Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/11486
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Beefeater Summer Edition Gin B eefeater Summer Edition is a lighter style gin, created with the nine natural botanicals sourced from around the world that are used in Beefeater London Dry gin, with the addition of three new English-inspired additions: elderfl ower, black currant and hibiscus. It is distilled to a lighter 40% alcohol by volume compared to Beefeater’s standard 47% abv. Beefeater Summer Edition gin is available at retail this month and through the end of summer. The limited release will be supported with customized merchandising materials including case bins, shelf talkers, case cards and drink recipe neckers. Available in a 750 ml. size only, with a suggested retail price of $19.99. Beefeater is imported by Pernod Ricard USA. APPOINTMENTS Westerly Vineyards is proud to announce the appointment of Vito Gambini as President. Gambini will be focusing on developing a new strategic business plan along with owners Neil and Francine Afromsky and winemaker Kirby Anderson while creating synergy with Westerly’s distribution network. The winery is located in the Happy Canyon appellation of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. Gambini has over 20 years of experience serving in a variety of Vito Gambini. senior management positions with Spectrum Foods Inc, R.H. Phillips Wine Company, Vincor USA, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery and Leucadia Cellars and Estates LLC. Jim DeBonis, CEO of Ascentia Wine Estates, is proud to announce the promotion of Ondine Chattan to the head winemaking position at Geyser Peak Winery. Chattan’s 15 years of winemaking experience include ten at Geyser Peak and lead winemaker for XYZin, which is also produced at the Geyser Peak winemaking facility. Ondine Chattan is now head of winemaking at Geyser Peak. Beefeater Summer Edition is a limited-release gin with elderfl ower, black currant and hibiscus. Wente Family Estates recently announced an organizational update at the 127-year-old family-owned and -operated company. The Board of Directors continues with the solid anchors of fourth-generation Eric, Philip and Carolyn Wente as fi fth-generation fam- ily members Karl and Christine join the collab- orative effort. Carolyn Wente, fourth- generation winegrower and Vice Chair, assumes the role of CEO. Arthur Jeanett, EVP & CFO; Kevin Zollinger, EVP of Winegrowing Operations; Amy Hoopes, EVP of Global Sales & CMO has oversight for the global sales teams, retail sales and hospitality businesses. All three EVPs will report directly to Carolyn Wente. Reporting to Hoopes will be David Kelly, formerly VP of Retail National Accounts, promoted to SVP of National Sales. Doug Johnson joins him as VP of On-Premise National Accounts, and Michael Parr has been appointed VP of International Sales as part of Hoopes’ overarching experienced sales team. Karl D. Wente, fi fth-generation winegrower, is promoted to Senior VP, and Fourth- and fi fth-generation Wente family mem- bers, left to right: Philip, Christine, Karl, Carolyn and Eric. Lisa Bates to SVP of Human Resources. Maintaining her position as SVP of Hospitality, Christine Wente will have the added responsibility of direct management of the four Livermore valley tasting rooms. 12 / the tasting panel / june 2010 PHOTO: PETER GRIFFITH