Our Team
Pedernales Cellars is a family owned and operated winery. The sixth generation Texas family feels a deep connection to the landscape and values of the area. The team that makes up the staff of Pedernales Cellars collectively has decades of experience of the wine industry in Texas. If you wish to join our team, please contact us at tastingroom@pedernalescellars.com.
Julie Kuhlken, PhD, WSET III
Julie Kuhlken is co-founder of Pedernales Cellars. A graduate of Stanford University, Julie received a doctorate in Philosophy and has taught at universities in Europe and North America. She holds the WSET III certification, which she received with distinction, and has served in various leadership positions in the Texas wine industry and local community. She is a regularly published author, passionate about wine, art, and philanthropy – those loves have come together in Pedernales Cellars’ partnership with the Hill Country Film Festival. Follow Dr. Julie on Instagram @drjuliekuhlken and her wine reviews @winesbydrjulie. Check out her recent interview about what its like to own Pedernales Cellars.
David Kuhlken
David Kuhlken is co-founder, President, and Winemaker of Pedernales Cellars. He is a sixth generation Texan and graduate of Rice University and the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. He studied oenology and viticulture at the University of California at Davis. His involvement in the Texas wine industry goes back to the early 1990s, when he and his family first planted the vineyard carrying his family name, Kuhlken Vineyards. Follow Dave on Instagram at @winemakerdave.
Cathy Whitson
Cathy Whitson, Direct to Consumer Manager, is a graduate of The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (but got to Texas as soon as she could). After graduating, she worked as Camp Director at Y.O. Ranch Adventures in Mountain Home, Texas. She further built her leadership and hospitality skills over the following eight years as General Manager of the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, where she oversaw an upscale resort, two restaurants (one casual, one fine dining), as well as day visitors to this beautiful island off the coast of mainland Alaska. She joined the Pedernales team in January 2021, bringing with her a wealth of managerial and logistical experience.
Livia Schorlemer
As controller, Livia is responsible for the company’s financial and compliance functions. She also supervises and manages all human resources and co-manages facilities activities. She is an alumnus of Price Waterhouse Coopers. Prior to joining Pedernales Cellars, Livia served as Controller and Chief Financial Officer for several international and domestic venture-backed high-tech companies with large intellectual property portfolios. Livia holds a Master of Business Administration in accounting and finance from the University of San Diego.
Amber Saidler
Amber Saidler, Hospitality Manager, brings a guest-first philosophy and deep leadership expertise to Pedernales Cellars. A Le Cordon Bleu graduate with degrees in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Operations, Amber has developed and streamlined diverse food and beverage concepts across Texas and New Mexico.
Since moving to the Hill Country in 2016, she has become an active leader in the Fredericksburg community through Leadership Gillespie County and the Texas Wine Auction Foundation. When away from the winery, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Shane, and their son, James Watson.
Sarah Kalich
Sarah Kalich, Wine Club Manager, has proudly served the Pedernales Cellars wine club community since 2021. She brings a deep appreciation for hospitality and connection to every member experience.
Prior to joining Pedernales Cellars, she owned and managed her own boutique, where she developed a strong foundation in customer relationships, personalized service, and day-to-day operations. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for members and loves being part of a winery that values community, quality, and thoughtful craftsmanship.