Team
Two Families, One Vision
The story of Brave & Maiden and its wines began in 2011, with our very first vintage. Although much of our vineyard was planted in the mid-1990s, its grapes had never been produced as an estate grown and bottled wine.
That changed when Rizal Risjad acquired the property in 2010 and, along with business partner Jason Djang, developed a vision of producing the finest estate-grown wines they could from this singular estate. With that first 2011 vintage, these two families, the Risjads and Djangs, established Brave & Maiden Estate.
Since then, Brave & Maiden has brought together a team of supremely talented, passionate, and humble wine professionals who enthusiastically make and share our wines with guests and Members.
Joshua Klapper
Director of Winemaking
Josh’s love of wine led him first into a career as a sommelier, culminating in a 2004 Wine Spectator Grand Award for the wine list at Sona Restaurant in Los Angeles. After working closely with some of the Central Coast’s trailblazing winemakers, including Jim Clendenen and Bob Lindquist, Josh founded the critically acclaimed Timbre Wines in Santa Barbara County. Crafting modern wines in a variety of styles, Josh is constantly honing his winemaking technique. He brings this passion and drive to producing wines from the quality, estate grown fruit of Brave & Maiden.
Wynne Sargeant
Winemaker
Wynne Sargeant was raised in Sonoma County, where she was first introduced to the world of wine. Drawn to both chemistry and cooking, she began exploring vineyards at a young age. After earning a degree in Wine and Viticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she worked at Stephen Ross Wine Cellars before relocating to the Santa Ynez Valley. Wynne brings deep experience in cool-climate winemaking, having honed her craft at renowned producers like Peake Ranch and Melville Winery. At Brave & Maiden Estate, her work with Rhône varietals like Syrah and Grenache, as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sta. Rita Hills, adds a vibrant, modern perspective to our Rhône and Bordeaux portfolio. Her intuitive approach enhances each wine with refined complexity and elegance.
Mauro Cirilli
Estate Director
Growing up near Venice, Italy, Mauro Cirilli learned the art of winemaking from his grandfather, sparking a lifelong passion for wine.
Mauro’s career spans significant roles in the wine industry, including lead sommelier at Aqua Restaurant, a two-star Michelin establishment; Wine Director at Perbacco Restaurant which earned a James Beard semifinalist nomination and recognition from Food & Wine Magazine for the best new wine program in the country; and Wine & Beverage Director for Sidecar Hospitality Group. His recent roles include Tasting Room Manager at Littorai in Sonoma and Vice President of Beverage for Boca Restaurant Group.
Jason Djang
President & CEO
Jason, co-founder of Brave & Maiden Estate, leads the team and business. A former Obama-Biden White House aide, documentary filmmaker, and current Googler, he comes from a diverse background that allows him to bring a fresh perspective to the business. His penchant for design, vision of wine hospitality, and commitment to quality sets the course for Brave & Maiden.