WOODINVILLE, Wash. (May 8, 2023) – Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest and among the largest premium wineries in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Robert Carruthers as the new Vice President, East Region. In this role Carruthers will lead the company’s sales organization in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and South Carolina.
“We couldn’t be more pleased Robert will hold this essential role,” said Dan Heller, Executive Vice President of Sales for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “This region is imperative to our success, and his vast knowledge of the industry will ensure our continuous efforts in bringing our brands to consumers in this part of the country.”
Carruthers comes to Ste. Michelle with two-plus decades in the wine industry. Most recently he served as a Senior Vice President for National/Strategic Accounts for Foley Family Wines. Previously, he served in leadership roles at Terlato Wines as well as E&J Gallo Winery. Carruthers is a graduate of the University of Georgia and resides with his family in Lexington, South Carolina.
“Rob’s vast knowledge and experience in the industry will ensure our continuous efforts in bringing our brands to consumers in this part of the country” said Russell Motz, Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “His experience with our major distributor partner, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, will be a major asset as we implement our strategic partnership. He will also be a great leader to the sales team.”
Carruthers replaces Derek VanTine who was recently named Vice President of Customer Marketing for Ste. Michelle.
About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is among the largest and most admired premium wine companies in the U.S. and the pioneering winery of the Pacific Northwest. With a distinguished history that began on December 5, 1933 – when the founder filed the original articles of incorporation at 9:02 a.m. on the very day Prohibition was repealed – Ste. Michelle has always challenged convention and seized opportunity.
Principles rooted deeply in executional excellence and relentless focus drive Ste. Michelle’s passion for producing the highest quality wines, dedication to the consumer and a commitment to our communities.
The Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio features the leading wineries from the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Col Solare and Spring Valley Vineyard from Washington; A to Z, Erath, and REX HILL from Oregon; Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Patz & Hall from Napa and Sonoma, respectively; Marchesi Antinori of Italy; and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte of France.
For more on the rich history of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and its entire portfolio of premium wineries, please visit www.smwe.com.
