Meet our World-Class Winemakers
At Waypoint, we believe that the whole is invariably greater than the sum of its parts. This philosophy permeates every aspect of our winemaking process. It’s with this guiding principle that our esteemed team of winemakers collaborates.
Winemaking maestros Matt Sands and Mark Pittman oversee the day-to-day artistry at our original stone winery in St. Helena. Working alongside them, consulting winemakers — Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky — lend their world-renowned expertise, ensuring every drop of Waypoint wine exudes unmatched elegance, depth, and balance.
Resident Winemakers
Matt Sands Winemaker
Hailing from New Zealand’s renowned Waiheke Island, Matt Sands brings a rich tapestry of experience from leading global wineries. His in-depth comprehension of Napa Valley’s unique microclimates and his expertise with top-tier wines such as Screaming Eagle and Bryant define his exceptional approach to winemaking, amalgamating innovative techniques with profound respect for the terroir.
Mark Pittman Assistant Winemaker
Mark Pittman, our indispensable assistant winemaker, seamlessly blends dedication and hard work, evolving from the cellar to stand among the world’s winemaking elite. His journey is a testament to his commitment to learning and passion for winemaking, elevating the wines of Waypoint with his meticulous attention to detail.
Consulting Winemakers
Philippe Melka
Philippe would be the first to tell you that soil primarily influenced his career. With his roots in Bordeaux, Melka marries French winemaking traditions with cutting-edge techniques, creating wines renowned for their depth and complexity. Since 1995, he has been putting his stamp on Napa Valley’s wine industry, spearheading the programs for some of the region’s most revered wineries while garnering a list of accolades and 100-point scores along the way.
Maayan Koschitzky
Maayan has amassed an impressive winemaking resume spanning from the vineyards of Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle here in Napa Valley. Serving alongside Philippe Melka since 2014, Maayan’s multidimensional role includes not only winemaking but also orchestrating winery development for clients, leveraging his engineering background and diverse experience to refine and elevate every facet of Waypoint’s vinicultural journey.