DeLong to Lead DTC Programs for Far Niente, Dolce, Nickel & Nickel, EnRoute and Bella Union Wineries
Oakville, Calif. January 21, 2020 — Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards (FNFWV), announced today the appointment of Vida DeLong to the role of Vice President, Direct to Consumer Sales. A 26-year veteran of winery consumer direct businesses, DeLong was most recently Senior Director, Consumer Experiences at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, overseeing direct to consumer (DTC) programs at wineries in Napa Valley, Oregon and Washington. In her new role, DeLong will manage DTC sales at the luxury group’s wineries which include Far Niente, Dolce, Nickel & Nickel and Bella Union in Napa Valley, and EnRoute in Russian River Valley.
“I am delighted to be a part of the Far Niente Family and have the opportunity to support and grow such a dynamic channel within this iconic group of wineries,” said DeLong.
DeLong takes over the position originated by Mary Grace, currently serving as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Grace, who developed the company’s in-house Marketing and Communications team, was appointed in 2016 to directly manage DTC sales across the FNFWV wineries. Having driven significant growth in the channel, Grace will now focus on expanding marketing programs and driving consumer awareness of the portfolio in both the DTC and wholesale channels.
DeLong also joins Bruce Mooers, President of Sales, who oversees the company’s national and international wholesale businesses, to round out the sales and marketing senior management team.
“The combination of Vida DeLong, Mary Grace and Bruce Mooers – three well-respected industry veterans – leading our sales and marketing strategy provides the Far Niente Family with an exceptional opportunity to grow on a very strong base and position the wineries for future success,” said Steve Spadarotto, CEO.
FNFWV currently operates visitor centers that offer consumer experiences by-appointment at Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel wineries in Oakville, as well as wine club, ecommerce and private client services programs across the five wineries in the portfolio.
About Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards – farniente.com
Far Niente was established in Oakville, CA in 1885 and prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when the winery ceased operation and the estate was abandoned. Sixty years later, in 1979, the old stone shell of a winery underwent a three-year renovation, which restored the building to its original, 19th century grandeur. During restoration, the name “Far Niente,” which romantically translated means “without a care,” was found carved in stone on the front of the building.
Far Niente helped create the high-end Napa Valley wine market and has served as the benchmark wine estate for more than three decades. Dolce, the only North American winery devoted to a single-late harvest Napa Valley wine was introduced in 1989. Nickel & Nickel, launched in 1997, is focused on producing single-vineyard, 100 percent varietal, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. EnRoute, established in 2007 in the Russian River Valley, is dedicated to the appellation’s Pinot Noir. Most recently Bella Union, devoted to Napa Valley Cabernet and located along Bella Oaks Lane in Rutherford, introduced its first wine with the 2012 vintage. Together with Vinescape, its vineyard management arm, the wineries comprise the Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards.
