Wine Institute

In Memoriam: Wine Institute VP of Communications and Member Relations Natalie Wymer Natalie Wymer, Wine Institute’s vice president of communications and member relations, passed away on June 23, 2024, at age 63, after a courageous battle with cancer. Natalie was a beloved team member and an inspiration for her kindness, camaraderie and collaborative spirit. Before joining Wine Institute in April 2021 she was vice president of global corporate communications at SunPower, a Silicon Valley-headquartered solar, storage and services company. Among other accomplishments in her career, Natalie also had extensive federal and state government experience. She served in the Clinton/Gore administration, including as communications director for the White House Climate Change Task Force; director of public affairs in the U.S. Department of Energy under Secretary Bill Richardson; deputy chief of staff to U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich; and press secretary for the Denver Summit of the annual G-8 meeting. A passionate alumna of The Ohio State University (and an avid fan of its Buckeyes football team), she began her career working in Ohio government, including for the governor, attorney general and economic development department. Natalie is survived by her husband Kevin Duffey of St. Helena, her parents Paul and Barbara Wymer of Upper Sandusky, Ohio and brother Nathan, sister-in-law Beth and nephew Zachary Wymer of Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BreakthroughT1D.org (formerly JDRF) and the UCSF Gastrointestinal Cancer Fund. https://lnkd.in/gihPRGVR https://lnkd.in/gSREju9a

Matt Gallo of Gallo Vineyards Elected 2024-25 Wine Institute Chairman Matt Gallo, vice president and general manager of Gallo Vineyards, Inc., headquartered in Modesto, was elected Wine Institute Board chairman for the 2024-25 fiscal year at the organization’s 90th Annual Membership and Board of Directors Meeting in Lodi June 9-11, 2024. Other officers elected were Robin Baggett of Alpha Omega Winery in St. Helena and Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo, first vice chairman; Gretchen Roddick of Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, second vice chairman; Ben Dollard of Treasury Wine Estates America, treasurer; and Ed Matovcik of Constellation Brands, secretary. Robert P. Koch is president and CEO of Wine Institute. https://lnkd.in/gY69M5pb #CAwine

Justin McGuirk Named Wine Institute Vice President and General Counsel Wine Institute today announced the promotion of Justin McGuirk to vice president and general counsel, effective immediately. McGuirk previously served as Wine Institute’s senior counsel. “Justin has done a tremendous job during his time at Wine Institute,” said Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. Koch. “His experience and expertise will continue to be invaluable to our members on a wide range of key public policy and legal issues in his elevated role of general counsel.” Prior to joining Wine Institute in September 2021, McGuirk was a senior associate in the San Francisco office of the law firm Reed Smith, where he worked for nearly seven years representing and counseling wineries, food and beverage companies and other clients across a range of legal matters. https://lnkd.in/gjVQZpTV

Wine Institute Highlights Critical Issues Facing Wine Sector During Annual Washington Meeting California vintners were in Washington, D.C. recently for three days of advocacy targeting key legislators and regulators as a part of Wine Institute’s annual trip to the nation’s capital. The delegation used the opportunity to educate key government stakeholders on a range of priority issues including the upcoming 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, the Farm Bill and expanding market access for U.S. wine exports in key markets around the world. https://lnkd.in/d6VShgCC #CAwine #winepolicy #CAwineexports

While the number of states that allow beer to be shipped directly to consumers isn't large, that was the also true for wine 15 years ago. Learn more about the path to opening up states to allowing wine #DtC at CBC later this month with Sovos ShipCompliant's Alexander Koral and Wine Institute's Steve Gross.

Earlier this week the Wine Institute and California Sustainable Winegrowing Association teams joined together in Monterey, California for a work retreat and holiday gathering; a joyous opportunity for connection and team building in a beautiful location!  #californiawine

We are excited for our 3rd U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit (April 30 - May 1, 2024) in Lodi, California. A hybrid option will be available Day 2 (May 1) for those unable to attend in person. Stay tuned for more agenda details including speakers. The 2024 Summit is hosted by: California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance California Association of Winegrape Growers LIVE Certified LONG ISLAND SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING INC Oregon Wine Board Washington Winegrowers New York Wine & Grape Foundation Washington State Wine Commission and Wine Institute. Ready to register or interested in becoming a Summit sponsor? Visit: https://lnkd.in/dtH59Rf Photo: Page 149 of the Nov/Dec The Tasting Panel Magazine issue.

California Vintners Report Exceptional Quality for 2023 Harvest California vintners are celebrating the 2023 vintage as exceptional, following a late start to harvest. Plentiful winter rains revitalized the soils and encouraged healthy canopies while cooler temperatures across California in spring and summer allowed grapes to develop gradually, enjoying extra ripening time. Many vintners predict that the 2023 vintage will be one of the finest in years, producing wines with beautiful flavors, vibrant acidity and remarkable balance. Read more: http://bit.ly/23harvest #californiawine #2023harvest

Thanks to NVV for their partnership in hosting our international friends!

Get your applications in! #californiawine #sustainability #greenmedal