Jessica Valenzuela and Shane Owens Join Plata Wine Partners
Napa, CA, May 17, 2022 — Plata Wine Partners, California’s largest independent grape grower and a leading strategic brand producer, launches into full-blown expansion mode with the addition of two new hires to its core team. Jessica Valenzuela joins Plata in the newly created role of Production Planning Manager, with Shane Owens appointed to the new post of National Strategic Accounts Director, East.
The appointments coincide with the promotion of veteran winemaker Alison Crowe from Director of Winemaking to Vice President, Winemaking, and Maria Janovich, formerly Controller at Plata Wine Partners, to Director of Finance & Accounting. Crowe’s career at Plata dates to the company’s founding in 2005. Janovich joined Plata from the vineyard side of the business in 2017, with 10+ years’ experience managing revenues.
Valenzuela will head up production planning and procurement, with an emphasis on expanding Plata’s operations team. Her dual background in business and wine production includes a strong track record of increasing efficiency and overseeing large projects. During a prior four-year tenure at Amici Cellars, Calistoga, Valenzuela led the transition to a high-speed bottling facility that reduced bottling costs, reformed label purchasing, and minimized cost volatility by revising bulk wine production contracts. Previously an enologist at Saintsbury Winery in Napa-Carneros, Valenzuela cut her teeth at CADE Winery (Angwin) and Groth Vineyards & Winery (Oakville). Valenzuela, who grew up in nearby Walnut Creek, is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University.
Owens, whose responsibilities include extending Plata Wine Partners’ East Coast presence, was formerly with Seattle-based Precept Wine. During his 10 years at Precept, Owens rose from handling the Southeast territory to strategic accounts director for the East Coast. He was named National Salesperson of the Year, 2016. Prior to Precept Wine, Owens spent four years with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in the capacity of state manager, North and South Carolina. A proven mentor, Owens has established strong relationships over the years with key accounts and distributors, plus a wealth of experience selling diverse products, from private label to core brands to alternative closure items.
“Jessica and Shane will not only help manage and build on the significant growth we have sustained to date, but also shepherd the company in a constantly changing business environment. We welcome these two talented individuals on board.” — Plata Wine Partners President & CEO Scott Smith.
Plata Wine Partners has been producing fine wines since 2005. With over 60 vineyards covering 18,000-plus acres of premium coastal California terroir, Plata delivers consistent quality and wine style every vintage. Plata’s 70+wine portfolio offers wines from Napa Valley, Alexander Valley, Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Monterey, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara. Clients include national retailers, restaurant groups, hotel chains, distributors, and wineries. In 2018 Plata was presented with Total Wine & More’s “Award of Excellence.” For more information, visit PlataWinePartners.com
