Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/14611
ANNOUNCEMENT Karen Hunt Named President of DAOU Vineyards In Praise of Karen Hunt “It is very exciting to see what is happening with DAOU,” notes Brad Vassar, Executive VP/GM of Southern Wine & Spirits of America. “Since day one, Georges and Daniel Daou have been very seri- ous about producing world-class wines, and now by hiring Karen Hunt they have proven they are very serious about having a great organization as well. We have worked with Karen for a number of years and she has great energy, a strong work ethic and a passion for the business that rank her among the best in the wine industry.” “Congratulations to Karen Hunt on her ascen- sion to the presidency of DAOU Vineyards,” says Mel Dick, President of the Wine Division for SW&S of America. “We at Southern Wine & Spirits have had the pleasure of working closely with Karen in her leadership roles with Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Charles Krug. She is a great professional and I wish her well.” Atop DAOU Mountain—the highest point in the Adelaida region of Paso Robles—DAOU Vineyards proprietor/winemaker Daniel Daou with newly appointed winery President, Karen Hunt. D AOU Vineyards, producers of some of Paso Robles’ fi nest wines, has announced the appointment of Karen Hunt as President of the winery. Hunt, a 20-year veteran in sales and marketing, was recently VP/Sales for the Francis Ford Coppola winery. Her career also included VP/Sales at Charles Krug (Napa) and consumer marketing experience at Ben & Jerry’s and M&M Mars. Hunt brings with her tremendous relationships with distributors and buyers across the U.S. DAOU Vineyards is the Paso Robles AVA on California’s Central Coast, home to some of the State’s most unique terroir. Owned by brothers Daniel and Georges Daou, the winery has received high praise from wine writers and buyers. “Karen Hunt brings a unique blend of talents and values to the DAOU Family Vineyards. Her experience, dedication to the industry as a whole and love for our wines makes her our number-one can- didate to lead us into a becoming a global brand for the demanding wine consumers,” offers Georges Daou; “Daniel and I welcome her with open arms to our family.” www.daouvineyards.com “Karen Hunt worked for me for over fi ve years; she was my best business manager and consistently exceeded our expectations,” points out Bob Spence, VP of Sales for M&M Mars. “Even back then, she had a passion and desire to learn about wines, so it is no surprise that DAOU has also recognized her talents, her passion and commitment to success and made her President of this fi ne company.” “I have tasted the wines in bottle and I am even more excited about the wines in progress at Daou,” asserts Scott McLeod, winemaker for Rubicon Estate. “Without a doubt, DAOU Vineyards will rise to the top of the pack in Paso Robles within fi ve years and they will be regarded as one of California’s top Cabernets, regardless of origin.” Bill Cascio, VP Director of Winery Relations, Glazer Family of Companies, states, “As a major fi ne wine distributor, we were very lucky to ‘discover’ DAOU early in their development of producing world-class wines from Paso Robles. With their recent announcement of Karen Hunt as President of the business, we could not be more pleased with the direction, quality and commitment this winery is making to create a portfolio of luxury wines.” Jerry Greenfi eld, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, thinks Hunt is the cream of the crop. “I will never forget the efforts of Karen Hunt while she worked for us at Ben & Jerry’s and can only imagine what her strengths will do for the Daou brothers as they launch their brand globally. She’s a terrifi c fi nd for them and I wish them all the luck in the world.” 2 / the tasting panel / august 2010 PHOTO: DEBORAH DENKER