Spotlight on Leaders at Independent Wine Companies

Following are profiles of the top day-to-day leaders from the Business Journal's lists of the largest independently owned wineries under 100,000 cases, published in March, and the largest wine companies, published in May.

Listed alphabetically by company name.

Tim MatzAccolade Wines349 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 95448, 707-473-2325, accolade-wines.com

Tim Matz has been managing director for Accolade Wines' North American operations since September. He formerly was president of Foley Family Wines, Langtry Estate & Vineyards, Jackson Wine Estates International and North American operations for Southcorp and Fosters Wine Estates.

Making a major entry into the U.S. wine market, Australia-based Accolade at the beginning of June acquired Sonoma County brands Geyser Peak and XYZin plus Napa Valley-oriented Atlas Peak from Ascentia Wine Estates. Healdsburg-based Ascentia started in mid-2008 with the acquisition of eight brands from Constellation Brands and effectively closed this month with sales of brands to Accolade and E&J Gallo.

Accolade itself formed in January 2011 when a fund managed by CHAMP Private Equity of Australia purchased an 80 percent stake in Constellation Wines Australia and Europe from Constellation Brands for A$290 million. The group produces the major wine brand Hardys from Australia and and owns half of Matthew Clark, a major U.K. drinks wholesaler.Hank WetzelAlexander Valley Vineyards8644 Hwy. 128, Healdsburg 95448, 707-433-7209, avvwine.com

Harry "Hank" Wetzel, proprietor and winemaker, and his wife, Maggie, purchased the property in 1962 from the family of Cyrus Alexander, after whom the valley is named. Their oldest son, Hank IV, launched the winery in 1975. Production last year was 135,000 cases.Mike BenzigerBenziger Family Winery1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen 95442, 888-490-2739, benziger.com

General manager, winegrower and Tribute winemaker Mike Benziger and his wife, Mary, co-founded the winery in 1980, and since that time the family business has been a leader in environmentally friendly winegrowing and advocate for Biodynamic farming.

National Resources Defense Council awarded Mr. Benziger its 2010 Growing Green award in the "Water Steward" category, choosing him from 170 industry leaders based on the winery's demonstrated water-efficiency, sustainable water use and the protection of water quality.Jean-Charles BoissetBoisset Family Wines849 Zinfandel Ln., St. Helena 94574; 707-963-6172, boissetfamilyestates.com

Jean-Charles Boisset is president of a Boisset Family Wines, which added the 155-year-old Buena Vista brand to its international portfolio in May 2011 in a purchase from Ascentia Wine Estates. 

The company started in 1980 as the U.S. arm of a large French family wine and spirits operation. The U.S. side of portfolio grew with the acquisition of DeLoach in Russian River Valley and Raymond in Rutherford. The parent company is now Burgundy's largest wine company; France's third-largest, making more than 5 million cases annually; and among the biggest in the U.S. producing about 600,000 cases a year.Mike JaegerC. Mondavi & Sons2800 Main St., St. Helena 94574, 707-967-2200, charleskrug.com

Proprietors Peter Mondavi and sons hired 25-year "mature brand" expert Mike Jaeger, also a senior adviser for Bacchus Capital Management, as chief operating officer of C. Mondavi & Sons in May 2011. His alcoholic beverage industry experience started in 1987 with a dozen years in marketing for Joseph E. Seagram & Sons then Trinchero Family Estates, followed by a dozen years in top management at Constellation Brands, Vincor International, Partida Tequila, Wilson Daniels and C. Mondavi & Sons.

 The Krug brand started in 1861 and was acquired by Cesare and Rosa Mondavi in 1943. At 1.7 million cases of mass-market CK Mondavi and higher-end Charles Krug produced last year, the company is among the North Coast's largest producers.

Roy CecchettiCecchetti Wine Co.P.O. Box 637, Vineburg 95487, 707-996-7221, cecchettiwineco.com

Co-founder and chief executive officer Roy Cecchetti and his wife, Rachael, started the company in 2007. He was part of the Cecchetti Sebastiani Cellars with brother-in-law Don Sebastiani until 2001.

