The Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, announced the class of 2012 Vintners Hall of Fame inductees. They include Eugene Hilgard, Joe Heitz, Peter Mondavi Sr., Myron Nightingale, John Parducci, Richard Sanford and Albert Winkler. An induction celebration will be held Feb. 20. Details: ciachef.edu/california/vhf.asp.

O’Shaughnessy names commercial director
O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery in Napa Valley appointed Luke Russ to the position of commercial director. Russ will be in charge of creating business strategy, sales team management, direct sales and branding of the wines produced by the winery. Russ began his wine career in the cellar before advancing to winery management and sales. Most recently, Russ served as vice president of sales/west for B.R. Cohn Winery. Details: oshaughnessywinery.com.

Metz to lead organization
The Mendocino Winegrape and Wine Commission (MWWC) promoted Megan Metz to executive director, according to Rich Schaefers, chairman of the board. Metz is responsible for the full-time management of the commission, staff and MWWC’s educational and promotional programs. Metz has been MWWC’s acting director of marketing and communications since February 2011. Details: mendowine.com.

New director for Paso Robles
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors announced the hiring of its new executive director, Jennifer Porter. A marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience, Porter was selected for the lead role following a nationwide search. She started work in November 2011. Details: pasowine.com.

Relaunch of Echelon Vineyards
The new national brand division of Winery Exchange announced that it is revitalizing the Echelon Vineyards brand by introducing a new tier of wines, the Collection Series, and by presenting a more focused California Series featuring a narrower varietal selection. Details: echelonvineyards.com.