Sustainable Napa Valley Winery Appoints Vineyard Operations Leader
April 29th – Rutherford, California – St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of Brenae Royal, Director of Vineyard Operations, effective immediately. Royal assumes overall responsibility for the acclaimed Napa Valley winery’s three Napa Valley vineyard locations, reporting to Michael Scholz, Vice President of Winemaking & Vineyards. Totaling 1639 acres, with 577 developed, all of St. Supéry’s land is certified Napa Green. Holdings include the high elevation Dollarhide Estate Ranch in northeastern Napa Valley, and the two Estate Vineyards in Rutherford. The largest Rutherford Vineyard is also home to the winery, and the newest St. Supéry estate vineyard, located just north of the Winery is planted entirely to Sauvignon Blanc.
Brenae Royal has extensive vineyard operations experience working for the last eleven years with the historic Gallo owned Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, CA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a focus on Crops, Horticulture and Land Resource Management from California State University at Chico. Brenae also has experience in irrigation automation, sustainable and organic farming, and is a Pest Control Advisor. A Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker in 2020, Brenae is an advocate for improving involvement and advancement of Black people in agriculture and winemaking serving as a mentor for Wine Unify and the Roots Fund.
“We are excited to welcome Brenae to the team,” said Michael Scholz, Vice President of Winemaking & Vineyard. “Her experience with old vine parcels and dedication to sustainability will further strengthen our already comprehensive vineyard operations program across the three estates. I am delighted to have her on board with our team.”
Noted Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry, “Our commitment to a 100% estate-grown, produced, and bottled wine estate starts with our people and the land they farm. Brenae is the perfect person to lead our vineyard operations into the future. We are thrilled to have her join our team.”
About St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery
St. Supéry, a CHANEL owned winery, is one of the rare 100% estate-grown wineries and is Certified Napa Green Winery and Vineyard. It is located in the renowned Rutherford growing region in the heart of Napa Valley. The winery specializes in sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and red Bordeaux varietals.
