MEET OUR Team Members
The LaBelle team is comprised of ultra-talented go-getters whose goal is to make your LaBelle experience phenomenal each time you visit!
Justin Bernatchez
Executive Chef
Justin is a New Hampshire native and studied at Le Cordon Blue Culinary Academy, graduating at the top of his class. A leader in his field, Justin has worked in multiple restaurants and resorts, honing his skills and culinary style in both a la carte and banquet service. Since joining LaBelle in 2015, Justin’s culinary skills and leadership capabilities have catapulted him to executive chef, where he is responsible for all of LaBelle’s culinary production for the restaurant, event center, and The Winemaker’s Kitchen retail product line.
Justin has been recently been awarded the “Best Chef in New Hampshire” in the Union Leader’s 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards and “NH 200” in the 2024 NH Business Review’s Most Influential Business Leaders Awards, a testament to his exceptional culinary excellence.
Joe Guarino
Chef de Cuisine, Americus Restaurant
Drawing on 20 years of cooking experience and his Italian family’s traditions, Chef Guarino enjoys making fresh pasta and cooking with the freshest vegetables and proteins. Having collaborated with multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs, he excels at bringing unique and unexpected flavor combinations to his dishes. Chef Guarino is a veteran of the US Navy and a graduate of Johnson & Wales with a degree in Culinary Arts.
Rowdy Bessey
Banquet Chef, Amherst
Rowdy is a passionate chef with over 30 years of culinary experience. Originally from Maine, his grandmothers taught him how to cook growing up and inspired him to follow his culinary career. With two decades spent in Boston restaurants and a decade in New Hampshire restaurants, his expertise shines through LaBelle Winery’s banquet department. In his free time, Rowdy enjoys strumming his guitar and building intricate models.
Sara Mercier
Pastry Chef
An Auburn, NH native, Sara been baking professionally for 11 years. While cake design is her specialty, she loves all aspects of the pastry arts. Pastry has been her passion since childhood, and Sara is constantly experimenting and trying new techniques. She graduated from SNHU in 2013 with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and taught Culinary Arts for 2 years at Manchester School of Technology before joining the LaBelle Winery team in August 2022. She lives with her husband Anton and two cats.
Shane Peznola
Market Chef
NH born and raised, Shane studied at Southern New Hampshire University. He’s worked with many different cuisine styles, gaining knowledge from his culinary experience in Austin, Texas and Fairbanks, Alaska. Shane returned home in 2017 to teach at SNHU and started at LaBelle Winery in early 2018. After holding the position of Sous Chef at The Bistro and event center in Amherst, he now brings his unique experience and creativity to LaBelle Market. He recently married his wife, Danae Peznola, in February 2020.
Jalen LeBlanc
Operations Manager, Derry
Jalen LeBlanc, a Nova Scotia native raised in New Hampshire, is a hospitality professional and a dedicated family man, raising twin boys with his fiancée Kylie. Jalen began his restaurant career at 17, working through every front-of-house job to gain experience. In 2020, he managed a nightclub, demonstrating his talent for overseeing operations. After joining LaBelle in 2021, he played a crucial role in the opening of Americus Restaurant. In addition to his professional pursuits, Jalen is a devoted Celtics fan, holding season tickets since 2016. He values the opportunity to teach and train staff, helping them excel and reach their full potential.
Tyler Provost
Golf & Outdoor Operations Manager
Tyler joined the LaBelle team in June of 2022. With over 14 years of Hotel and Customer Service experience, he looks forward to creating memories that will last a lifetime for our guests. Tyler was born and raised in Vermont, recently engaged, and is passionate about wine, golf, and family!
Marie King
Wholesale Manager
Educated at Boston University’s Elizabeth Bishop Wine Resource Center, Marie achieved level 2 Wine Specialist Certification and Introductory Level Sommelier through the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers. Marie enjoys educating guests about wine, LaBelle’s vineyards, and helping them feel comfortable about their wine selections.
Melaney Shepard
Winemaker
The 2022 harvest marked Melaney’s 20th harvest in the wine industry. She started making wine at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC in her early 20s and never looked back. Having completed her Winemaking Certificate from UC Davis, she has experience with all aspects of wine making, from harvest to bottle, including the production of grape and fruit wine as well as ciders and meads. Melaney first joined LaBelle in May 2021 and has recently returned as the Senior Assistant Winemaker in February 2022. Melaney is excited to be a part of the LaBelle winemaking leadership team.
Amanda Marks
Tasting Room & Winery Clubs Manager
Amanda joined the LaBelle team in March 2022, transitioning from a mental health career to pursue her love for wine. She played a key role in setting up the new Tasting Room in Derry, NH, showcasing her leadership, organizational, and detail-oriented skills. Amanda is currently advancing her wine knowledge through the Court of Master Sommeliers and The Wine and Spirit Education Trust program. She cherishes the opportunity to share her love of wine by creating memorable experiences for guests through tastings, events, classes, and more.
Kimberly Cortino
Director of Sales
Kim joined LaBelle Winery in 2015, shortly after getting married at the Amherst location. With her attention to detail and welcoming personality, Kim is a natural in her role. She guides couples in crafting their ultimate wedding day experience in a stress-free fashion, in addition to leading the sales team as a whole.
