Our Team
Growing up bussing tables in high-end restaurants, Eric’s love of wine, particularly Pinot Noir developed early.
After graduating from the UC Davis in 1988, he spent several years working at wineries around the world including as winemaker for some of the most respected Pinot Noir producers in California. In 1995 he arrived in Oregon to establish Hamacher Wines and continue his quest to make “The Great Pinot.”
When not in the vineyard or in the cellar, he can be found working at his home estate, Paloma Vineyard, which he shares with his wife and four kids, Scottish Highlanders, goats, bees and various other farm animals. Gardening, cooking, fishing, skiing, reading and traveling fill in his spare time, when available.
ERIC HAMACHER
Founder & Winemaker
JANEY SLETTEN
Janey is a native Oregonian, born and raised in Portland. She went to college in Washington and spent several years afterward living in Seattle, Chicago, and abroad in Italy.
She has spent more than 25 years working in the Events and Hospitality industry including 10 years with the Portland Trailblazers. Because of her “jack of all trades” personality, Janey is typically busy working more than one job at a time, never being one to miss out on learning and finding new experiences to share her expertise and grow her knowledge. After being a member of the Hamacher Wine Club for over 5 years, she found the opportunity to combine her love of wine, create memorable events and build relationships all while providing premium service with a winning smile. Her motto in life can be summed up in the Maya Angelou quote; “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Janey is a lifelong runner, a fitness coach as well as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She has a daughter, Siena, who lights her life!
Hospitality Manager
Mark joined Hamacher Wines in the fall of 2017 after spending 23 years as a brewer for The Blitz Weinhard Brewery. He also worked in the dairy industry for over seven years but has supported the Willamette Valley wine industry since the early 70s. He’s excited and proud to lend his years of experience to help craft Eric’s elegant wines.
Mark is a native Oregonian and when not in the cellar, he enjoys hiking in the Gorge, traveling and watching his nine grandchildren grow.
Cellar Assistant
MARK HOFFMAN
SALLY SULLIVAN
Also nicknamed, “Sal, the retired Gal”!
Sally grew up on the east coast in the Washington DC area before finding her way out west for graduate school at the University of Oregon.
It was at the UofO where she met her husband. They have been married 42 years and have three wonderful grown children. In the process of raising them, she enjoyed several careers as a teacher, nurse, and medical sales representative.
Hobby-wise, Sally loves travel, gardening, tennis, running, cycling and hiking.
Sally and her husband live in Beaverton and have enjoyed being members at Hamacher for several years. After doing an engagement party for their daughter and a retirement party for her husband at the tasting room, Sally was inspired to be part of the team that makes Hamacher a magical place.
Tasting Room Associate