"We were once again extremely overwhelmed by the quality of candidates who submitted a video and showcased their passion for our industry," said Dave Ready Jr., Murphy-Goode Winemaker. "We saw several familiar faces from last year's submissions, too. There is a wealth of talent and excitement among this group, and I can't wait to meet them all."
In August, Murphy-Goode will welcome the 12 finalists to Sonoma County for in-person interviews and a fully immersive experience in Wine Country, giving them the opportunity to explore the region, and showcase their desire – and everything else that makes them the ideal candidate – for "A Really Goode Job." While in Healdsburg, the finalists will meet with winery executives and team members with whom the final two will work over the course of the year. The selected candidates will be announced in mid-August.
The Murphy-Goode team is pleased to name the following "A Really Goode Job" finalists who are now one step closer to turning their dreams into reality:
- A.J. Kirsch - Berkeley, California
- Jameelah Baker - New York, New York
- Justin Lewis - New York, New York
- Kendra Spalding - Folsom, California
- Kirsten Staley Rocha - Oceanside, California
- Lauren Neil - Reno, Nevada
- Lemar Scott - Orlando, Florida
- Marc Cunningham - Sherman Oaks, California
- Marvin "MJ" Towler - Red Bank, New Jersey
- Michael Fucci - Los Angeles, California
- Roosevelt Johnson - Marana, Arizona
- Swan Dotson - Oakland, California
"I'm excited and honored to be a judge for A Really Goode Job," Coney said. "This is a life changing experience and it is with great joy I get to help select the wine industry's next change maker."
"I am so proud to participate in a program that provides the essential steppingstones to professionals embarking on their wine journey," says Briscoe. "I've been fortunate to learn from inspiring mentors throughout my career and am now a part of a company that encourages and supports my continued growth. I look forward to meeting each finalist and the opportunity to pay forward the knowledge, guidance, and mentorship that I've been afforded."