and her husband, Carter, are transplanted East Coasters who have fallen in love with California and its agricultural abundance — especially the wine industry. They have three grown sons and a daughter-in-law who are all in careers that focus on helping people. They love to travel and to play golf in their free time.

peter Zilocchi, Chief Revenue Officer

“It occurred to me, especially with my years of experience in the wine and spirits industry, that wine consumers of any age should be looking for healthy choices in what they eat and drink. To me, AVIVO wines are that natural fit.”

  • Peter is a highly experienced sales executive with an in-depth knowledge of the Wine & Spirits industry, having strong distributor relationships in all 50 states, District of Columbia and the Caribbean. A passionate leader, loyal, tenacious and hands-on, Peter has proven track record of achieving sales goals and over-delivering on revenue and budget goals.

    Peter has been working in the Wine & Spirits industry for over 48 years, spending time with Opici Wines, Charles Krug winery, Jack Daniels/Brown Forman Beverage Co., and 30+ years with Freixenet, USA. He graduated from Saint Peters University with degrees in both Business Management and Distribution and Procurement. While at Freixenet, USA he received an award of Distinction in 2013. A year later, in 2014, the award was named after Peter by the CEO of Freixenet, USA.

    In his spare time, Peter enjoys watching NY Yankees baseball, college football and college basketball. He’s been happily married to a wonderful woman for 48 years. Together, they have three children and six grandchildren, with whom he greatly enjoys spending time. And of course, Peter loves to cook, specializing in his families’ traditional recipes from Toscana. Of course, a bottle of wine is always on the table.

Barbara fiTZGERALD, Head of Marketing

“AVIVO has all the ingredients I love about the wine industry - boundary-pushing innovation, a focus on building strong communities, staying true to our values, and honoring Italian grape varieties. But what really gets me excited is our chance to make a real difference in sustainable viticulture here in California. It's a unique opportunity to do something meaningful with a passionate and experienced team. I'm all in!”

  • Barbara is a seasoned marketing expert with nearly two decades of experience in the wine industry. Her adaptability and passion have fueled her career growth from entry-level roles to senior executive, consistently boosting revenue and brand recognition for California wineries. A skilled data analyst and storyteller, Barbara crafts engaging and effective marketing strategies.

    As a fourth-generation Italian-American with deep roots in California's wine industry, Barbara possesses extensive knowledge spanning growing, production, marketing, distribution, and hospitality. As a certified Italian Wine Ambassador with Vinitaly International, her expertise extends to the Italian wine market, where she leverages her experience to drive brand awareness and growth.

    Barbara leads Apri La Creative Consulting, a full-service agency specializing in omnichannel strategies for wineries in Italy and the US. Alongside her husband, she also owns a boutique wine production company and a small Italian wine import business. Together with their two dogs, they split their time between Sonoma County, CA, and Puglia, IT.