HEMLY CIDER TEAM
SARAH HEMLY
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, CHIEF PEAR PUN OFFICER
Inspired by the fruit coming from the Delta, and with a background in Design and Project Management, Sarah launched Hemly Cider in 2015. As a growing company you’ll still find her hand in every part of what we make and do. Uniquely dedicated to the craft of cider-making, Sarah has traveled around the world to learn all of the different techniques that have made Hemly Cider such a distinctively amazing product.
CHRIS THOMSON
CO-FOUNDER, CIDER/WHISKY MAKER
An award-winning Tasmanian craft Whisky and cider maker, Chris has been instrumental in building Hemly Cider. He brings a unique perspective and style of cider-making that is unlike any found in the US.
JOSH CHARLTON
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Josh has been involved in the craft beer and beverage movement since early 1990’s: from sales, marketing, leadership and distribution, to consulting and competition level judging in Craft Beer and Artisanal Cheese. Josh helped launch and build many respected craft beer brands and founded Pacific Libations, which opened the door to training and educating the Western US Markets on Belgian, German, English and Local distinctions of Beer, Cider and Aperitifs. Josh digs all things “Craft” and has planned and performed more beer dinners, staff trainings and judged more beer competitions in his career THAN he cares to remember.
JACE DORN
HEAD CIDER MAKER
Jace has worked in the Sacramento Area Craft Beverage industry as a distiller, brewer, cider maker, even stepping into sales and front of house roles from time to time. Their passion for craft stems from the intrigue of its intersection of culinary arts and biological sciences as well as the celebration of life and community it fosters. As a queer person, he’s further interested in finding any and every way to uplift queer voices in the industry.
LACEY YUKE
HEAD OF JUICE
Lacey has spent time in various iterations of food production since 2017 and comes to Hemly Cider with a degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. Joining Greene and Hemly in 2022, she fell in love with one particular pear tree on the estate, great for perry making. She came to appreciate the careful steps involved with turning the fruit from a mere orb into something that transcends its humble origins and joined Hemly Cider in 2023. “Often as a grower you don’t get to see the final results of your produce but in this case, we participate in every part of the process. It’s the ultimate connection to land.”
EDWIN VALAZQUEZ
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Edwin brings a lot of experience and enthusiasm to the team! His days are spent traveling from Lodi and the Bay Area all the way down to our fans in Bakersfeild. Edwin’s knowledge in all things craft plus his amazing personality is a winning combo for any team!
TONY SACCANI
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Tony has been interwoven in building beer brands, and all areas of distribution since he was in diapers with the Saccani family and for North Coast Brewing in the last 30 years. The foundation of much of the craft beverage universe in Sacramento is partly accredited to the hard work, advocacy and presence that Tony conforms to. You can find Tony censuring and bantering about people, products and distribution at Cheater’s and other classic drinking establishments around the greater Sacramento area. Tony joins the Hemly Estate Cider sales team because he recognizes all things good in this world.
CORT DUNNINGTON
FARMER AND TAP ROOM
For most of the year Cort is over at his Sloughhouse Ranch growing the jalapenos, peaches, and herbs we use in many of our ciders. On the weekends he joins us behind the bar at the tasting room. Come on out and say hello! Feel free to bring all your farming questions, Cort is a walking encyclopedia of all things agricultural!
LUPE RODRIGUEZ
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Lupe has been with the Greene & Hemly family for over 20 years! When we ask nicely, the orchard team lets us borrow Lupe to help us with cider. She always comes to work with a smile, willing and able to solve any problem with her special brand of ingenuity, and works until the job is done. We’d be lost without her!
ALYSSA HENRICKSEN
Tap Room
When she is not busy playing music with her band, you can find Alyssa at the Hangar serving up cider! Come out and visit Alyssa on the weekends. Enjoy the music and details she adds to every visit!
RACHAEL LEVINE
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Established Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Professional with over 20 years of industry expertise. Results driven leader with broad experience in creative culinary hospitality.