Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
12 / the tasting panel / july 2009 A beauty drink that helps fi ght the signs of aging caught our ed- itor's attention before the latest release of her favorite Napa Cab. Glowelle purports to nourish skin from the inside out, with vitamins and botanical and fruit extracts. P recept Wine Brands' Founder and CEO, Andrew Browne and his founding partner, Dan Baty, have hired Mike Williamson (former CEO of Long Shadows Winery) as the new President and Chief Operating Offi cer of their Seattle-based wine company, now the largest privately owned wine company in Washington State. "Mike is an incredible asset that any organization would want to have on their team," says Browne. "He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and background that will allow Precept to grow for years to come and achieve our desired goals." As the fi rst President and COO for Pre- cept Wine Brands, Williamson will over- see the company's day-to-day operations and direct reports from all department Senior Vice Presidents. "Mike is a 'get it done' guy who will complement the Precept team and make our company stronger," says Baty. Williamson is no stranger to working with Browne and Baty, having teamed up with the two when he joined Corus Brands, Inc. (Columbia Winery, Covey Run, Alice White) in 1998. B ertrand de Fleurian, who has been with Laurent-Perrier since 1987, recently relocated to New York as President of Laurent-Perrier U.S. Bertrand comes to the States after holding positions as General Manager of Salon and Delamotte cham- pagne and, since 1997, General Manager of Maison Laurent-Perrier. Beginning in June 2001, de Fleurian slowly took on the responsibility of the Swiss subsidiary of Laurent-Perrier. Justin Kleineider joins Laurent-Perrier U.S. as the Southwest Regional Manager. Formerly with The Estates Group/ Young's Market Com- pany, Domaine Select Wine Estates and, most recently, Grgich Hills Estate Winery, Justin is a Certifi ed Sommelier and Certifi ed Specialist of Wine.—Allison Levine In Memoriam Jean Hugel J ean Hugel, longtime head of Hugel & Fils, passed away on June 9 at the age of 84. Born in 1924 in Riquewihr, where his family had produced wine since 1639, Hugel (familiarly known as "Johnny" to wine lovers worldwide) directed the impor- tant Alsace house between 1948 and 1997 with his brothers Georges and André. He was largely re- sponsible for the reconstruction of Alsace after WWII, and particu- larly championed the region's sweet wines. Hugel & Fils is currently directed by Hugel's nephews, Jean-Philippe, Marc and Etienne. Glowelle Bertrand de Fleurian (left) and Justin Kleineider (far right) of Laurent-Perrier USA visit Anthony Dias Blue for a tasting of their champagnes. Industry Spotlight The Precept Team (from left to right): Kirk Brewer, Sr. VP Sales; Andrew Browne, Founder & CEO; Ben Hummer, Sr. VP Operations; Alex Ootkin-Evans (seated), Sr. VP Marketing; Phil Kazanjian, Sr. VP Finance and new COO & President Mike Williamson. Jean Hugel. L uxco Spirited Brands announc- es the appointment of Andrew Pfeff er as West Coast Division Manager. A 30 year veteran of the Wine & Spirits business, Andrew has prior experience which includes Siku vodka, Racke USA and Sebastiani Vineyards. He is responsible for California, Nevada and Hawaii. Andrew Pfeff er. F lora Springs Vineyard Manager and cofounder Pat Garvey has instigated a campaign to go organic in their 650 acres of vineyards within just a few years. Currently 20% are certifi ed organic, and another 240 acres will be certifi ed this year; all are 100% sustainable. Now that the third generation is taking the helm, led by Pat's son Sean Garvey, a fresh outlook prevails, with creativity and commitment to carry on Flora Springs' tradition of consistently well-crafted wine. PHOTO: ALLISON LEVINE PHOTO: STEPHANIE CRISTALLI Flora Springs