Under the tutelage of winemaker extraordinaire Martha Gioumousis, Ben has enjoyed being molded into a world class Cellar Rat and wears his shirt as proof proudly around Cazenovia.  Ben is also responsible for all things operations such as making sure there are enough file folders and refillable pencil leads. Ben and his wife Shioban have successfully “bucked the trend” by being two of the few that have moved BACK to Central New York to raise two beautiful children in Cazenovia after a stint in Houston, Texas.  After experiencing a very enjoyable life running country clubs, Ben brings a unique perspective to the wine industry that should serve Owera well.

Away from Owera, Ben enjoys playing golf, basketball, running and has caught “Bieber Fever” while dancing with his kids.

Kristie Fondario
Private Events Coordinator

Martha Gioumousis
Winemaker

Martha has enjoyed a highly successful career as a respected winemaker, judge, retail sales manager, industry consultant and author in the Finger Lakes for over 25 years.  Prior to her time as winemaker at Owera, she enjoyed exceptionally successful tenures at Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Hosmer Winery and Red Newt Winery.  Her accolades include the 2002 Governor’s Cup for Best White Wine at the NY Wine & Food Classic for her 2001 Hosmer Dry Riesling.  When she’s not making award winning wines, Martha can be found teaching amateur home winemakers as well as giving lectures at places such as the Wegman’s School of Culinary Arts in Ithaca, NY or teaching “Intro to home winemaking” at Cornell Cooperative Extension.  She was also just recently named managing editor of the Finger Lakes Wine Gazette.  Look for future publications to be posted on our site!

Away from the wine world, Martha enjoys spending time at home with her partner and new puppy in their newly finished “basement party room” as well as sailing on Seneca Lake, grilling with friends, playing hockey, and travelling.

Joe Catanzaro
Sales and Marketing/Pressman

In addition to his sales and marketing duties at Owera Vineyards, Joe Catanzaro joined Pemco Group in July of 2007 and contributes in the areas of development and property management. Prior to joining Pemco, Joe worked as an Assistant District Attorney at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office in the Felony Trial Bureau.  Joe and his wife Maggie are raising two beautiful daughters in Liverpool, NY.