Calistoga, Calif. May 11, 2021 – Larkmead Vineyards is pleased to announce that Daniel Stoch has been promoted to Virtual Tasting Manager. This appointment is effective immediately and is a brand-new role at Larkmead Vineyards as the winery strives to meet consumer demand for virtual tasting experiences. Erik Siebelist, former Tasting Room Lead at Larkmead Vineyards, will take over Daniel’s previous role of Tasting Room Manager.
Long known for having an eye toward the future, Larkmead Vineyards is anticipating an increased interest in virtual wine tastings and tours as the world becomes more comfortable with online meeting platforms. With that in mind, Larkmead Vineyards has introduced the Virtual Tasting Manager role, for which Daniel Stoch is a natural fit. In his new position, Daniel will apply his extensive background in hospitality, wine education and drone videography as he shares bespoke wine tasting experiences for virtual visitors near and far. He will also manage member acquisition, develop new virtual experiences, capture extensive drone footage, and support direct-to-consumer wine sales. Daniel will report directly to Victoria Anderson, Client Operations Manager at Larkmead.
“Daniel has played an integral role as Tasting Room Manager at Larkmead Vineyards, especially in March of 2020 when the pandemic began. Larkmead, along with the rest of the industry, had to quickly pivot to virtual tastings,” said Anderson. “During this time, Daniel displayed creativity, leadership, and a true passion for curating member experiences, and we know he’ll bring a wealth of new ideas to our audience as Virtual Tasting Manager.”
Daniel joined Larkmead Vineyards in 2017 as a harvest intern, supporting Larkmead’s winemaker, Dan Petroski, in the cellar. After the 2017 harvest, Daniel joined Larkmead full-time in the tasting room, where he honed his customer service, sales, communications and wine education skills. Daniel was promoted to Tasting Room Manager in July 2020.
“It is an honor to be appointed as Larkmead Vineyards’ first Virtual Tasting Manager,” said Daniel Stoch. “I am looking forward to applying the skills that I have learned at Larkmead during harvest and my time as Tasting Room Manager to engage with and educate more Larkmead members than ever before, which is the beauty of working in a virtual world.”
Virtual tastings with Daniel are now available to all Larkmead Vineyards mailing list subscribers. To join the mailing list and schedule a tasting, please visit www.acquire.larkmead.com/
About Larkmead –
The historic Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned establishments in Napa Valley. Originally founded in 1895, Larkmead is now under the stewardship of proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker. Kate’s parents, Larry and Polly Solari, purchased Larkmead in 1948. Kate spent her childhood in the valley, exploring a bygone Napa dominated by prune and walnut orchards, hayfields, cattle ranches, and acres of empty fields. Her parents were aware of Larkmead’s storied past, and sought to honor its legacy, a philosophy they passed down to Kate and her husband. The Bakers have been the dynamic force behind Larkmead’s transformation from a historic vineyard into a world-renowned wine estate. During the first 10 years of their ownership, they directed a complete replanting of the property, tailoring the selection of varieties, clones, and rootstock to suit the special characteristics of each individual block. In 2005, they built the first phase of a state-of-the-art winery on the property so that each vineyard block could have its own dedicated vinification tank. Designed by architect Howard Backen, an old family friend, the farmhouse and production facility are both classic and comfortable, providing a place for peaceful reflection away from a busy and demanding world. These days, Cam and Kate’s children and grandchildren are often found at the estate, continuing the family tradition at Larkmead into its fourth generation
