Santa Maria local Juliana Neel takes on new leadership role at Talley Vineyards

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Imagine a cozy blanket in wine form. That’s what makes Talley Vineyards’ 2022 grenache perfect for cold, stormy nights, according to the local winery’s new tasting room manager, Juliana Neel.

“[It’s] pure comfort in a bottle. With notes of pomegranate and cardamom, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening,” Neel said in an email interview. “I like to call it our ‘binge-watching’ wine. It pairs with anything as dramatic as Real Housewives of Salt Lake City—a personal favorite [of mine] … go Mary Cosby!—to the suspenseful storytelling of Severance.”

Brian Talley, Talley Vineyards president and CEO, announced Neel’s promotion from hospitality lead to tasting room manager in mid-February. Born and raised in Santa Maria, Neel has worked for the Arroyo Grande-based winery since 2021, when she started her Talley tenure as a tasting room attendant.

“When I applied, I was 20 and had absolutely no wine knowledge whatsoever. I had to wait until my 21st birthday—three weeks after my initial interview—for my first day on the job,” Neel said. “But I was eager for the challenge. … I even took viticulture classes at Allan Hancock College after earning my political science degree to be better equipped to serve the guests visiting our tasting room.”

Neel’s multi-layered background in local government (she once interned for the Santa Maria City Council, where she worked directly for Councilmember Gloria Soto) and performing arts continues to shape how she approaches working in wine and hospitality.

For example, her theater chops come in handy when producing sketches for Talley Vineyards’ Instagram reels, while managing the winery’s social media presence.

“I have the ability to infuse my passions and past experiences into every aspect of my job,” Neel said. “Growing up, I was very shy and reserved. I surprised my family and schoolmates when I came out as transgender in 2015. I think subconsciously, I loved theater/acting because I was able to escape my reality and become whatever I wanted—whether it was a nerdy pirate, a professor, or even Mother Superior in a convent.”

She still loves theater, and enjoys attending PCPA and SLO REP shows regularly, but now channels her performance skills in different ways, “through hospitality, hosting events, or social media content creation.”

When Neel looks back on her City Council internship with Soto, she remembers being “incredibly inspired by her work ethic—balancing a full-time career alongside her duties as a council member and active board member of various local organizations.”

Soto “continues to be a fierce advocate for the well-being of my hometown,” Neel added.

Neel was inspired to apply for a job at Talley Vineyards in 2021 because she “needed a breath of fresh air,” she explained.

“I wanted to try something new,” said Neel, whose own wine preferences also changed as a result of working at Talley. “I’ll admit it. I started out loving sweet, mass-produced white blends you’ll find at the grocery store. But after almost four years in the industry, I’ve definitely become the wine snob of my friend group.”

One of her favorite hobbies since joining the Talley team is seeking out—and encouraging her friends to try—local, family-owned wineries. Esfuerzo Wines in Buellton and Sinor-LaVallee in Avila Beach are among those she’s enjoyed discovering.

She has two consistent personal favorites of Talley Vineyards’ wines, which will come as no surprise to her colleagues, Neel explained.

“Luckily, working in the tasting room has its perks. The best perk—in my opinion—is getting to take home the leftover wine,” Neel said. “My coworkers know that my first pick is always either our 2023 rosé or 2023 grüner veltliner. Both are pure sunshine in a bottle—bringing brightness to even the rainiest of days.”

Send grenache, cocktail umbrellas, and regular umbrellas to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

This article appears in Feb 20 – Mar 2, 2025.