Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1050740
18 / the tasting panel / november 2018 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Cork Producer Parramon Passes 25-Million Mark with No Reports of TCA S ince launching its Protocol Zero program two years ago, Catalonian cork producer Parramon has sold more than 25 million corks without any returns due to TCA. "We were the first cork company to incorporate TCA testing for every cork as a standard procedure," says owner Francesc Parramon. The brand focuses on premium natural corks and works at a more meticulous pace than larger industrial producers. "This allows for continuous in-line screening of all corks rather than batch-by-batch selection," Francesc explains, adding that this milestone cements Parramon's reputation for unblemished, dependable, and TCA-free corks. For more information, visit parramonexportap.com/en. Steve Peck will replace Jeff Meier as Director of Winemaking for J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Names Steve Peck as Director of Winemaking J . Lohr Vineyards & Wines announced in September that Steve Peck has been promoted from Winemaker, Red Wines, to Director of Winemaking. In his new role, Peck will lead the family-owned and -operated winery's five-tiered winemaking program at its Paso Robles and Monterey County winer- ies. Peck will succeed Jeff Meier, who has been with J. Lohr since 1984 and has served as COO, President, and Director of Winemaking since 2013. Since joining J. Lohr in 2007, Peck has made some of the most highly rated wines in the company's history, earning a reputation as one of the Central Coast's most respected winemakers. In 2016, Peck was honored as Winemaker of the Year at the San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards. "Steve's love of innovation and experimentation, along with his remarkable winemaking skill, have helped to set new benchmarks for quality and creativity at J. Lohr," Meier says.