Sales in 2011 grew from the year before by 31 percent to 268,000 cases, the company's fourth straight year of double-digit growth. Sales this year are expected to grow 38 percent to 370,000 cases. Brand case sales last year were 85,000 for Lake County-oriented Line 39, up 37 percent; 152,000 for Redtree , up 11 percent; and 31,000 for year-old Backhouse.John ClewsClos Du Val5330 Silverado Trail, Napa 94558, 707-261-5200, closduval.com

Winemaker and Chief Operating Officer John Clews came to the 60,000- to 70,000-case-a-year winery in April 1999. It's one of five Goelet family wine businesses in the U.S., Australia and France. John Goelet and Bernard Portet started Clos Du Val in 1972, and it was part of the famed 1976 Paris tasting. Wine & Spirits magazine named the company 2010 Winery of the Year.Bruce CohnB.R. Cohn Winery15000 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen 95442, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

Coming from a Russian River Valley goat dairy family, The Doobie Brothers band manager Bruce Cohn started Olive Hill Estate Vineyard in Sonoma Valley 1974 and the winery in 1984. Estate production was 25,000 cases last year.

In 1990, he started an olive oil business and launched a line of gourmet packaged foods in recent years.Jay ShoemakerThe Coppola Companies820 Airpark Rd., Napa 94558, 707-968-1120, franciscoppolawinery.com, inglenook.com

Jay Shoemaker is chief executive officer of The Coppola Companies, the umbrella operation for Francis Ford Coppola's hospitality, entertainment and wine businesses.

Mr. Coppola acquired the Inglenook vineyards in Rutherford in 1975, the chateau two decades later and the Inglenook name from The Wine Group in April 2011. The Rubicon Estate winery in Rutherford was renamed Inglenook.

In 2006 he acquired the Souverain chateau in Geyserville later renaming it Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Annual production is estimated to be about 1 million cases for brands FC Reserve, Director's Cut, Diamond Collection, Rosso & Bianco, Sofia, Votre Sante, Archimedes, Su Yuen and Rubicon.Jay SchuppertCuvaison Estate Wines4550 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga 94515, 707-942-6266, cuvaison.com

Jay Schuppert has been president since 2001. Previously, he was director of marketing and sales. The Schmidheiny family acquired Cuvaison in 1979. In the past few years, the winery has opened tasting rooms in Calistoga and Carneros. Production is estimated at about 60,000 cases a year.

Don "Donny" Sebastiani Jr.Don Sebastiani & Sons135 W. Napa St., Sonoma 95476, 707-933-1704, donandsons.com

Donny Sebastiani, a 1999 business economics graduate, moved up to president and chief executive officer of Don Sebastiani & Sons in 2009 from executive director. 2011 Vintners Hall of Fame winner Don Sebastiani and his sons Donny and August started "Don & Sons" in 2001 as a negociant producer of mass-market stalwarts Smoking Loon and Pepperwood Grove plus edgy brands. The company shipped 1.3 million cases in 2011.

The Other Guys, a sales organization spun off in 2005, shipped 238,600 cases last year, up 40 percent from 2010. The mostly $8 to $12 a bottle brands include Leese-Fitch, MooBuzz, Pennywise and The White Knight and new. A new higher-end rye whiskey called Masterson’s launched last year.Kim WallaceDry Creek Vineyard3770 Lambert Bridge Rd., Healdsburg 95448, drycreekvineyard.com

Kim Wallace moved up to president this year. Her husband, Don, had been president since 2006, up the retirement of her father, David Stare, founder of the first new winery in Dry Creek Valley since Prohibition. The ranch includes 200 estate acres. The winery shipped 110,000 cases last year.

Mrs. Wallace started her career in the fashion industry and returned to the family winery in 1986 as director of marketing. She is credited with influencing the nautical theme to winery branding. Rhonda and Don CaranoFerrari-Carano Winery8761 Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg 95448, 707-433-6700, ferrari-carano.com

Corporate and gaming attorney Don Carano, and his wife, Rhonda, started Ferrari-Carano in Dry Creek Valley in 1981 and released the first vintage in 1985. The family owns 1,400 acres of vines in 19 vineyards in Sonoma and Napa counties. Production is estimated to be around 200,000 cases for the Ferrari-Carano, PreVail, Tresor and Siena brands.

The Caranos also own the Vintners Inn and John Ash & Co. restaurant in Russian River Valley. Mr. Carano built Eldorado Hotel and Casino in Reno in 1973 and jointly created Silver Legacy hotel and casino there in 1992.Bill Foley IIFoley Family Wines10300 Chalk Hill Rd., Healdsburg 95448, 707-657-4837, foleyfamilywines.com

Bill Foley II, chairman of Florida-based Fidelity National Financial and Fidelity National Information Services, formed what is now Foley Family Wines in 1996 with the acquisition of Lincourt Vineyards on the Central Coast.

