News Briefs California
California
Custom crush offers new services
Temecula Valley Winery Management (TVWM), Southern California custom crush, has branched out to set up and manage wine clubs with its proprietary software program; train staff; establish restaurant placement programs; manage special events; ensure regulatory compliance; and market and promote wineries and wines. For details, phone Patrick Bartlett at TVWM, (951) 217-1960 or e-mail pjbartlett1@verizon.net.
Peterson promoted at Ovid
Ovid Vineyards, St. Helena, appointed Austin Peterson assistant winemaker. He's been working with Ovid winemaker Andy Erickson and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland for two vintages.
Rosenblum acquired by Diageo
Diageo has purchased Alameda's Rosenblum Cellars for $105 million. Founding partner Dr. Kent Rosenblum will remain as an advisor and winemaker.
Wine Group launches eco-site
The Wine Group, San Francisco, launched betterwinesbetterworld.com, which documents the cost and carbon savings in a half-dozen packaging categories. The site's emphasis is on bag-in-box wines, which the company claims represent energy savings of 55% over glass bottles.
Sonoma State hosts career night
Sonoma State University's Wine Business program is seeking winery participation in its Wine Career Night on April 8. The goal is to support students who want to work in the wine industry, provide an opportunity for networking with industry professionals and provide insight into the changing aspects of the wine business. Donations of $250 will defray costs; winery supporters will receive booklets of resumes from students interested in jobs or internships, and a table for displaying brochures and marketing materials. Phone (707) 664-2260 or e-mail winebiz@sonoma.edu for details.
Driver program a success in Madera
The program, inaugurated in September by the Madera Vintners Association, rewards designated drivers with thank-you and promotional gifts at each member winery year-round. Dubbed "Designated Drivers--Madera Wine Trail VIPs," the program is in partnership with local government and law enforcement agencies. Learn more at maderavintners.com.
Schroeder promoted at Sea Smoke
Don Schroeder, previously assistant winemaker, was promoted to winemaker at Sea Smoke, Santa Rita Hills, succeeding Kris Curran, who has moved to Foley Estates (see, "The Foley Portfolio"). Longtime general manager and viticulturist Victor Gallegos is now director of winemaking.
Peter Newton died Feb. 4
Napa Valley wine pioneer and founder of Sterling Winery, Newton was 81 years old. The U.K. native and founder of Sterling International paper company, Newton was a World War II veteran who began his love affair with wine at Oxford University. He planted his first 63-acre vineyard at a weekend home in Napa Valley in 1964, and opened the iconic Sterling Winery overlooking the valley in 1969, when it was one of only 29 wineries in California. After selling Sterling to Coca Cola 10 years later, he founded Newton Vineyard in Napa's Spring Mountain District. He is survived by three children and six grandchildren.
Grower Jim Smoot dead at 67
Central Coast grower and viticulture consultant Jim Smoot died Jan. 14 from complications of lymphatic cancer. A graduate of Fresno State, he began growing winegrapes in 1978 in Paso Robles, five years before the AVA was established. Through the years, he consulted for many area vineyards, and managed his own Smoot's Vineyard.
Temecula Valley Winery Management (TVWM), Southern California custom crush, has branched out to set up and manage wine clubs with its proprietary software program; train staff; establish restaurant placement programs; manage special events; ensure regulatory compliance; and market and promote wineries and wines. For details, phone Patrick Bartlett at TVWM, (951) 217-1960 or e-mail pjbartlett1@verizon.net.
Peterson promoted at Ovid
Ovid Vineyards, St. Helena, appointed Austin Peterson assistant winemaker. He's been working with Ovid winemaker Andy Erickson and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland for two vintages.
Rosenblum acquired by Diageo
Diageo has purchased Alameda's Rosenblum Cellars for $105 million. Founding partner Dr. Kent Rosenblum will remain as an advisor and winemaker.
Wine Group launches eco-site
The Wine Group, San Francisco, launched betterwinesbetterworld.com, which documents the cost and carbon savings in a half-dozen packaging categories. The site's emphasis is on bag-in-box wines, which the company claims represent energy savings of 55% over glass bottles.
Sonoma State hosts career night
Sonoma State University's Wine Business program is seeking winery participation in its Wine Career Night on April 8. The goal is to support students who want to work in the wine industry, provide an opportunity for networking with industry professionals and provide insight into the changing aspects of the wine business. Donations of $250 will defray costs; winery supporters will receive booklets of resumes from students interested in jobs or internships, and a table for displaying brochures and marketing materials. Phone (707) 664-2260 or e-mail winebiz@sonoma.edu for details.
Driver program a success in Madera
The program, inaugurated in September by the Madera Vintners Association, rewards designated drivers with thank-you and promotional gifts at each member winery year-round. Dubbed "Designated Drivers--Madera Wine Trail VIPs," the program is in partnership with local government and law enforcement agencies. Learn more at maderavintners.com.
Schroeder promoted at Sea Smoke
Don Schroeder, previously assistant winemaker, was promoted to winemaker at Sea Smoke, Santa Rita Hills, succeeding Kris Curran, who has moved to Foley Estates (see, "The Foley Portfolio"). Longtime general manager and viticulturist Victor Gallegos is now director of winemaking.
Peter Newton died Feb. 4
Napa Valley wine pioneer and founder of Sterling Winery, Newton was 81 years old. The U.K. native and founder of Sterling International paper company, Newton was a World War II veteran who began his love affair with wine at Oxford University. He planted his first 63-acre vineyard at a weekend home in Napa Valley in 1964, and opened the iconic Sterling Winery overlooking the valley in 1969, when it was one of only 29 wineries in California. After selling Sterling to Coca Cola 10 years later, he founded Newton Vineyard in Napa's Spring Mountain District. He is survived by three children and six grandchildren.
Grower Jim Smoot dead at 67
Central Coast grower and viticulture consultant Jim Smoot died Jan. 14 from complications of lymphatic cancer. A graduate of Fresno State, he began growing winegrapes in 1978 in Paso Robles, five years before the AVA was established. Through the years, he consulted for many area vineyards, and managed his own Smoot's Vineyard.
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