Our Team
Russell Machado
As a third generational farmer in the California Central Valley, Russell Machado comes from a diverse agricultural background and at an early age showed interest in farming. Upon attending San Joaquin Delta College in 1984, Russell worked with his family farming asparagus, walnuts, and wine grapes. In 1995 Russell took advantage of an opportunity to start his own farming operation with his wife Rhonda, and start R-N-R Vineyard, then a Limited Liability Company. As a past director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation, a past director of the Lodi District Grape Growers Association, and current Director of the Clements rural Fire Protection District, Russell has grown the business to over 1500 acres under management with over half being developed and planted by the company.
Rhonda Machado
After starting R-N-R Vineyards with Russell in 1995 Rhonda handles all Human Resource responsibilities. Rhonda maintains records, administers employee compensation and monitors benefit programs, as well as handling all bookkeeping duties and secretarial services. Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family and friends and can be found galloping through the vineyards on her horse "Fancy" during the weekends.
Matt Machado
In the summer of 2013, the older of Russell’s two sons joined the business. Upon graduating UC Davis with a degree in managerial economics, Matthew Machado joined R-N-R Vineyard, Inc. as vineyard operations supervisor, currently serving as vineyard manager. Matthew displayed an interest in farming at a young age learning to drive a tractor soon before he could drive a car. Before attending UC Davis, Matthew was employed as a field scout and sugar tester for Michael-David Winery in Lodi, CA. Matthew was a standout athlete throughout high school and college and brings the leadership he developed through athletics to the vineyards of R-N-R.
Colton Machado
After earning a degree in Economics from UC Santa Barbara, Colton Machado, the younger of the two sons, joined the company in the summer of 2017 as operations supervisor. Growing up, Colton enjoyed working anytime he could in the vineyards and spent many summers learning all he could about the vineyard management business. Excelling in athletics throughout school as his older brother Matthew had done, Colton learned what it takes to succeed as a team and applies those skills to R-N-R Vineyard.
Ricky Hernandez
Ricky has been with R-N-R since the Spring of 2018 and is in charge of all mechanic operations. Ensuring that all equipment and implements are operating at peak performance throughout the year. Ricky’s passion for mechanical and fabrication work is apparent as he can be found building or tuning engines during his free time.
Marcelo Meza
Marcelo has been with R-N-R Vineyards since 2004 occupying several roles and now serves as foreman. As foreman Marcelo coordinates employee efforts, evaluates progress and provides assistance and direction to increase efficiency. During the weekends Marcelo can be found barbecuing and enjoying time with his family.
