Rob grew up all over the place as the oldest of four children – his father worked for IBM (I’ve Been Moved), so Rob lived for varying 2–3-year stints in Maryland, Virginia, New York, California, Germany, and finally, California again. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Sports Journalism, but realized after a year working for a newspaper that he didn’t want to spend the rest of his days covering high school sports on Friday night.
A dear friend was working in the Clos du Bois tasting room in Healdsburg at the time, and suggested he apply there. “I know nothing about wine,” he said. “That’s alright, you know how to talk to people,” she said.
So, Rob took that job at Clos du Bois – over 30 years ago! – and has been learning and growing as part of the wine business ever since. He has worked at big wine companies in Napa Valley, and small, family-owned wineries in Sonoma County, and everything in between. At every stop along the way, his passion for connecting with people was the common thread in the positions he occupied.
And now he has landed at Talisman as the Director of DTC Sales & Marketing. “I’m at a point in my career where being around great people who make great wine is more important than anything else. Being part of a small, passionate, fun organization is really all I could ask for. I can’t wait to spend time in the cellar during harvest for years to come, and to see every visitor who walks through our door leave with a smile on their face and wine in their hands.”
Brooke is a dedicated people person who thrives on creating meaningful connections and extraordinary experiences. Now focusing her talents in Sonoma’s wine country, she brings a unique blend of hospitality excellence, sales expertise, and genuine passion for building relationships—one conversation, one tasting, one memorable moment at a time.
Her diverse international background—three decades in France, plus experiences from Caribbean hotels to Greek cruises, French golf communities to California wine country—has given her a truly global perspective on hospitality. She understands that exceptional service transcends borders and industries. It’s about people, passion, and the art of making every interaction matter.
Her recent move from France to Sonoma represents not just a geographic shift, but a new chapter where she can blend her international influences with California’s welcoming wine culture.
After 30 years building her life and career in France, Brooke made a significant move to Sonoma wine country in 2024. Now she’s bringing her international perspective, passion for people, and decades of luxury hospitality expertise to California’s renowned Pinot Noir region—combining her love of exceptional experiences with the world of fine wine.
“Feeling very fortunate to have found Talisman Wines. Talisman truly offers some of the best Pinot Noir I’ve had the opportunity to taste! See you soon in Glen Ellen. Sante!”
