Crane Creek Vineyards is a family run business in the truest sense of the word.
Members of our small staff are all family members, even if they are not part of our blood family. Everyone has their own specialties and unique personalities, but most everyone is experienced in each facet of the winemaking process and other activities at the vineyard. We may spend one day together harvesting, and the next weekend working at one of our many public or private functions. We all do a little bit of everything.
Eric & DeAnne Seifarth
Owners and Founders
A native of Atlanta, Eric spent much of his early life traveling the world with his father and family as part of the U.S. State Department. After finishing up his final high school years in Atlanta, he went on to West Point and began a career as a U.S. army officer. A significant portion of his military career was spent in Northern Italy where he developed his appreciation of the art of winemaking and the lifestyle of winegrowing in three of the four major Italian wine regions: Tuscany, Veneto and the Friuli. Upon retirement, Eric settled back in his native Georgia and moved to the North Georgia Mountains to embark on his second career as a winegrower.
Born in California and raised in Iowa, Eric’s wife DeAnne met and married Eric while serving as a veterinarian in the army. Eric and DeAnne lived in Italy for many years while in the army. DeAnne, the original founder of Blairsville Animal Hospital, is currently a part-time veterinarian there. She helps out at Crane Creek when she can, acting as the buyer for the Farmhouse retail shop. She enjoys collecting folk art and likes the idea of taking the mystique out of both wine and art.
David Sanford
Off-site Sales Manager
A lifelong resident of Georgia and graduate of Georgia Southern University, David brings a variety of skills and warm hospitality to Crane Creek. After pursuing a business career that exposed him to cuisine from around the world, he took off his tie and founded his own boutique catering business in Atlanta for 15 years. After that he came to CCV where he catered many incredible weddings and events. Now David not only manages our Offsite Sales Program, but he also has a knack for design– leading the charge to decorate the tasting room and surrounding grounds during the holidays.
Kirsten Gleaves
Event Coordinator
“My name is Kirsten Gleaves, and I plan the special events held here at Crane Creek Vineyards. Given that my husband Randy and I moved from Metro Atlanta to the mountains because of our love of the scenery and serenity that we found, how lucky was I to find a job that embodied both! I get to use my many years of hospitality experience planning weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate dinners, you name it, while enjoying a million-dollar view and working with amazing people!”
Peter Seifarth
Winemaker
Son of Eric and DeAnne, you may have seen him running around as a little kid during the early years here at Crane Creek. He now works full-time as Winemaker, learning to carry on the family trade. With his wife Jess, they are excited to take on the business and continue the tradition of producing great Georgia wine.
Jess Seifarth
Assistant Winemaker & Wine Club Manager
Jess first came to Crane Creek in 2014 to visit her friend Peter’s stomping grounds. On her visit, she got roped into helping with winter vine pruning and quickly fell in love with the vineyard and its people. The rest is history, and now she lives and works at Crane Creek full-time with her (now) husband, Peter. She spends most of her time in the winery as Assistant Winemaker, but she also can be found plugging away at various business admin & marketing duties. Hobbies include training her puppy Moo to do cool tricks, playing board games, and making bad art.
Jac Clark
Estate Manager
Our Estate Manager Jac “Cousin Jac” Clark came to Crane Creek during the harvest of 2019. His degree in International Affairs from Kennesaw State allowed for a seamless transition into agriculture. “My college French courses really help me pronounce the names of most of our grape varietals,” says Jac. When he’s not out in the vineyard you can find him on a hiking trail or tossing a frisbee.
Kyle Trimmer
Vineyard Manager
Kyle hails from New Jersey where he worked for many years at a commercial Christmas tree farm. Looking for a better life for him and his family, Kyle packed up and headed south, bringing his farming skills with him. Kyle is also the chief mechanic for Crane Creek, keeping our equipment in top shape.
Justin Moody
Grounds Keeper
A Towns County native, Justin has worked at Crane Creek Vineyards for many years as a farm hand. His knowledge and dedication has contributed to the success of the vineyard. Additionally, Justin, as the head groundskeeper, keeps the property looking its very best. Thanks Justin!