Owners and CEOs
Jerry Burd - Owner
Jerry grew up on a farm, learning the importance of hard work at a young age. After his business career, he spent time visiting wineries in the Pacific Northwest, and apprenticed at one in Oregon. Jerry and his wife, Lynda, bought Black Mesa Winery in 2000, bringing Jerry full circle. He was the winemaker in the early years, and set the standards high for New Mexico wine. Now, on any given day, he can be seen thoroughly checking his vineyards, collaborating with his staff, sampling what's in the barrel, and giving a thumbs up or thumbs down to crazy-flavored hard apple cider concoctions. ​
Lynda Burd - Owner
Lynda was born and raised in Denver, CO. She studied Watercolor and Graphic Arts at Rocky Mountain School of Art, San Francisco Academy of Art College, and Yavapai Community College in Arizona. Lynda designs all of the labels for the Black Mesa Wines and some of her art hangs on the walls in the tasting room.
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Lynda and Jerry love cats as evidenced by some of the woodwork in and outside of the tasting room. They have had as many as 14 cats, but the current count is 9. They also have 2 dogs - Boo and Spirit.
Sola - CEO (Cat Especially Ornery)
Sola runs Black Mesa Winery behind the scenes. She spends her days perusing the tasting rooms, outdoor seating area, walking trails and vineyards. She especially loves to follow our staff around and socialize with visitors! Keep an eye out for our sassy CEO!
Winemaking Team
Craig Dunn - Winemaker
Before becoming a member of the BMW wine-making team, Craig spent over two decades at the Taos Inn helping to run a 'Wine Spectator Award-Winning' wine list. During his time at the Taos Inn he also became a sommelier.
About 14 years ago he joined the BMW wine-making ream, and has not looked back.
"After tasting Black Mesa Winery wines, I realized that these are not just very good wines for New Mexico, they are very good wines, period. I am glad to have the opportunity to influence what goes into the bottle."
Curt Chesney - Winemaker
Curt joined the Black Mesa Winery winemaking team as Assistant Winemaker in 2019, but his interest for wine and the fermentation process started long before that.
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With a passion for the art of crafting wine, he started making homemade wine in 2006. The love of the fermentation process led Curtis to also make delicious mead, cider, beer, sauerkraut and various home-canned goods from his own kitchen. The mad-scientist-like obsession he developed led him to start gardening as well. Since 2012 he sells his goods at locals farmers markets and his goal is to teach and inspire others to grow their own food and use ancient methods to preserve them.
Wine Club & Shipping
Valerie Sanchez
I was born and raised in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. I briefly left to go to college and returned to work in my family's business, which was a liquor store and restaurant. In 1999 my husband started a business in which I do the bookkeeping . In July of 2019 I started working at Black Mesa Winery in shipping and wine club.
Accounting
Antonette Martinez
Born and raised in Taos, New Mexico, I have always loved the outdoors so coming to work for Black Mesa Winery at the mouth of the Rio Grande Gorge has been quite an experience. I have been an accountant/bookkeeper for more than thirty years now. The last five years I have worked for Black Mesa Winery and it's been wonderful learning about the winery and cider business. Lot's of moving parts! But in the end it's all about good wines and ciders and those you share it with. I enjoy time with my grandchildren watching shows and listening to music.
TR / Website
Roey Valim
Roey started pouring wine for Black Mesa at events and joined the Tasting Room staff in 2023. She has owned and operated a restaurant in Santa Fe and continues to be involved in bartending, catering and events.