RUTHERFORD, CA (June 14, 2022) – Established in 1938, fourth generation family-owned and operated Terlato Wines today announced the appointment of Michael Coode to the role of Winemaker at Rutherford Hill Winery.
2022 is not only the Winery’s 50th anniversary, but also the start of a new era for Rutherford Hill. This spring, Rutherford Hill will leverage their 50 years of expertise by relaunching the entire brand. This will include refined brand positioning, elevated packaging across all tiers, 360° marketing campaigns, a major capital expenditure at the winery’s legendary tasting and picnic areas and the hiring of Michael Coode as winemaker who will be responsible for setting the direction and future style of Rutherford Hill’s wines.
In addition, the winery is renaming their Mee Lane Vineyard in Rutherford as the AJT Vineyard, in honor of the Terlato’s late Father — Anthony J. Terlato — who realized his dream of becoming a vintner in 1996 with the purchase of Rutherford Hill Winery. As part of the brand’s relaunch, two new SKU’s will be released next year: AJT Sauvignon Blanc ($36) and AJT Cabernet Sauvignon ($70).
Gaspar Roby, Vice President of Winemaking and Viticulture for Terlato Wines said, “This is a pivotal time for Michael to join Rutherford Hill. It’s very important that we honor Rutherford Hill’s past as we continue to embrace and invest in our future. Michael’s vast global experience along with his facility and people management skills will prove invaluable as we enter the next chapter of Rutherford Hill’s story.”
Coode’s experience spans 18 harvests across four countries and has resulted in the development of several outstanding products and brands. His experience includes tenure at the world-renowned Chateaux Margaux in Bordeaux, Paul Jaboulet Aîné in the Rhône Valley, Inglenook in Napa Valley, Inniskillin in Niagara, and Wolf Blass in Adelaide. Prior to joining Rutherford Hill, Coode worked at Rombauer and E&J Gallo.
The decision to join Rutherford Hill was an obvious choice for Coode. “Rutherford Hill is an iconic winery in an idyllic location. I’m looking forward to working with such a dynamic and experienced team and learning about the many unique attributes this property has to offer as we set out to make world-class wines together.”
Coode has a Masters of Wine Business from the University of Adelaide and Bachelor of Applied Science in Wine Science from Charles Sturt University and resides in Angwin with his wife and two Labrador Retrievers.
Additionally, Terlato Wines also announced the appointment of Chris Wilder to the role of Supply Chain Director.
Wilder will be responsible for procurement, inventory management, supply planning and logistics across the organization and will support our Winery, Vineyard, Production and DTC teams.
Wilder brings 19 years of experience in supply chain planning and logistics management. For the past 6 years, Wilder worked for Francis Ford Coppola Winery as Purchasing Manager. Prior to that, he worked for Java City Inc. in Sacramento for 15 years as District Manager and Director of Procurement.
Gaspar Roby said, “We are delighted to welcome Chris to the team. I am confident he will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to Terlato, while also ensuring increased levels of quality and service throughout the entire supply chain.”
Both Michael Coode and Chris Wilder will report directly to Gaspar Roby and both will sit on the Winery Leadership Team.
About Terlato Wines
Terlato Wines has a portfolio of more than 85 wine brands from world class wine producers in more than a dozen countries and is the leading marketer of wines $20 and up in the U.S. Terlato Wines garners more 90+ ratings than any wine company in the world and is a division of the Terlato Wine Group, the parent company comprising several small businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. Owned and operated by the Terlato family for four generations. For more information, please visit www.terlatowines.com.
Rutherford Hill Winery was not founded until 1976. I know that as I was there for the first nine years