We are very excited to say we have a fabulous team of people, some have been with us from the very beginning of the home winemaker journey and some who have joined us over the last few years or so. Our team is built on love and passion and they are ready to not only share the wines but share the story of Serendipity Cellars.
Bryan and I haven’t always been passionate about wine, as a matter of fact 2 of our dogs were named Cabo and Wabo after Sammy Hagars tequila. We loved a margarita with good tequila. It wasn’t until after we were blessed in meeting the Ceja Family we gained an appreciation for not only the taste of a good wine, but the passion and true artistry that goes into making wine. I clearly remember shortly after Bryan and I arrived at Ceja Family Vineyards to begin working, Pedro Ceja came out and introduced himself. He was as kind and loving then as we know him to be now. It was within a few hours time he offered Bryan and I a glass of wine. We graciously declined and responded we don’t really like wine. Pedro said okay and carried on about his business.
Day 2 came around and Pedro once again offered us a glass of wine. We graciously declined once again and stated we really like tequila and don’t care for wine. Pedro responded, you just haven’t had a wine you like yet. We soon realized just how true that statement was. By the end of day 2 Bryan was a fan of the tasty Ceja Chardonnay while I was quite the fan of the crisp and aromatic Ceja Sauvignon Blanc. Bryan and I were both so drawn to Pedro and Amelia and the passion they have for wine and everything that goes into making wine. Their family story about working in the fields together in their childhood years to their families successes today was so inspiring to Bryan and I. Our friendship with the Ceja family continued on after the work of the logo was done. Our family and close friends shared picnics there on the beautiful grounds. Our company GroundWorks had a very memorable event at Ceja Vineyards and feasted on absolutely delicious food prepared by Amelia Ceja and her family – an evening we will never forget, it was so special.
Little did we know, this was the beginning of a new journey for Bryan and I. It wasn’t long after we finished the job for the Ceja family that Bryan received a call from one of our customers asking if we would be interested in 200 mouvedre vines. What on earth would we do with vines? Well it took all of about 30 seconds for Bryan to jump in a tractor and clear the corner area of our front yard so we could plant wine grapes. We had no idea what we were doing. Bryan being the go getter that he is purchased books and spent many evenings reading up on how to grow vines and make wine. Pedro often offered his knowledge and expertise. It finally became time we had no choice but to harvest the grapes that were looking more like raisins although the sugar wasn’t high enough in the grapes to make wine. Bryan reached out to Pedro and he offered for us to harvest the 2nds of their Pinot Noir produce. Bryan, myself, our kids and Bryans sister Deana harvested the 2nds. When we returned home to crush, our friends Mike and Shannon Sides and their 2 boys were there to help. The infamous first crush took place in our garage with a hand crank crusher. It was a total and complete sticky mess but we had a great time. 8 months after the harvest it was time to bottle. The same friends, my mom, dad and our kids were there to help and share in the bottling process. We were so proud of how great we believed the wine to be. The kids were all so excited as they were also given a glass to share in a little toast and sip. It was then the name Serendipity came to fruition. After looking back at the chain of events we just couldn’t think of a better name.
We will forever cherish our first experience and those that were there to experience it with us.
Here we are 11 years later and have grown so much as home winemakers. Over the years Bryan and I along with help from friends and family have made small batches of several award winning varietals. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petit Syrah, Malbec, Syrah, Tempranillo, Malvasia Bianca, Semillion, Sangiovese, Zinfandel port and Cabernet Sauvignon Port. We even made a Plum wine with our friends Keri and Tony Eggiman that took the best non grape wine at the Alameda County Fair. Each harvest and bottling are an excuse to bring people together, laugh, share stories and make some great memories together. This hands on approach with people we love is what we don’t ever want to lose sight of.
Our respect for the Ceja family and their continued friendship is greatly cherished.
Growing up I have always been a fan of the 40’s & 50’s era especially when it came to music, cars and the pin up art. My first car at the age of 15 was a 57 Chevy I bought with my life savings for $600, that I drove through high school. My family is my life and I wanted our labels to be unique to our wines. So I created labels that are pin up art of my family in settings that say “America” and how much fun you will have when you visit Serendipity Cellars.
Bryan has always had a passion to create and has always been resourceful in educating himself. He has been in the construction industry for 37 years, a home winemaker for 12 years and completed our first commercial harvest in 2020.
His passion to perfect what he loves has taken him on the journey of studying the terroir and viticulture in the Contra Costa region. Bryans belief is to allow the characteristics of the grapes to shine, which is clearly reflected in his wines.
His ultimate goal is not to create a Napa Valley wine, but to create a wine in which you don’t have to go to Napa Valley to acquire.