Ivana Londono
Wedding Sales Manager, Derry
Ivana is a graduate of Newbury College in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, and joined LaBelle in July 2022. With years of experience in special events and weddings, Ivana loves helping couples in the first steps of creating their vision. No wedding is the same – every experience is unique, from start to finish!
Stephanie Fournier
Corporate & Non-Profit Sales Manager
Stephanie, who holds an M.S. in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida, joined the LaBelle team in March 2023. She’s has a wide variety of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industries, most notably with leadership roles at Hard Rock Live-Universal Orlando and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. She looks forward to helping her clients create fun and successful events and has a passion for partnering with local non-profits to help them raise awareness and funds.
Erin Rock
Social Event Sales Manager
Erin joined the LaBelle Sales team in May 2024 with an abundance of experience in the events industry, ranging from casino player development, entertainment, and sports. She is super excited to apply her experience and assist clients to make cherished memories hosted here at LaBelle Winery. Beyond work, Erin loves to spend time with her family camping and exploring the vast New England region!
Danielle Mojonnier
Public Events Manager
Danielle Mojonnier joined the LaBelle team in 2020 after providing marketing consulting to LaBelle Winery since its inception in 2005. She brings over 20 years of experience managing organizations in both the visual and performing arts. Danielle was previously the co-owner and executive director of graphic design company Grinning Moon Creative as well as general manager at The Highlander Inn & Conference Center. Danielle holds a Masters of Arts Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
Michelle Thornton
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Michelle, a New Hampshire native, has enjoyed a diverse career in various industries, from banking and finance to hospitality and marketing and a stint in the museum world. She has over 25 years of experience assisting companies of all sizes to thrive and grow. Michelle joined LaBelle in 2012, making her one of the very first team members.
Michelle has recently been awarded a “NH Top 200” award in the 2024 NH Business Review’s Most Influential Business Leaders Publication.
Ashlynn Patenaude
Junior Marketing Manager
Ashlynn joined LaBelle Winery in 2020 as a restaurant server and bartender. She completed her senior-year college internship at LaBelle, and graduated from Plymouth State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management and Policy. Since then, Ashlynn has been actively involved in the Events Department, and recently transitioned to the Marketing Department in April of 2023. Outside of work, she enjoys going thrifting, golfing, and cooking for her friends & family.
Monica Greenwood
Graphic Designer
A New Hampshire native, Monica has over 10 years of marketing and graphic design experience. During her time at Saint Anselm College she discovered her love for graphic design and digital art and graduated with a BA in Fine Arts in 2011. Transitioning from the manufacturing industry, Monica is excited to lend her skills to a more customer-focused field. When not designing, she loves spending time with her two dogs and watching true crime documentaries.
Jennifer Nell
LaBelle Market Manager
Having spent most of her career in the corporate world, Jen returned to the restaurant industry due to her passion for food service. In 2021, Jen began working at Americus Restaurant as a server and bartender, and her impressive leadership skills led to her earning the Restaurant Manager position at Americus. As the new Market Manager, Jen is eager to share her foodie personality and cultivate her abilities in retail merchandising for all LaBelle Winery guests to enjoy. Additionally, Jen plans to further provide sustainable and eco-friendly practices for LaBelle stemming from a passion for oceanic preservation.
Dylan McDonough
Golf Course Superintendent
Dylan originally arrived at LaBelle Winery as The Links at LaBelle’s Golf Course Assistant Superintendent in December 2021. An ambitious, young professional who strives to give all golfers the best experience, Dylan is a New England native that is settling local roots in New Hampshire. As an avid golfer, he puts himself in the shoes of the player to create an exciting and challenging course for all levels. Prior to joining LaBelle, he began his career in the golf industry at Manchester Country Club.
Sarah Ela
Senior Human Resources Professional
Sarah, LaBelle Winery’s Human Resource Professional, is dedicated to continuously providing a culture of unwavering ethics and integrity within her position and her expectations of the colleagues and staff whom she works with daily. With a genuine passion for the recruiting and retention of new hires, she is devoted to building and nurturing a successful team. Sarah’s ongoing mission is to build a strong, trusted team with LaBelle’s vision and core values.
Chelsea Frigoletto
Account Manager & Payroll Specialist
Chelsea graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in 2019 with her BS degree in Accounting. She joined the LaBelle team in October 2021, bringing her passion for the hospitality industry and ambition to succeed with a growing company. She strives to develop a long-lasting career in finance at LaBelle, and is excited to bring her knowledge and love for numbers to the team. She lives with her husband and 2 cats and is working towards purchasing her first home in New Hampshire.
Troy Garner
Facilities Manager
Troy Garner brings over 30 years of experience managing the facilities of commercial, industrial, and hospitality sectors. Before joining LaBelle, Troy spent 12 years as the owner of Harmony Landscapes, a luxury landscape design and maintenance company. Originally from California, Troy spent most of his life in Colorado before settling in New Hampshire in 2015. A devoted father of four and grandfather to two, he’s passionate about American history and enjoys exploring New England’s historical landmarks.