Alterra
We believe exceptional results come from exceptional people, which is why we've cultivated a culture that attracts and develops the industry's most dedicated professionals.
First Generation Farmers
And proud of it.
our People
Breaking agricultural industry norms, we prioritize work-life balance and employee development while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Learn more about our exceptional team.
Kevin Wilkinson
Founder & Principal I kevin@alterrasol.com
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A San Luis Obispo County native with deep agricultural roots, Kevin's passion for progressive farming and love of the region led him to earn his degree in Crop Science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He honed his expertise as a viticulturalist and manager at renowned wineries including Laetitia Winery and Talley Vineyards, where he expanded his role to General Manager of Talley Custom Viticulture. Through collaborative partnerships with winemakers and vineyard owners, Kevin developed his approach to maximizing grape quality through customized farming practices—a philosophy that drove him to found Coastal Vineyard Services in 2012, which evolved into today's Alterra Solutions. As Founder, Kevin remains integral to all operations, consulting on cultural activities that enhance vine health and spearheading new vineyard development projects. His mentorship extends throughout the team, where he shares both technical expertise and his unwavering passion for the craft. Kevin's vision of combining scientific precision with practical wisdom continues to guide Alterra's reputation for transforming vineyards into showcases of both productivity and beauty.
Lucas Pope
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Born in Quincy, California, and raised in Okinawa, Japan, Lucas brings a unique global perspective to Central Coast viticulture. Since graduating from Cal Poly's Wine and Viticulture program in 2006, he has dedicated his career to premium vineyard management, from founding a vineyard management company in the Santa Cruz Mountains to nearly a decade as Vineyard Manager at Halter Ranch.
Lucas' innovative approach and industry influence earned him recognition as Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 in 2017, the first vineyard manager to ever make the prestigious list. His excellence continued to be recognized when he was named Grape Grower of the Year in 2021 by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and partner organizations, honoring his leadership and accomplishments in California's third-largest wine region.
Since joining Alterra Solutions in 2020, Lucas has managed top vineyards throughout the region while applying the same precision and innovation that built his reputation. Beyond his professional achievements, he co-founded Haliotide with his wife, Nicole, and balances his demanding career with family life in Atascadero, where they raise their three children: Grayson, Averie, and Ophelia. Lucas' commitment to excellence extends beyond the vineyard, embodying Alterra's philosophy of elevating both the land and the people who tend to it.
Chris Hammell
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A California native raised in Arroyo Grande, Chris brings nearly three decades of Central Coast vineyard expertise to Alterra Solutions. After earning his Agribusiness degree from Cal Poly, he launched his career in 1996 at Kendall Jackson before advancing to David Bruce in Santa Cruz in 2000. From 2001 to 2024, Chris served as Director of Agriculture Operations for the Miller family in Santa Maria, where he and his wife raised their four children at the renowned Bien Nacido vineyard.
Chris's dedication to excellence extends far beyond viticulture. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he claimed world champion honors in 2012, a testament to the discipline and precision he brings to every endeavor. When not managing vineyard operations, Chris channels his creativity as guitarist for the Tepusquet Tornadoes, a local band that reflects his deep community roots.
His multifaceted background mirrors Alterra's commitment to developing well-rounded professionals who bring passion and precision to their craft. Chris's extensive relationships throughout the Central Coast wine community and his proven track record of operational excellence make him instrumental in fostering the deep partnerships that drive Alterra's reputation-based growth.
Cal Poly Strong
Kevin Wilkinson | Chris Hammell | Christian Rodriguez | Wilson Roehlk | Lucas Pope
Not Pictured: Melissa Egger | Nancy DePue | Aimee Wilkinson | Justin Wilkinson | Sydney Wilkinson
SafEty Team
Cecilia Garcia | Adriana Morelos | Alicia Gomez
Office Staff
Cecilia Garcia | Adriana Morelos | Christi Varin | Christine Peters | Nayrani Mendoza
El Corazon
Keyvin Sanchez | Alondra Torres | Felix Diaz | Jesus Mireles Soto | Alicia Gomez | Rigo Castillo | Chris Hammell | Juan Patricio | Ricardo Moreno | Lucas Pope | Gabriel Rivera | Isaias Luna Moreno | Severiano Galvez | Fernando Sanches | Christian Rodriguez | Wilson Roehlk
Founded in 2012 by Kevin as Coastal Vineyard Services, Alterra built its reputation on a foundation of scientific precision and collaborative partnerships throughout California's Central Coast.
Over more than a decade, the team expanded to include industry-leading professionals like Lucas, whose innovative approach earned him Wine Enthusiast Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" recognition and Grape Grower of the Year honors, and Chris Hammell, who brought nearly three decades of vineyard expertise from prestigious operations including Bien Nacido.
In 2025, Coastal Vineyard Services evolved into Alterra Solutions, renewing its focus on precision and innovation, with the same understated excellence that has made them a trusted partner for premium wineries across California’s most prestigious wine regions.