He has been expanding his wine industry holdings on the West Coast and New Zealand rapidly since 2007, acquiring Sebastiani Vineyards, taking a majority stake in Kuleto in Napa Valley, acquiring a New Zealand wine company, purchasing Chalk Hill in Sonoma County and EOS Estate and last year invested a few million dollars in custom microvintner Crushpad, which is now based in leased space at Sebastiani. Global production totaling 950,000 cases last year.Louis M. FoppianoFoppiano Wine Co.12707 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg 95448, 707-433-7272, foppiano.com

Louis M. Foppiano is chairman of the pioneering pinot noir and petite sirah Russian River Valley winery. He is great-grandson of Giovanni Foppiano, who started in 1896. The winery is supplied by 115 acres of vines and produces roughly 30,000 cases a year.

The Foppiano family is preparing for ongoing leadership. Todd Arterburn joined in 2008 as chief operating officer and now is president.

Jonathan FreyFrey Vineyards14000 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley 95470, 707-485-5177, freywine.com

Jonathan Frey, general manager, was the founding winemaker of the 31-year-old organic and Biodynamic wine specialist in Mendocino County's Redwood Valley. The winery produces more than 80,000 cases of wine from 128 acres of vines.

Jonathan, Matthew and Paul Frey, the eldest of 12 children, opened the winery in 1980. Jonathan Frey trained younger brother Paul in winemaking, so he could assume the role of general manager.

Mr. Frey also is co-founder and vice president for energy of Willits-based Renewable Energy Development Institute.Gina GalloGallo Family Vineyards845 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 95448, 707-431-5500, gallosonoma.com

Gina Gallo is granddaughter of Julio Gallo, co-founder of the world's second-largest wine company, Modesto-based E&J Gallo. Ms. Gallo joined the family business in 1991 in sales and learned winemaking. She and her winegrower brother, Matt, oversee North Coast production, estimated to be around 3 million cases, made from 3,000 acres of vines.

Global production for the world's largest wine company is estimated to be around 80 million cases. Early this month, Gallo purchased Washington state brands Columbia Winery and Covey Run from Ascentia Wine Estates.Tom BurnetGloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards23555 Hwy. 121, Sonoma 95476, 707-996-7256, gloriaferrer.com

In November 2009, the Ferrer family appointed Tom Burnet president of Freixenet America, which oversees Freixenet USA, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards and Victoire Imports. The Ferrer family started the winery in 1982 and built the facility in 1986. Last year, Gloria Ferrer produced about 125,000 cases of sparkling and still wines from 385 acres.Dennis GrothGroth Vineyards & Winery750 Oakville Cross Rd., Oakville 94562, 707-944-0290, grothwines.com

Accountant and former high-tech executive Dennis and Judy Groth started Groth Vineyards in 1982. Mr. Groth, president, has been involved in sustainable business standards for the industry. The operation has 137 acres of vines and last year shipped nearly 73,000 cases of wine.Gary BulgerThe Hess Collection4411 Redwood Rd., Napa 94558, 707-255-1144, hesscollection.com

Switzerland-based Hess Group named Gary Bulger president in July 2009. He has been at the winery for 15 years, starting as central region sales manager.

The winery has more than 750 acres of vines in Napa Valley and Monterey County and produced an estimated 650,000 cases in 2010. The winery operates out of the former Christian Brothers Mont La Salle winery and a newer winery and barrel-aging facility in American Canyon. The company is employing environmentally friendly systems, such as wastewater treatment, grazing instead of mowing and solar power.

Agustin F. HuneeusHuneeus Vintners, LLC1040 Main St., Napa 94559; 707-967-1601, huneeuswines.com

Agustin Francisco Huneeus, son of Chilean wine icons Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, operates Huneeus Vintners along with President Jim Harris and managing director Jim Sweeney.

