Meet the Team
Dominique Rocoffort de Vinnière
Founder & President
Born and raised in the vineyard-dotted landscapes of Lyon, France, Dominique developed a deep-rooted passion for wine from an early age. With a family heritage deeply intertwined with the winemaking tradition, it was only natural for him to embark on a lifelong journey of exploration and mastery in the world of wine.
Equipped with a wealth of expertise, Dominique set his sights on sharing his love for French wines with wine enthusiasts around the world. He brought his passion and expertise to the sunny shores of California, where he established Rising Wine Domains which is now a family-owned wine distribution business dedicated to bringing the finest French wines to wine lovers in the region.
Ashlei Khanthaphixay
Sales & Events Manager
Soon-to-be member of the Rocoffort de Vinnière family, Ashlei is a dynamic and passionate professional who has seamlessly transitioned from the world of tech recruitment to the enchanting realm of wine. With a deep-rooted passion for French wines and a dedication to continuous learning, Ashlei brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her role as Sales Manager at Rising Wine Domains.
Currently residing in Sausalito, California, Ashlei has always been surrounded by a vibrant wine culture. After several successful years in the tech industry, her love for wine and a desire for a more fulfilling career led her on a new path—one that would intertwine her academic studies, her passion for French wines, and her natural talent for building relationships.
Devoting herself to the pursuit of wine knowledge, Ashlei has spent the past several years delving into the intricacies of viticulture and oenology. Through formal education, industry certifications, and immersive experiences, she has honed her understanding of wine production, wine regions, and the art of tasting. Ashlei is dedicated to sharing the beauty and complexity of these wines with wine lovers across the San Francisco Bay Area. Through her expertise, warmth, and genuine connection with clients, she invites you to embark on a sensory journey and discover the captivating world of French wines.
Cyril Rocoffort de Vinnière
Operations & Logistics
As the son of the founder, Cyril has been immersed in the world of wine from an early age, combining the rich heritage of French winemaking with the vibrant energy of California. Born and raised in the sun-kissed landscapes of Malibu, Cyril developed a deep appreciation for both his cultural roots and the dynamic wine industry in which he was raised.
With a strong academic foundation in Finance, Cyril brings a unique skill set to the wine business. After completing his studies and gaining valuable experience in Finance, he recognized the opportunity to leverage his expertise to contribute to the growth and success of the family-owned wine distribution business.
Together with the founder and the entire team at Rising Wine Domains, Cyril is committed to providing exceptional experiences and exceptional wines to every customer. His dedication to operational excellence, combined with his passion for the wine industry, ensures that every bottle of French wine delivered by Rising Wine Domains is a testament to the family's commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
Michael (Mikey) Castellanos
Sommelier
Michael “Mikey” Castellanos, is a Los Angeles native and now a proud resident of San Francisco. Mikey earned his bachelor’s degree from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley where he had the chance to fully explore his fascination for wine. Visiting Napa Valley vineyards and learning about the remarkable contributions that Latino-owned wineries gave to America’s wine industry inspired Mikey to become a lifelong student of the world of wine. These experiences motivated Mikey’s deep dedication towards the principles of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability in winemaking.
In conjunction with his work as a finance professional and his research in sustainable investing, Mikey decided to make his passion for wine a part of his career after he passed the Introductory Sommelier Course designated by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Mikey is now avidly preparing to take the Certified Sommelier Examination in early 2024. By applying his sommelier skills and wine proficiency, Mikey joined Rising Wine Domains to help share its extraordinary wines with San Francisco’s local business community. He works with the intention of helping local businesses provide exceptional experiences to their customers and promoting Rising Wine Domains’ commitment to sustainability by bringing eco-friendly and top quality wine to the market.
With his genuine love of bringing people together, Mikey invites you to experience the marvelous and inspiring world of fine French wines.