Before becoming winemaker and CoOwner of Altipiano Vineyard & Winery, Denise was in Human Resources for the Department of Defense and served in the United States Air Force for 6.5 years. She holds a B.A. degree in Human Resources Management and Services. Inspired by a visit to southern Tuscany, Peter, and Denise both fell in love with the tranquility of the countryside and views of the beautiful vineyards.  A wildfire destroyed their avocado grove in 2007, and this prompted them to replace it with 3600 grapevines in June 2008. Denise released her first wines in 2012. As winemaker her focus are on Italian varietals including the Estate Brunello, Barbera, Super Tuscan, Primitivo, Nero D’Avola, Aglianico. Other varietals produced are Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Merlot. As winemaker for Altipiano Vineyard & Winery, Denise is responsible for developing and processing 20 tons of fruit annually and management of the estate vineyard. Denise has become one of San Diego county’s trail blazer female winemakers winning numerous international awards.  Denise most recent awards were at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle awarded a Gold Medal for the 2018 Petite Sirah, Silver Medals for the 2018 Due Amici (Super Tuscan) and 2018 Sangiovese. Her previous notable awards Double Gold 96 point for her 2015 Zinfandel at the 2017 San Francisco International Wine Competition, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle awarded a Gold Medal for her 2015 Syrah and 2014 Super Tuscan.