The father operated Franciscan Estates from the mid-1980s until Constellation Brands acquired the fine wine portfolio, which included Quintessa in Napa Valley and Veramonte in Chile, in 1999. The son was promoted to president of the group in 2000 and stayed until 2003, when he left to start Huneeus Vintners.Kathryn LindstromJ Vineyards & Winery11447 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg 95448, 707-431-5400, jwine.com

Chief Executive Officer Judy Jordan launched J in 1987 with help of her father, oilman and vintner Thomas Jordan Jr. She appointed Kathryn Lindstrom general manager and chief financial officer in mid-2006 and promoted her to chief operating officer at the beginning of this year. Previously, Ms. Lindstrom held senior finance and administrative posts at Peter Michel, Arrowood, Robert Mondavi Corp. and Opus One. The winery annually produces more than 80,000 cases of sparkling and still wine.Rick TignerJackson Family Wines425 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa 95403, 707-544-4000, kj.com

Rick Tigner has been president of the 5 million-case-a-year global wine company since May 2010. He has been in the wine industry for a quarter century, including two decades in management of Jackson wine divisions and companies plus stints at Miller Brewing, Gallo and Louis M. Martini.

Mr. Tigner garnered nationwide attention for the wine industry and the company after being featured earlier this year on CBS' Undercover Boss television show, working covertly as an assistant vineyard manager, truck driver, mobile bottling line supervisor and salesperson.

Jackson vineyard holdings in California total 14,000 acres, including 4,300 in the North Coast. Production last year was 5.5 million cases.John JordanJordan Vineyard & Winery1474 Alexander Valley Rd., Healdsburg 95448, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com

Jordan Oil & Gas Co. owner Thomas Jordan Jr. opened the winery in 1976 and produced about 100,000 cases of wine last year. His son, John, a partner in Santa Rosa law firm Smith Dollar, has been the top executive of the chateau-like winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley since fall 2005.Bill PhelpsJoseph Phelps Vineyards200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena 94574, 707-963-2745, jpvwines.com

Bill Phelps, an investment banking attorney for 20 years, moved to Napa Valley in 1998 to help his father, Joseph Phelps, with the acquisition of land on the Sonoma Coast for Freestone Vineyards, which opened in fall 2007. The elder Phelps launched the winery in 1972, and the younger became president in 2008.

Gary HeckF. Korbel & Bros.13250 River Rd., Guerneville 95446, 707-824-7000, heckestates.com

The Heck family in 1954 acquired Korbel Champagne Cellars, established in Russian River Valley in 1882. Gary Heck became president in 1982 and chairman in 1984. Heck Estates portfolio includes still and sparkling wines and brandy, producing 2.3 million cases last year from 1,400 acres of controlled vines. Brands include Korbel, Kenwood Vineyards, Korbel California Brandy, Valley of the Moon, Lake Sonoma, King's Ransom and Pininfarina.

On March 30, the company announced it was entering talks to sell the Kenwood brand to New York-based importer Banfi Vintners, and the sale was expected to close this month.Easton MansonLangtry Estate & Vineyards21000 Butts Canyon Rd., Middletown 95461, 707-987-2385, langtryestate.com

Easton Manson is chairman of Langtry Estate & Vineyards, a 150,000-case-a-year winery with 400 acres of grapes in on a 23,000-acre property in Lake County's single-vintner Guenoc Valley winegrowing region. He's also president of Malulani Investments, a Hawaii-based firm that acquired Langtry Estate, formerly called Guenoc, in 1963.Randy and Megan MasonMason Cellars714 First St., Napa 94559, 707-255-0658, masoncellars.com

The Masons, known for their sauvignon blanc, started the brand in 1993. That was the same year Randy Mason started Napa Wine Co. in Oakville and ran it for nine years. Annual production is more than 50,000 cases.Kevin ShannonMountain View Vintners1660 Second St., Ste. B, San Rafael 94901, 414-898-6778, mountainviewwines.com

Kevin Shannon started Mountain View Vintners in 1978 as one of California's first negociants, or wineries without their own vineyards. The company shipped nearly 87,000 cases in 2011 and has created hundreds of labels for restaurants, hotels, retailers and wine clubs since its founding.John TracyOwl Ridge WinesP.O. Box 1514, Sebastopol 95473, owlridge.com

Retired optics physicist John Tracy acquired the Greg & Greg high-end custom winery in 2005 and Sonoma Grapemasters vine-to-bottle custom wine service in 2007. Of more than 50,000 cases produced in 2011, 20,000 were for Mr. Tracy's labels Owl Ridge and Willowbrook Cellars.

Jim PedroncelliJ. Pedroncelli Winery1220 Canyon Road, Geyserville 95441, 707-857-3531, pedroncelli.com

Jim Pedroncelli first started with sales and marketing duties in 1957. In 1963 he and brother John Pedroncelli Jr. purchased the winery from their father, who started the Dry Creek Valley winery in 1927. The winery shipped 59,000 cases 2010 from 105 vineyard acres.Marcus SeidenRiver Road Vineyards5220 Ross Rd., Sebastopol 95472, 707-887-8130, riverroadvineyards.com

Brothers Gary and Steve Mills started the more than 40,000-case-a-year Russian River Valley winery in the late-1970s. Ron Rubin, owner of Novato-based The Republic of Tea purchased the winery in December and appointed Marcus Seiden general manager in February.

