Vintner Visionaries: Faces That Frame Our Winemaking LEgacy
Paul Nabor, Vigneron/Vintner
The face and spirit of Estancia Nabor is Arizona native, Paul Nabor. Paul traveled for the first time to Argentina in 2013 where he backpacked all over the country, falling in love with its scenery, culture, food, people, and, of course, the vino. Before this, he insisted and accepted the fact he just “wasn’t a wine drinker”, until he had his first sip of Argentine Malbec at Don Julio Steakhouse in Buenos Aires. On this fateful night, after polishing off a bottle as a newly proclaimed wine lover, he announced he would one day own a vineyard in Mendoza and retire there. A few short years later, Paul is making his dream come true…
In the fall of 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Paul lost his livelihood in his long time home of St. Thomas, USVI. This time period of uncertainty and rebuilding was the catalyst for planning his future and by December 2017 he started contacting realtors online in Mendoza. In February 2018, with nothing but high hopes and determination, he bought a site unseen that would one day be Estancia Nabor. That summer, Paul traveled with his close friends from St. Thomas to San Rafael, Mendoza, and stepped foot onto his vineyard for the first time. He could simply tell you the rest is history, but that doesn’t accurately describe the unique journey its been learning about the international wine business and its many intricacies, winemaking, and, most importantly, understanding the beauty of Argentine wine culture on a deeper level.
Ever since 2018, Paul has split his time between St Thomas, U.S.V.I., and traveling to Argentina to visit the winery & vineyard at Estancia Nabor in San Rafael, Mendoza. On the bottle of Malbec that changed his life back in 2013, Paul scribbled the phrase “Viva La Vida” which describes the entire ethos of the Estancia Nabor brand. He wanted to make wine to enjoy with the people we love while appreciating the life we have.
Nicole Freeman, Managing Partner
An integral part of Estancia Nabor Vineyards, Nicole Freeman joined the family business as Managing Partner in 2023. Like her brother, Paul Nabor, Nicole hails from Arizona, and shares his deep connection to their roots. While Paul discovered his passion for Argentine wine through his travels, Nicole found her calling in helping to steer the operations and ensuring the continued success of their vineyard.
Having always been close to the family business, Nicole decided to bring her expertise in management and logistics to support Estancia Nabor. Her role focuses on overseeing the daily operations in the U.S., ensuring everything runs smoothly from afar. Nicole's hands-on approach and attention to detail complement Paul’s visionary leadership, making her an invaluable partner in running the vineyard.
With the same ethos of “Viva La Vida” that inspired the creation of Estancia Nabor, Nicole embraces the joy of working alongside her brother and cherishes being part of the unique journey of the vineyard. Together, they continue to grow the legacy of Estancia Nabor, creating wines that celebrate life, love, and family.
Aziz Abdul, Winemaker
Aziz Abdul is the owner & winemaker of Chateau Hana, the friendly neighbor of Estancia Nabor. Born in South Vietnam then living later in India, Aziz studied mathematics & computer science in France before delving into winemaking. His time in France peaked his curiosity of wine culture and the magic that happens in the vineyards and the cellar. On a holiday to Patagonia in October 2007, Aziz quickly understood why Malbec had such international recognition; he opened his eyes to the prospects of Argentina as his next step in the wine world. Established in 2008, Château Hana is considered a boutique winery not only because of the scale, but because of the care put into the craft - its also right next to his house. Aziz brings this mentality to the wines made for Estancia Nabor, close to home and made with care. Paul and Aziz met in the beginning process of Estancia Nabor and realized they both had the same vision of life & wine: it’s about the people we share it with.
Mauro Ortega, Export Partner
In 2022, when Paul was in Mendoza visiting the vineyard & winery team, he met his export & shipping partner, Mauro. Born and raised in San Rafael, Mauro initially went to school to study wine and then decided to pursue a career as an English teacher. His job continues to take him all over the world, but Mauro wants to stay as close as possible to his family and community in beautiful San Rafael. With Paul & Mauro partners in their exporting business together, it is now possible to share Estancia Nabor vines outside of Argentina.
Michèle Baker, General Counsel & Legal Affairs
Michèle Baker, a trusted friend of Paul Nabor, became the General Counsel for Estancia Nabor Vineyards in 2023. Though she now resides on the island of St. Thomas, where she and Paul first met, Michèle’s journey has taken her through various paths before settling in the Virgin Islands. In addition to her role with Estancia Nabor, she is the proprietor of Baker Law P.C., where her expertise in law has flourished.
Her connection to the vineyard goes beyond professional duties—Michèle has visited Paul in Argentina, experiencing the vibrant culture and wine traditions that inspire Estancia Nabor. Michèle's legal expertise, combined with her deep friendship with Paul, makes her a trusted advisor and key figure in the company's operations. Like Paul, she shares the vineyard’s ethos of embracing life and savoring the moments that matter.
C.S. Corbin, Artistic team
C.S. Corbin is a multidisciplinary artist based in Washington, DC, and a dear friend & former roommate of Paul. When Corbin moved to St Thomas in 2015 for a new job in wine distribution and needed a place to live, they serendipitously met Paul who happened to be looking for a roommate. From then on, Corbin & Paul’s house was consistently filled with laughter, friends, good food, and flowing wine. They traveled together to San Rafael where
Corbin got to witness Paul fulfill his dream as a vineyard owner. After St Thomas, Corbin became a Cellar Master at an urban winery in DC and also helped manage a wine shop that focuses on wines produced in Latin America. Since 2020, Corbin has been working as an artist full time and was ecstatic to bring their wine knowledge and artistic direction to help create the brand identity of Estancia Nabor.
Stefano Cacciavillani Photographer/Videographer Artistic team
Stefano is our resident photographer & videographer who not only captures the essence of our wine but the beautiful landscape surrounding our vineyard in San Rafael. Stefano specializes in filming and editing, digital marketing, and all things photography.
He has worked & lived in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, then made his way back to Mendoza, Argentina where he currently resides. Throughout his career as an entrepreneur he has had an array of successful projects due to his proactivity and unique artistic approach. Stefano crossed paths with Paul when he was capturing Paul’s best friend, Mark, proposing to his now fiancé in Buenos Aires.