Howdy, I am Valcher Leao, At Serendipity Cellars, I’ve embarked on an incredible journey, coming from no background in winemaking to becoming a dedicated partner in this craft. Although I didn’t start with any experience, I found myself in the wise and capable hands of a master winemaker. I have had the incredible privilege of being a steadfast partner, not just a right hand to the winemaker but a faithful companion in the art of winemaking. This journey has been more than a job—it’s been a joyous adventure filled with passion, family, and a deep commitment to crafting exceptional wines.
For me, winemaking isn’t just about the process; it’s a lifestyle that embodies the love and dedication of our family. My beautiful wife, the daughter of the winemakers Bryan and Michele Lucay, and I share this passion with our children, Valcher III and Lorelei Leao. Together, we hope to pass down this cherished experience to them, serving as a bridge to carry forward the traditions and values of our family. Serendipity Cellars is more than a winery; it’s a testament to our family’s love for winemaking and the beautiful life we’ve built around it.
I developed an interest in making my own wine in 2008 by attending the Vineyards of a friend. Being a home winemaker truly became my favorite hobby. I made and bottled tasty wines for 4 years on my own. 11 years ago, I was introduced to Michele and Bryan and saw their vision and passion for wine making. Shortly after, we became wonderful friends, I made the decision to switch my focus from making my own wine to volunteer my time to assist Bryan with making his wine. I was involved in all aspects of the wine making process; I helped groom the vineyards, harvest, bottle, label, cork, blend and of course taste. Always looking forward to the next season and I can’t wait to be part of the continued Serendipity journey.
My name is Emily Kameny I am Serendipity’s tasting room manager. I work at a local elementary school full time. As I’ve branched out of my comfort zone, I’ve grown to love the environment that Serendipity has provided. I’ve been able to create bonds with my coworkers and friendships with our customers. I have always loved a good glass of wine (or a bottle heheh). Serendipity is not just a job, but my second home and family!
Hi, I’m Jessica, the Wine Club Manager at Serendipity Cellars. With an extensive experience in events and customer relations, stepping into this role was a perfect fit. I thrive on connecting with our members and crafting unforgettable experiences around our exceptional wines.
Meeting Bryan and Michele felt like the perfect fit. From the start, they felt like family, bringing their warmth and energy to the winery, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
When I’m not at the winery, I enjoy quality time with my family, exploring the great outdoors, hiking scenic trails, and embarking on new travel adventures.
This old boat is named Andrew. Happily married to a beautiful Italian wife Maria and proud to be a dad of two amazing girls. Having spent most of my life in banking operations, fraud and compliance, I threw in the towel and retired in 2017. Sitting on the couch was never an option. I found that working in a tasting room, serving the customer and educating them on the winery, its history and wines very quickly became a huge passion. Sometimes you feel very privileged and lucky in life to land in the most perfect place. Serendipity Cellars is just that place. Bryan and Michele are amazing as is all staff I get to work with regularly. A British phrase that describes something exciting is “Let’s Av It”. Every Wednesday I say to myself “Let’s Av It” as its now coming up again in two days.
Hi, I’m Jackie. I’m a mom of three wonderful daughters and have been happily married to my husband for 27 years. Spending time with family and friends is what I cherish most. Being a part of Serendipity brings me immense joy, especially after a busy week at my regular job.
I’ve known Bryan and his family for around 45 years. His sister and I were in the same grade and became friends in elementary school, and our families have shared countless vacations and memories over the years. I met Michele during our sophomore year of high school when she was introduced to Bryan by his sister. It’s been a privilege to watch their relationship blossom, see them grow their family, and now witness their dream of Serendipity coming to life.
Bryan and Michele have the biggest hearts, and their warmth extends to everyone who walks through the doors of Serendipity. I feel incredibly fortunate not just to be part of the Serendipity family, but to consider Bryan and Michele more than friends—they’re truly my family.
I am Dave and I have lived in Brentwood since 1993. My wife Nelly and I have been married 32 years and we have three great kids! I retired in 2017, and have a passion for traveling, sports (SF Giants/Raiders)and wine! I met Michele and Bryan via a mutual friend many years ago. They were home wine makers and they invited me to assist with their hobby of winemaking. I really enjoy all the facets of winemaking and it has been a great experience assisting them from the beginning. Michele, Bryan have welcomed us into their family, and it is great working with the fantastic staff at Serendipity Cellars!
I’m Darcey Leao, Bryan and Michele’s eldest daughter and wife to the Assistant Winemaker Valcher. We have two beautiful babies, Lorelei and Valcher III, who I spend all my days with and homeschool. I’m a full-time work from home mommy and wouldn’t have it any other way, even on the hardest days. On the side, I schedule the food trucks and entertainment here at Serendipity. I love that I get to be involved in what my parents have built from the ground up. I spend my spare time going on adventures with our kids, reading, making all things sourdough, and taking care of our family bees.
