Rachel Shelton-O’Brien promoted to Assistant Winemaker
HEALDSBURG, Calif., Sept. 12, 2023 – Rodney Strong Wine Estates (RSWE), one of Sonoma County’s leading family-owned wineries, has announced the promotion of Rachel Shelton-O’Brien to Assistant Winemaker. After working at Trinchero Family Estates and Foley Family Wines, Rachel began her tenure at RSWE in the Spring of 2017 as Quality Control Lab Technician. Her attention to detail and fierce dedication to quality captured the attention of everyone on the winemaking team and she was quickly promoted to Enologist. But it was during the hectic vintage of 2021 that Rachel’s talents were key in assisting RSWE Winemaker Olivia Wright in making the vintage yet another in a long line of successful vintages. In stepping up and embracing new responsibilities Rachel proved invaluable, and her steady performance since has led to her much-deserved promotion to Assistant Winemaker.
As Assistant Winemaker, Rachel will not only be deeply involved in daily winemaking operations, but she will also be responsible for inventory management, act as a key conduit for winery production, compliance, marketing and finance departments, as well as take the lead on communications with RSWE’s custom crush clients, and oversee training and administration of the production lab staff.
Winemaker Olivia Wright has nothing but praise for Rachel, saying, “Anyone who has met Rachel knows she is a first-class go-getter. Her list of achievements during her time at Rodney Strong is extensive. She has always been a steadfast champion for quality and detail orientation, as well as a pleasure to work alongside. Her talents will significantly help us in our pursuit of perfection.”
About Rodney Strong Wine Estates
Rodney Strong Wine Estates is a family-owned wine company that includes Rodney Strong Vineyards, Davis Bynum Wines, Knotty Vines, and ROWEN Wine Company. Rodney Strong sustainably farms 12 estate vineyards and produces wines from Sonoma County’s finest appellations. The winery was founded in 1959 by Sonoma County pioneer Rod Strong as the 13th bonded winery in the county. For over 30 years, RSWE has flourished under the leadership of the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers. The Klein family is committed to protecting and preserving the environment in both the vineyards and at the winery through sustainable and innovative practices. Rodney Strong Vineyards is a family of passionate people committed to crafting premium wines, meaningful experiences, and sustainable leadership in Sonoma County. Learn more at www.RodneyStrong.com
