The day before we hosted our annual 2022 afternoon BBQ at Nightwing Vineyard, the fire marshal gave us some bad news: the brush surrounding the event site needed to be cut back by 20 feet. Undeterred, our Hospitality and Events Manager Sean O’Hair returned at dawn the next day, commercial brush trimmer and eye protection in hand, and got to work. The party was an undeniable success. More than 200 people went home raving about the afternoon, with its delicious wines, bluegrass music, and gourmet tacos served by some of the Bay Area’s most talented chefs. That story tells a lot about Sean. Despite overseeing our acclaimed hospitality and events programs, and leading a team of more than 30 full- and part-time employees, Sean isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and pitch in wherever needed.

Born in Reno, Sean earned both a BA and an MA in sociology from the University of Nevada. After graduation, he spent the next 15 years in the hospitality industry, owning his own restaurant in Reno, and then moving to San Francisco where he worked in high-profile restaurants that included Slanted Door, Delarosa, Noosh, and Belga. Working his way up from bartender to beverage manager, general manager, and ultimately director of operations, Sean became a master of high-touch, detail-oriented customer service.

In 2021, Sean embraced his love of wine and brought his talents to MacRostie, both to be closer to his home and two young children in Santa Rosa and because his wife (who is a luxury wine broker) “didn’t want him coming home at 3 a.m. every night.” Since then, Sean has integrated his knowledge of luxury hospitality into every aspect of the MacRostie experience, while cementing the relaxed, relationship-driven approach that makes the MacRostie Estate House a must-visit wine country destination. “Essentially, our team throws numerous small parties for guests every day. We know and love our members, and always strive to make them feel special—because they are. Sometimes that means writing a personal birthday card or pouring a library wine. Like our wines, our approach is always very thoughtful and intentional.”

When not at MacRostie, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, and collecting vinyl, which has made him the go-to DJ at our staff parties, where he spins records under the name DJ Seano.