LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Six Sigma Ranch and Winery announced that Jacquelyn St. Martin has joined its team as direct to consumer sales and hospitality manager.

St. Martin, a new Kelseyville resident, grew up in Spring, Texas, just north of Houston. She received a degree in marketing from Texas A&M University in 2001.

She realized that wine was her destiny after visiting Italy in 2005 and touring some of the most storied and renowned winegrowing regions in that country.

“I feel that wine is in my blood, being that I am half Italian, a quarter French and a quarter German,” St. Martin said.

Her passion for wine matured into a full-fledged obsession and professional calling, and in 2006 she completed Levels I and II Certification with the International Sommelier Guild in Austin.

After working in the wine industry in Texas, St. Martin spent five years at Barnett Vineyards in Napa Valley, where she managed direct sales and hospitality, launched and developed the wine club, and later served as Barnett's national sales representative.

St. Martin experienced Lake County for the first time after she met her fiancé, Anthony Farrington, whose pioneer family came to Lake County more than 150 years ago.

On St. Martin's first visit to the area, Farrington took her to many of Lake County's wineries, and she fell instantly in love with this region and local wines.

“Lake County is a hidden gem,” St. Martin said. “I believe it has the potential to be the best wine region in the United States.”

When Six Sigma Ranch and Winery announced an open position in sales and hospitality, St. Martin soon realized that working for Six Sigma would be a perfect fit.

During the interview process, she had the opportunity to meet the entire team, including the Ahlmann family, the company's owners.

“I instantly felt moved by the closeness of the team and the family, as well as the history and the majestic beauty of the 4,300-acre ranch,” St. Martin said. “You can't experience this property and not be touched by its charm … and I love the wines.”

Six Sigma Ranch and Winery is located at 13372 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake.

Visit the winery online at www.sixsigmaranch.com .