Woodinville, Wash.—Doug Gore, executive vice president of winemaking vineyards and operations for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates announced his retirement after a 36-year career with the state of Washington’s largest wine producer. A California native, Gore relocated to Washington to join Chateau Ste. Michelle’s winemaking team. He was named winemaker for the fledgling Columbia Crest winery within a year, and his responsibilities later grew to include all vineyards and wineries that Ste. Michelle owns across Washington, Oregon and California. “I worked with Doug for my entire 34-year career at Ste. Michelle, and I am very grateful for his immense contributions to our company and to the Washington wine industry,” said Ted Baseler, former President and CEO of Ste. Michelle. “I must say, however, that I am even more grateful that Doug will be joining me regularly on the golf course very soon.”

Juan Muñoz-Oca; currently vice president of winemaking for overseeing 14 Hands, BORNE of Fire, Columbia Crest, INTRINSIC, Northstar and Spring Valley Vineyard; has been named executive vice president of winemaking, vineyards and operations responsible for all of Ste. Michelle’s facilities; effective Jan. 1. Muñoz-Oca will report directly to the company’s new president and CEO Jim Mortensen. Bob Bertheau, currently vice president of winemaking overseeing Chateau Ste. Michelle and Col Solare, has been promoted to senior vice president of winemaking, effective Jan. 1. Bertheau will report to Muñoz-Oca.