About
Thief & Barrel
Who we are?
Thief & Barrel has always been a central part of the broader vision of Wine Resources LLC. Many talented boutique and small-lot winemakers, including garagistes, create exceptional wines but often struggle to find a platform to showcase, pour, or sell them. With the demands of their full-time jobs, limited time, and the high costs of starting a wine business, many winemakers feel overwhelmed and undercapitalized.
Thief & Barrel was created to address these challenges. We provide boutique wineries with a place to call home—or even a second tasting room—to help them reach a wider audience.
Our mission at Thief & Barrel is to offer a diverse selection of wines to suit various palates while introducing our guests to new wines and winemakers. We are a winery and tasting room dedicated to offering exceptional wine options along with a touch of education to enhance your experience.
Since 2017
Our History
DiMaggio Washington
Wine Educator/ Winemaker
DiMaggio Washington brings over 30 years of experience in the wine industry. In 1997, he opened Valencia’s first wine bar, followed by The Cellar Wine Bar & Restaurant in 2010. He developed and launched the wine program at College of the Canyons, where he taught for 20 years, and also instructed at other educational institutions such as Le Cordon Bleu Culinary, AV College in Lancaster, and The Learning Tree. DiMaggio’s ventures extend to importing French and Italian wines, and he currently owns a local vineyard where he produces his own wine.
Before transitioning into the wine world, DiMaggio had a successful career as an electrical aerospace engineer.
DiMaggio holds several esteemed certifications, including UCLA’s Certified Vintage Wine Program, UC Davis’s Small Vineyard and Wine Program, Court of Masters (International), and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust, International).
His passion for wine education inspired him to publish a book, World Wine Education, designed for students, hobbyists, and wine lovers alike. He also offers a range of classes, including Wine Appreciation, Food and Wine Pairing, Home Winemaking, Hospitality and Service, and customized wine courses upon request.
Barbara Moran
Owner
Barbara Moran has spent over 30 years working with startups and mid-sized businesses but entering the wine industry was a new and exciting challenge for her. While consulting, she was presented with the opportunity to become a partner in a startup winery and tasting room. In 2017, Wine Resources and Thief & Barrel opened their doors, marking the start of a new chapter.
Since then, Barbara has embraced a steep learning curve in the world of wine. Every day is a mix of learning and applying her extensive background in business, marketing, sales, and management. From understanding the intricacies of grape varietals and winemaking techniques to navigating the ever-evolving trends in wine appreciation, she’s been fully immersed in the industry.
Her responsibilities span much more than business management. Barbara oversees all social media strategies, crafting content to engage wine enthusiasts and attract new customers. She coordinates events and promotions, from intimate tastings to larger community celebrations, ensuring that every event is a memorable experience. Training staff is another key aspect of her role, making sure the team is knowledgeable, approachable, and equipped to provide excellent service in the tasting room.
Barbara is not afraid to get her hands dirty, either. She’s involved in all facets of the winemaking process, whether it’s harvesting grapes, working in the winery during crush, or even bottling the finished product. This hands-on experience gives her a deeper connection to the product and the people who enjoy it, making her journey into the wine industry both dynamic and rewarding.