Mr. Seiden had been with Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines in Napa since 2003, starting as a North Coast grower relations manager and rising to senior manager of supply strategy, directing winegrape and bulk-wine sourcing.Tom KleinRodney Strong Wine Estates11455 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg 95448, 707-433-6511, rodneystrong.com

Tom Klein assumed leadership of the family agribusiness in 1984, and in 1989 Klein Foods acquired Rodney Strong Vineyards. The company upgraded the winery energy efficiency and high-end production, shifted to Sonoma County grapes, launched popular premium–tier Sonoma Vineyards and acquired Davis Bynum. The company produced 1.1 million cases in 2011 from 965 acres of vines.Christopher SilvaSt. Francis Winery & Vineyards500 Pythian Rd., Santa Rosa 95409, 800-543-7713, stfranciswine.com

Joe Martin and Lloyd Canton started St. Francis in 1979 and appointed Christopher Silva president and chief executive officer in 2003. He was chief operating officer for four years before. The winery produced 270,000 cases in 2011 from 600 acres of vines. Emma SwainSt. Supery Vineyards & Winery8440 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford 94573, 707-963-4507, stsupery.com

Skalli Family Wines Americas, which started the winery in 1988, named Emma Swain chief executive officer in 2009. Previously, she oversaw Sebastiani Vineyards from 2001 until Foley Family Wines acquired it in 2009 and has been credited with turning around the brand. St. Supery produced 127,000 cases in 2011 from 525 acres of vines.

Tom DaviesV. Sattui Winery1111 White Ln., St. Helena 94574, 707-963-7774, vsattui.com

Tom Davies is president and managing partner of Dario Sattui's wine interests since 1980. Mr. Sattui revived the 1885 brand V. Sattui Winery in the late 1970s. V. Sattui produces nearly four dozen wines, and nearby landmark Castello di Amorosa makes more than a dozen. Production was more than 50,000 cases in 2011 from 230 vineyard acres, and it's sold via the tasting room and Internet.Hugh DaviesSchramsberg Vineyards1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga 94515, 707-942-6668, schramsberg.com

Hugh Davies, son of founders Jack and Jamie Davies, has been president and chief executive officer of sparkling wine house Schramsberg Vineyards since 2005. The winery produces more than 60,000 cases of sparkling wine and a few thousand cases of J. Schram and Schramsberg Reserve still wines.Axel SchugSchug Carneros Estate Winery602 Bonneau Rd., Sonoma 95476, 800-966-9365, schugwinery.com

Axel Schug joined the winery full time in 1990 became managing partner in 2007 upon the retirement of his father, Walter Schug who started the winery in 1983. The winery shipped 38,000 cases in 2011 and farms 42 vine acres.David DuncanSilver Oak CellarsP.O. Box 414, Oakville 94562, 707-944-8808, silveroak.com

President and Chief Executive Officer David Duncan oversees high-end cabernet sauvignon producer Silver Oak Cellars, started by his father, Ray, and Justin Meyer in 1972. The Duncans started Twomey Cellars in Calistoga in 1999 and acquired Monument Tree Vineyard in Sonoma County for Twomey. The winery controls 350 vine acres and shipped 90,000 cases in 2010.Russ WeisSilverado Vineyards6121 Silverado Trail, Napa 94558, 707-257-1770, silveradovineyards.com

General Manager Russell Weis joined Silverado in 2004 senior vice president for international business development. Ron and Diane Miller, son-in-law and daughter of Walt Disney, bought Silverado in 1978. The winery was completed in 1983, and it produced more than 50,000 cases in 2011 from six family-owned vineyards totaling 400 acres.

