Owner & Chief Community Champion:
Rayla Myhal
Rayla Myhal is the proud owner and vision-spinner behind Featherstone Estate Winery, where she pairs a serious passion for premium, eco-friendly viticulture with a healthy dose of community heart. Under her watch, Featherstone isn't just crafting award-winning Niagara wines, it’s proving that a business can do good while tasting great. Rayla firmly believes that great wine starts with happy people, which is why she champions a strictly fair, living wage for her entire crew. When she’s not walking the Vineland rows or brainstorming the next sustainable vineyard innovation, Rayla is busy channeling her inner philanthropist, using the winery as a force for good to uplift regional arts, healthcare, and humanitarian initiatives. For Rayla, every bottle poured is a chance to toast to a stronger, brighter community.
Operations Manager & Chaos Coordinator:
Lauren Preston
As the Operations Manager at Featherstone Estate Winery, Lauren Preston is the ultimate maestro of the vines, managing the daily puzzle of estate logistics, team dynamics, and guest experiences without breaking a sweat. She’s the operational engine that keeps Featherstone running like a beautifully oiled machine, even during peak harvest madness. Lauren is dedicated to cultivating a workplace culture that is as supportive and vibrant as the estate’s best vintages. Whether she’s streamlining logistics, rallying the crew, or ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience, Lauren brings the energy, organization, and fun necessary to turn premium grapes into liquid gold.
Estate Manager, Brand Storyteller & Vibes Connoisseur:
Tess Elliot
As the Estate Manager at Featherstone Estate Winery, Tess Elliot is the creative spark plug behind how the world sees, tastes, and falls in love with the brand. She’s the mastermind who ensures the winery’s digital presence is as crisp as their Riesling and that every guest stepping onto the Vineland estate feels like a VIP. Whether you're scrolling through Featherstone's feed or sipping a glass on the porch, you're experiencing Tess' signature blend of high energy, creativity, and pure passion for great wine.
Retail Supervisor, Chief Captain of Hospitality & Good Times :
Charlotte Pascucci
As the Retail Supervisor at Featherstone Estate Winery, Charlotte is the ultimate ringleader of flavour, fun, and flawless guest vibes. If you’re enjoying a perfectly paired bite in the bistro or hunting for the absolute best bottle to take home, Charlotte is your go-to guide, armed with a wealth of wine knowledge and an infectious smile. She takes immense pride in running a space that is as welcoming to the team as it is to visitors. With a knack for turning casual tastings into unforgettable memories, Charlotte keeps the energy high, the plates moving, and the wine flowing.
Estate Keeper & Guardian of the Green:
Shadiya
As the Estate Keeper at Featherstone Estate Winery, Shadiya is the green-thumbed magician responsible for making the historic Vineland property look like an absolute postcard. From manicuring the gorgeous perennial gardens to keeping the estate grounds in tip-top, photo-ready shape, she ensures that Featherstone’s outdoor spaces are just as breathtaking as the wines. Whether she’s out-hustling the elements, keeping the estate looking pristine, or swapping friendly stories with guests on the paths, Shadiya is the vital root system that keeps the estate beautiful, welcoming, and full of life.
Bistro Chef, Culinary Wizard & Flavor Alchemist:
Chef Jason Bilkszto
As the culinary powerhouse behind the Featherstone Bistro, Chef Jason is the creative mastermind turning local, seasonal ingredients into absolute magic on a plate. He treats the kitchen as his playground, designing a rotating menu of mouthwatering dishes specifically engineered to make Featherstone’s estate wines absolutely sing. For Jason, food is all about connection, celebration, and zero pretension. Whether he’s perfecting a farm-to-table pairing, collaborating with the winery crew on a special release menu, or working his wizardry during a bustling weekend rush, Jason ensures that every single bite at the bistro is an unforgettable flavor adventure.