Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
PHOTO: KARA BLOCK PHOTOGRAPHY INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT APPOINTMENTS The Hess Collection has selected Linda Wish as Western Division Strategic Retail Manager, focusing on major chain accounts in several Western states, including California. She reports to Jill Goodrich-Collas, Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager. Wish arrives at The Hess Collection from Young's Linda Wish. Market Company, where she most recently served as a Key Account Executive managing sales teams in California and Hawaii. She was nominated as YMCO Sales Executive of the Year in 2012 and earlier was Majestic Fine Wine National Chain Account Executive of the Year. Lee Applbaum. Joining chef/owner Robbie Wilson on the floor at Mattei's Tavern are his wife, Emily Perry Wilson, and Ali and Charles Banks. Charles Banks and Chef Robbie Wilson ReOpen Mattei's Tavern L os Olivos, the small township at the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country, recently celebrated the opening of Mattei's Tavern, a restaurant housed in an historic stagecoach stop originally founded in 1886. New owners Charles Banks and his wife, Ali, (Terroir Selections, Mayacamas Vineyards) and Chef Robbie Wilson and his wife, Emily Perry Wilson, have re-imagined Mattei's Tavern, the result of which is a modern, warm and inviting interior that marries a luxe country esthetic with contemporary design elements. A born and bred Texan, Managing Partner and Chef Robbie Wilson has manned the stoves of some of the globe's most lauded restaurants, including Maison Troisgros, Craft and The French Laundry. Wilson also served as Executive Chef of Matsuhisa in Aspen. Wine & Beverage Director Stephane Colling has created an international wine list, featuring local wines, as well as rare and coveted wines from around the world. Lee Applbaum has joined Patrón Spirits as Chief Marketing Officer. Reporting to President, International, and Global COO Dave Wilson, Applbaum will direct all global marketing communications for the Patrón portfolio of ultra-premium spirits. He will replace Patrón's current CMO Matt Carroll, who is retiring at the end of the year. Governor Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr. has appointed 49 year-old Timothy Gorsuch of Folsom as Director of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Gorsuch will oversee a department that is responsible for the administration, licensing and regulation of businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell alcoholic beverages in California. Marc Goodrich has been appointed President of Excelsior Wine Company. Goodrich joins Excelsior Wines from Banfi Vintners, where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. As President of Excelsior Wines, Goodrich now spearheads one of North America's largest and most dynamic wine importers. Excelsior Wine Company is an independent importing, sales and marketing venture established between Concha y Toro and its former U.S. importer, Banfi Vintners. Marybeth Bentwood. Marybeth Bentwood has assumed responsibility as Executive Director at Wines of Chile USA. In her new position, she will be responsible for strategies and programs for the group of 85 member wineries while working collaboratively with importers of these wines. Prior to joining Wines of Chile, she held the role of Director of Public Relations at Kobrand Corp. 12 / the tasting panel / december 2013 TP1213_001-33.indd 12 11/22/13 8:37 PM