Dennis CarrollSonoma Wine Co., Purple Wine Co.P.O. Box 390, Graton 95444, 707-938-9229, purplewine.com, sonomawineco.com

Dennis Carroll is president and chief operating officer of custom vintner Sonoma Wine Co. and president of sister organization Purple Wine Co., which produces the brands Avalon, BEX, Blue Jean, Mark West, Rock Rabbit and Four Vines, acquired late last year. Sonoma Wine has seven North Coast facilities, making 2.8 million cases last year for 30 clients, including 1 million cases for Purple Wine.Steve TylickiSteele WinesP.O. Box 190, Kelseyville 95451, 707-279-9475, steelewines.com

Since 2002, General manager and viticulturist Steve Tylicki has managed 68 acres of vines in Lake and Mendocino counties and the former Konocti winery for winemaker Jed Steele, who started the company in 1991. In 2010, 58,000 cases of Steele, Shooting Star, Writer's Block and Styme were shipped.Mike Tierney and Mike MartiniTaft Street Winery2030 Barlow Ln., Sebastopol 95472, 707-823-2049, taftstreetwinery.com

President Mike Tierney and former Santa Rosa Mayor Mike Martini started the winery with family members in 1982 in an Oakland garage in the 1970s. The winery makes more than 40,000 cases a year.

In the current economy, maintaining a direct-sales staff over the last nine months has been the best way for an independent winery to compete in the current economy, according to Mr. Tierney.

"Retailers and restaurateurs alike want to know their suppliers and appreciate direct contact," he said. "It's hard work, but it pays off."John TrefethenTrefethen Vineyards1160 Oak Knoll Ave., Napa 94558, 707-255-7700, trefethen.com

John Trefethen's parents purchased an abandoned winery in 1968. Today, he operates the winery with his wife, Janet, chief executive officer. The first wines appeared in the early 1970s. The winery produced 51,000 cases in 2011.Bob TorkelsonTrinchero Family EstatesP.O. Box 248, St. Helena 94574; 707-963-3104; tfewines.com

Since 2004, Bob Torkelson has been president and chief operating officer of Trinchero Family Estates, one of the largest U.S. wine companies shipping last year 16.5 million cases of Sutter Home, Trinchero Napa Valley, Montevina, Terra d'Oro, Folie à Deux, Menage à Trois, Napa Cellars, Trinity Oaks, dealcoholized Fre and imports Angove's, Reynolds Vineyards and Little Boomey wines of Australia. The company also produces wines for retailers and celebrities.

Pat RoneyVintage Wine Estates205 Concourse Blvd., Santa Rosa 95403, 707-921-2600, vintagewineestates.com

Managing partner Pat Roney, veteran of top-executive wine and retail positions, and Leslie Rudd have acquired or taken a stake in several North Coast wineries in the past few years: Girard, Grove Street, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Fire Station Red, Windsor Sonoma, Windsor Vineyards, StoneFly Vineyards and Cosentino Winery, Cartilidge & Browne and International Wine Accessories. The group produced more than a half-million cases of wine in 2011.

In July 2011, Vintage acquired the 100,000-case-a-year Cartilidge & Browne brand from Greenfield Wine Co. for an estimated $4 million to $6 million.Richard Bruno and Chris CondosVinum Cellars135 Camino Dorado, Ste. 6, Napa 94558, 707-254-8313, vinumcellars.com

Winemakers and University of California, Davis, alums Richard Bruno, Don Sebastiani & Sons winemaking director from 2001 through 2009, and Chris Condos started Vinum Cellars as a side project in 1997 to make high-quality affordable wines. Some of the nearly 20,000 cases shipped last year were traditional varietal wines retailing for $10 to $12 a bottle.Tom Leonardini Sr.Whitehall Lane Winery1563 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena 94574, 707-963-9454, whitehalllane.com

Businessman Tom Leonardini Sr. purchased Whitehall Lane Winery in March 1993 from the Finkelstein family of Judd's Hill and Napa Valley MicroCrush. Since then, Mr. Leonardi has upgraded the more than 40,000-case-a-year operation, including a new barrel-aging facility and winemaking equipment.Ken and Diana WilsonWilson Artisan Wineries8015 Hwy. 128, Healdsburg 95448, 707-433-3303, sodarockwinery.com/wilson-artisan-wineries

Ken and Diane Wilson have been building a group of North Coast wineries, called Wilson Artisan Wineries, adding Pezzi King in Dry Creek Valley in March. Mrs. Wilson is an avid runner and makes wine for three of the brands. The portfolio now includes Wilson Winery, Mazzocco-Sonoma and Pezzi King in Dry Creek Valley, Matrix in Russian River Valley, deLorimier and Soda Rock in Alexander Valley, Jaxon Keys in Mendocino County and Blackstone in Sonoma Valley.

Before the Blackstone deal, total case production exceeded 50,000 cases a year, and the family owned 500 acres of mountain vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

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