LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA—July 7, 2021 – Wente Family Estates, the longest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the country, is pleased to welcome Steve Rinn, Vice President Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Division, and Kate Cavanaugh, Vice President National Accounts. “Wente Family Estates has experienced significant growth in the market over the past few years. We are taking the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives, energy, and skillsets to continue the momentum behind our portfolio of brands,” said David Enderle, Chief Sales Officer.
Steve Rinn (left) and Kate Cavanaugh (right)
Steve joins Wente Family Estates with more than 20 years of industry experience. Steve has a strong history of success in leadership roles with E&J Gallo and Constellation Brands, and as extensive distributor experience with Young’s Market Company and Johnson Brothers. Across leadership roles at E&J Gallo and Constellation Brands, Steve oversaw business in many states across the U.S., including, Northern and Southern California, Hawaii, Iowa, Washington State, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest. In Steve’s time at Constellation Brands, Steve partnered with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in the state of Florida, managing the Off Premise business. Most recently, Steve was the General Manager/National Sales Manager for a Washington state winery. “Steve’s experience managing sales in many states across the country and his familiarity with the inner workings of Southern Glazer’s primes him to succeed as he takes over 23 critical states for Wente Family Estates. His depth of knowledge and leadership style will be incredibly beneficial to the company,” says Enderle.
Kate comes to Wente Family Estates with 19 years of wine industry experience with Ste Michelle Wine Estates and E&J Gallo Winery. Kate began her wine career with E&J Gallo Winery in the management training program and progressed through various roles, including sales, distributor management, and account and category management. During Kate’s time at Ste Michelle Wine Estates, she managed an array of distributors and markets on the East coast before transitioning to a leadership role in off-premise chain account sales. Over the past five years, Kate managed a high-performing team that worked directly with over 20 off-premise chain customers. Kate is currently pursuing an MBA at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, affirming her commitment to personal growth. “Kate shows natural leadership and a strong understanding of the off-premise national account business. We are excited for the perspective and account relationships Kate brings to the team and see lots of success for her future,” says Chris McCallister, Senior Vice President National Accounts.
About Wente Family Estates
Wente Family Estates was established by Carl H. Wente who came to California as an immigrant 138 years ago. The company portfolio includes Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine, Angels Ink, and Double Decker brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines distributed in all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 10% of California wineries that meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation for being certified in both winery and vineyard operations. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.
Wente Family Estates is among the top 30 wineries in the United States from the standpoint of production and distribution. The winery has a brisk domestic business and a significant share of the export wine market, where the wines have enjoyed international acclaim for decades. Wente Family Estates is also a leading export company, selling wines to 75 countries globally.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards’ best practices, outstanding wines, and wine country experiences. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
