Our Family

Family and community are behind everything we do at VentiSei. Our founder is raising his family next door to where he proudly sells his wine. With his family, Denny worked tirelessly to turn an old church into the gathering place you see today. His brother-in-law acts as CFO and his wife, Raquel, brought it all together with our logo – and, more importantly, provided motivation, support and inspiration while we made our dream a reality. Below, find more information about some of our key players.

Denny Flora

VentiSei founder and Chief Executive Officer, was born and raised in New Castle, where his large family has always done their part to make a difference as educators and local leaders. He grew up on Warren Ave before becoming a standout football star at New Castle High School. After attending Westminster College, Denny returned to New Castle to teach sixth grade at New Castle Elementary, becoming more deeply involved with the community as a business owner and eventually buying the local staple Mariarcher’s Tavern, which he reopened as the successful Twenty-Six Bar and Grill as a homage to his family number. During that time he met his future wife, Raquel, who went to Shenango and teaches Senior High Art at New Castle High School. They have 2 children Apollonia and Arsenio. The opening of VentiSei Winery represents the culmination of his personal dream of working with his family pursuing his passion.

Rick Flora

The VentiSei winemaker. He has spent his entire life in New Castle and nearby Shenango, where he and his high school sweetheart raised their three children and today enjoy their grandchildren. Rick worked on the Pennsylvania turnpike for his entire 36-year career, and has coached multiple youth football and track teams – including coaching the [TEAM] to the county championship when Denny played. When Denny introduced Rick to winemaking, he revealed a natural talent and intense interest. Rick has continued educating himself on the finer points of wine production, and with his exceptional wines, has helped to create an experience his entire family can enjoy and share with the rest of the community.

A.J. Quahliero

Chief Financial Officer, has more than a decade of diverse business experience – developing and executing sales strategies for several high-profile grocery and convenience store operations, including Red Bull and Giant Eagle. He is responsible for financing and administration for the winery and contributes to overall sales and marketing initiatives. A native of the Shenango area, he is of course also part of the VentiSei family in more ways than one, as Denny’s brother-in-law and proud uncle to Denny and Raquel’s two young children. A.J. earned his bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College and his Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Today, he resides in Pittsburgh and enjoys frequent trips home to visit his niece, nephew and extended family in the New Castle area.