Co-chairs Hilary Berkey and Emily Byrne set course for 2019 promotions and events
Carneros, Napa and Sonoma, CA, January 29, 2019— The Carneros Wine Alliance, a non-profit association of wineries and grape-growers in the Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) today announced its board leadership for 2019. Hilary Berkey of Vintage Wine Estates and Emily Byrne of Etude Winery have been elected Co-Chairs and will share governance responsibilities. Nichole Peterson of Artesa was elected Vice-Chair, and Carneros Wine Alliance ambassadors Carla Bosco and Crista Johnson will serve as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. Bosco served as board chair in 2017 and 2018, and Johnson was chair in 2016.
Photo by Ashley Teplin
“For more than three decades, the Carneros Wine Alliance has worked to build partnerships and programs that raise awareness for our region,” said Carneros Wine Alliance co-chair Hilary Berkey. “There’s a lot of energy here, with new hospitality experiences, winemaking talent and culinary destinations to share.”
“Our goals for the year ahead are to host some compelling events, bring more visitors to experience our member wineries and tasting rooms, and most of all, to celebrate world-class cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir,” continued Emily Byrne, Carneros Wine Alliance co-chair.
Co-chairs Berkey and Byrne both joined the Carneros Wine Alliance in 2017. Berkey is a Marketing Director with Vintage Wine Estates. She followed a passion for wine from her home state of Oregon to the sundrenched vineyards of South Africa before settling in California. Byrne has a background in art and design but was hooked on wine after working harvest at a custom crush facility. She’s now an Associate Brand Manager for Etude Winery.
Additional board members include Mike Cox, Schug Carneros Estate, and Scott Billeci, ZD Wines, Anne Moller-Racke, The Donum Estate, and Alison Crowe, Garnet Vineyards. All board positions were effective as of January 1, 2019 and continue for one calendar year.
About Carneros Wine Alliance
The Carneros Wine Alliance is a non-profit association of wineries and grape-growers in the Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA). Carneros is located at the crossroads of two major wine regions, the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. A cool-climate appellation influenced by the waters of the San Francisco Bay, Carneros has long been known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine production. The Carneros Wine Alliance is committed to promoting the distinction, diversity and above all, quality, of grapes and wines from Carneros. Visit Carneros.com // @CarnerosWine – Facebook, Twitter, Flickr. and Instagram.
