Richard Arrowood is moving full time to 3,000-case, Amapola Creek, Sonoma, leaving his longtime role of winemaster at Glen Ellen’s 21,000-case Arrowood Vineyards & Winery. He and his wife Alis founded Amapola Creek on 110 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains in 2007.

Chappelle is Quivira winemaker  
Hugh Chappelle, formerly at 10,000-case Lynmar Estate, joined 13,000-case Quivira Vineyards & Winery, another Russian River Valley icon.

Placer County gets organized

Eight of Placer County’s 20 wineries have formed the Placer County Vintners Association, published a map and are hosting special events this month. Details: placerwine.com.

San Jose airport lands wine bar

The improved Mineta San Jose International Airport includes the Santa Cruz Wine Bar in Terminal B, featuring premium wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Personnel business at Wine Institute  

Joe Rollo, the Wine Institute’s director of international trade for 22 years, retired in June. Attorney Tom LaFaille was appointed director of international trade policy. Linsey Gallagher remains director of international marketing. Britta Purcell was promoted to coordinator, member relations.

Welch goes to Barbour

Winemaker Celia Welch joined 500-case Barbour Vineyard Wines, Napa. Welch serves as winemaker for Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming, Lindstrom, Hollywood and Vine and her own label, Corra.

Epoch move for Fiorentini

Jordan Fiorentini was appointed winemaker at 100-case Epoch Estate Wines, Paso Robles, which just released its inaugural 2007 vintage. Previously, he was director of winemaking at 40,000-case Chalk Hill Estate, which was recently acquired by Foley Estate.

Santa Maria issues wine booklet

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau published a free 16-page booklet, “Santa Maria Wine Country: A Guide to Local Wineries and Restaurants.” Order or download at santamaria.com.