Technicians
Joe Mertens
Joe has worked for Castoro Cellars since 1991 and has been a bottling technician for Castoro Bottling Company since 1995. Before working as a bottling technician Joe spent five years working in the cellar for Castoro Cellars and therefore has a vast knowledge of both winery and bottling operations. Joe learned his way around bottling lines from former technician Pete Cisneros, who had over 15 years of experience and taught Joe both the theoretical and technical sides of the bottling process. Joe’s favorite thing about being a bottling technician is the challenge and the ability to get the job done no matter what the job may be. “Having the support of a successful winery really sets us apart from other bottling companies and really gives us the ability to fully understand both sides of the operation.” Originally from Ohio, Joe attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated with a degree in business in 1986. Joe now lives in Cambria and enjoys spending his free time Kiteboarding and spending time at the beach with his wife and their two children.
Alejandro Silva
In 2002 Alejandro came to Castoro Cellars as a cellar worker and began working on the bottling lines in 2005 under the wings of both Joe and Cesar. He was a quick learner and it wasn’t long before he was able to run lines on his own. He enjoys the mechanical aspect of bottling feels that his ability to work and communicate efficiently with both English and Spanish speaking workers has been very beneficial while on the road. Alejandro is a very detail-oriented and punctual technician who enjoys being on the road. Originally form Mazatlán, Mexico; he has now lived with his family in Shandon, CA since 1999. His favorite thing about working for Castoro Bottling Company is the “family aspect” of the business. “Castoro has been like a second family for me.”
Cesar Zamora
Cesar began working at Castoro Cellars in 1998 as a cellar worker and soon found his niche as a bottling technician. Cesar credits Joe and Pete for showing him the ropes and giving him the knowledge base necessary for running lines on his own. At Castoro, and on the road, Cesar has a reputation for being a fast worker and a very “quick fixer” when technical problems arise. He is also bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently. Cesar is originally from Mazatlán, Mexico and now lives with his wife and children in Paso Robles. In his free time, he enjoys playing baseball and softball, but most of all spending time with his family.
Reggie Voeller
Reggie started his career in bottling in 2002 as Joe’s assistant and through Joe learned all the ins and outs of bottling. Reggie enjoys the challenge of working with different packages every day and the ability to accommodate and get the job done on a daily basis. “Every day is different, and I feel like we can do it all and that is a nice feeling to have.” Reggie considers himself a handy man and enjoys the mechanical aspect of working on a bottling line. Reggie grew up in San Bernardino, CA and moved to Atascadero in 2000 where he currently resides. On his free time Reggie enjoys hanging out with his daughter Kelsey, fishing, and riding motocross.