Kosher Without Compromise

A former Naval Intelligence Officer, Adam served eight years in the United States Navy, where he developed a disciplined approach to leadership, strategy, and communication. His military background informs the precision brings to brand building, hospitality, and long-term business development.

Adam’s wine career has spanned both sides of the industry. In Napa, he worked in luxury hospitality, gaining firsthand experience in premium guest experiences and relationship-driven sales. In Sonoma, he worked in wine production, developing a deeper understanding of the vineyard and cellar work that shape each vintage from fruit to finished wine.

In addition to WSET Level III certification, Adam holds a Master’s degree in Wine and Beverage Management from The Culinary Institute of America, where his studies focused on wine business, beverage entrepreneurship, and brand development.

Before entering the world of wine, Mark served for more than 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, where he built a career defined by discipline, operational excellence, and mission-focused leadership.

Since separating, Mark has developed extensive operational experience in wine production, with a deep working knowledge of the practical, physical, and technical decisions that define each vintage. His experience spans from harvest logistics and fermentation management to barrel work, bottling, and the disciplined execution required to preserve quality at every stage.

In addition to his work with R. Degen, Mark is the founder of Mon Premier Wines, where he has further refined his understanding of production strategy and logistics.

Mark is currently pursuing an MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University.

A local community leader and Rabbi at the Sonoma Valley Chabad Jewish Center, Rabbi Wenger has dedicated his work to building meaningful relationships, fostering Jewish life, and creating spaces where heritage, hospitality, and purpose come together. His role within R. Degen reflects that same commitment: to help shape a wine brand rooted not only in excellence, but in identity, intention, and tradition.

Rabbi Wenger is also a dedicated student and practitioner of traditional winemaking principles and low-intervention techniques. His approach honors the belief that great wine begins with respect for the vineyard, for the natural character of the fruit, and for the restraint required to let a wine speak honestly of its place.

Through R. Degen, Rabbi Wenger helps guide the brand’s kosher integrity and quality, ensuring the wine is crafted for those who believe wine can carry both beauty and meaning in every bottle.

Alex Davis of Porter Creek Vineyards is one of the Russian River Valley’s most respected hands-on winegrowers, known for stewarding a family estate rooted in authenticity, restraint, and a deep connection between vineyard and bottle. As owner, winemaker, vineyard manager, and guiding force behind Porter Creek, Alex brings an old-world sensibility to Sonoma County farming, emphasizing organic and biodynamic-informed practices, native fermentations, minimal intervention, and wines that speak clearly of place.

For R. Degen, Alex serves as a trusted partnered grower whose vineyard philosophy aligns naturally with our own: quality begins in the soil, and great wine is shaped long before it reaches the cellar.