Founders
These three founders are inseparable. Not only do they work together, they live on the south-facing hillside of Rivaura vineyards. Ron Sr. and his sons, Ron, Jr., and Reece, grew up here at Arrow near Juliaetta with a set of values that made them trusted neighbors, excellent employers and hard-working, regular guys. Their grit and foresight helped them continue to evolve and diversify their business ventures in a manner that created pathways for each to pursue goals independently while collaborating as one family enterprise. Rivaura is the latest manifestation of the Hewett's determination to do everything to a high standard in a humble, fiercely devoted way.
Vince Hewett
Winemaker and Vineyard Operations
Vince earned his Bachelor of Science in Integrated Plant Science (Viticulture and Enology) with a minor in Horticulture from Washington State University in Spring 2019. He has a deep passion for plant and soil sciences, with particular interest in biochemistry-related processes that influence vine health and wine quality.
Driven by a desire to fuse science and functionality through research and experimentation, Vince’s approach is a natural fit for winegrowing and winemaking. As he transitioned from academics to hands-on application, he brought with him a strong foundation of practical experience.
Vince’s industry background includes several years working at Rivaura, his family’s estate vineyard and winery in Juliaetta, Idaho, as well as hands-on experience gained during his college studies at Muret-Gaston Winery, Sagemoor Vineyards, and Artifex in Eastern Washington. He is the son of Founders Ron, Jr. and Jane Hewett and contributes a thoughtful, science-driven perspective to Rivaura’s winemaking team.
Lane Hewett
Winemaker and Director of Operations
Lane’s involvement with Rivaura began long before he earned his Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Viticulture and Enology from Walla Walla Community College. From the earliest days of groundbreaking and vineyard planting through harvest and crush, he worked alongside his parents and extended family, gaining hands-on experience at every stage of the winery’s development.
His professional experience includes two years as Cellar Master at Vale Wine Company and Hat Ranch Winery in Caldwell, Idaho, which was named 2019 Idaho Winery of the Year, as well as a harvest internship in 2016 at Saviah Cellars in Walla Walla, Washington. Lane’s background spans winemaking, vineyard practices, marketing, and accounting, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both production and operations.
Lane is the son of Founders Reece and Shannon Hewett and brings a deep understanding of Rivaura’s history, land, and vision to his role as Co-Winemaker.
Shannon Hewett
Bookkeeping & Operations
Shannon plays a central role at the heart of the business, serving as Bookkeeper and Tasting Room Manager and acting as a key connection between Rivaura, its guests, fellow AVA members, and regional partners. Her presence in the tasting room helps ensure every visitor experience reflects the winery’s values, hospitality, and deep sense of place.
She earned her Viticulture Certificate from Washington State University in 2015 and holds a degree in Business Administration from Walla Walla Community College, bringing together vineyard knowledge with strong operational and customer-focused leadership.
Shannon is the wife of Founder Reece Hewett and the proud mother of four boys—Lane, Co-Winemaker at Rivaura, along with Mason, Cooper, and Sawyer. Outside the winery, she can often be found cheering from the sidelines at football and hockey games or track meets. When she finds time for herself, Shannon enjoys running, reading, and sharing a great glass of wine with friends and family.
Cooper Hewett
CDA Tasting Room Manager
Cooper is a key member of the Rivaura team at the Coeur d’Alene Tasting Room, where he brings energy, hospitality, and a genuine passion for connecting guests with Rivaura’s wines and story. As the son of Founders Reece and Shannon Hewett, Cooper grew up surrounded by the rhythms of vineyard and winery life, developing a deep appreciation for both the craft and the community behind the bottle.
A graduate of the University of Montana, Cooper combines a strong work ethic with an approachable, guest-focused style in the tasting room. Outside of work, he is an avid sports fan and athlete, often spending his free time staying active and enjoying the outdoors—values that align naturally with Rivaura’s sense of place and lifestyle.
Whether welcoming first-time visitors or longtime club members, Cooper is dedicated to creating a relaxed, memorable tasting experience that reflects Rivaura’s commitment to quality, family, and hospitality.
Yashodhan Naravane ('Billo')
Yashodhan Naravane ('Billo') provided consulting winemaking and viticulture services to Rivaura from 2015 to 2024. He is a member of the Institute of Masters of Wine (MW), which is a professional organization of unsurpassed international reputation. He was selected in 2017 for this prestigious honor bestowed on only 382 individuals working in 30 countries worldwide.
Billo is also the owner and winemaker of Rasa Vineyards, an artisanal, world-class winery that he founded with his brother in Walla Walla, WA. He attended UC Davis and earned an MS in Viticulture and Enology in 2008. In addition to his duties at Rasa Vineyards, he loves to help other serious wine aficionados realise their artistic visions for their wines and grapes.
Josh Larson
Resident Sommelier & Sales Director
Josh serves as Rivaura’s Certified Sommelier, Event Coordinator, and Wholesale Account Manager. With over two decades of experience in hospitality along with multiple sommelier certifications, he focuses on wine education, relationship-driven sales, and creating memorable guest experiences. Working closely with the winemaking and tasting room teams, Josh translates vineyard practices, varietal expression, and cellar decisions into structured, educational tasting experiences that highlight balance, structure, and site character, while communicating Rivaura’s story—from vineyard to glass. Known for his approachable, down-to-earth style and attention to detail, he is dedicated to building meaningful connections with guests, trade partners, and the broader wine community.