Carmen Castaldi will step down from his role effective April 1, 2024
HEALDSBURG, Calif., March 20, 2024 — Today, Rodney Strong Wine Estates (RSWE) – the family-owned, Sonoma County wine company that includes Rodney Strong Vineyards, Davis Bynum Wines, and ROWEN Wine Company – announced that President Carmen Castaldi will retire at the end of March after almost 20 years with the company.
“We, at Rodney Strong Wine Estates, are incredibly grateful to Carmen for his hard work and dedication over the past two decades,” said Bob Corkern, Chair of the RSWE Board of Directors. “Carmen is a unique and talented leader, responsible for many of the company and brands’ accomplishments throughout his time with us.”
During Castaldi’s tenure, RSWE acquired and launched several great brands and wines, doubling its case production. He was instrumental in revitalizing the company’s infrastructure by completing numerous winery and vineyard improvements, resulting in a higher quality product and Rodney Strong being named American Winery of the Year in 2013 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Castaldi also invested in RSWE’s future by negotiating long term partnerships with key collaborators across the United States.
“After over 40 years in the wine business, half that span at Rodney Strong, I am fortunate to have seen many accolades earned during my tenure, but I am most proud of hiring and retaining some of the most talented people in the world of wine,” said Castaldi. “I am supremely confident that they will carry on and achieve great things for Rodney Strong Wine Estates in Sonoma County and beyond.”
Castaldi will not be going too far and will serve as Senior Advisor to The Board. Rodney Strong Proprietor Tom Klein states, “After an amazing career, on behalf of my entire family – we would like to wish Carmen the very, very best on his next chapter.”
RSWE also announced the promotion of Anthony ‘AC’ Capobianco to Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Capobianco, along with Tobin Ginter, Chief Financial & Operations Officer, and Justin Seidenfeld, Senior Vice President of Winemaking & Winegrowing, will collaboratively oversee operations and lead the organization moving forward.
“The deep knowledge and experience individually and collectively of AC, Tobin and Justin at Rodney Strong Wine Estates is outstanding and promises to be a dynamic, enthusiastic, and dedicated trio taking our company into the future,” exclaimed Corkern.
About Rodney Strong Wine Estates
Rodney Strong Wine Estates (RSWE) is a family-owned wine company that includes Rodney Strong Vineyards, Davis Bynum Wines, Knotty Vines, Upshot Wines, and ROWEN Wine Company. RSWE sustainably farms 12 estate vineyards across almost 1,200 acres 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. RSWE is a family of passionate people committed to crafting premium wines, meaningful experiences, and sustainable leadership in Sonoma County. Learn more at RodneyStrong.com.
