Strategic appointments strengthen hospitality operations and elevate guest experience
June 27, 2025 (Arroyo Grande, CA) — Laetitia Vineyards & Winery announced a strategic expansion of its direct-to-consumer (DTC) operations with three key leadership appointments, positioning the winery to capture greater market share and deepen guest engagement through its hospitality-driven sales channel. The move reflects Laetitia’s renewed focus on company culture, operational excellence, and long-term brand loyalty.
Eric Hickey, General Manager, appointed Kasey Helt as DTC Director, Gabi Maitia as Wine Club Manager, and Daniel Rivas as Tasting Room Manager.
“These positions are key to our success and renewed company culture,” said Hickey. “Cultivating local talent to lead our DTC efforts is core to our legacy at Laetitia. We want our guests to celebrate life’s special moments and experience great service while enjoying Laetitia wines.”
“Kasey brings a deep understanding of the Central Coast wine industry and a passion for creating meaningful guest experiences,” said Hickey. “Her leadership is instrumental as we elevate our direct-to-consumer program and continue building lasting relationships with our customers.”
Meet the Team
With nearly two decades of wine hospitality experience, Kasey Helt joins Laetitia as the DTC Director. A Cal Poly graduate with a background in wine production, tasting room operations, and wine club development, Kasey brings both strategic insight and heartfelt passion to the role. “The opportunity at Laetitia felt like a natural next step,” she says. “With more than 40 years of history behind the brand, I’m excited to help lead its next chapter.” For Kasey, the connection runs deeper: “More important than how I got into wine is why. I love this industry because it’s rooted in celebration, connection, and joy. The name Laetitia means ‘joy’ and ‘happiness,’ and that couldn’t be more fitting.” Her go-to wine? The Sparkling Rosé: “It’s vibrant, beautiful in the glass, and just feels like a celebration.”
Gabi Maitia, now serving as Wine Club Manager, brings a background in hospitality and event sales to her member-first approach. “I combined my love for hospitality and wine,” she says. “The wine industry is such a fun industry to be a part of due to the creativity and hard work of all the amazing people.” Originally from the Bay Area and now based in San Luis Obispo County, Gabi has worked with wine club members since 2019. She loves Laetitia’s Brut de Noir: “I like how food-friendly this particular sparkling wine is, as well as how refreshing.”
Daniel Rivas, Tasting Room Manager, transitions to wine from a successful restaurant career that included managing a Michelin Key property in San Luis Obispo. As a certified sommelier, Daniel is excited to bring his passion for food and hospitality to Laetitia’s tasting room. “Laetitia is my breakthrough into the wine industry,” he says. “I’ve been a sommelier for 7 years and am excited to work on this side of hospitality.” His favorite wine is the Brut de Blanc: “The fact that I can enjoy it with my wife makes it that much more special.”
With this dynamic new DTC team in place, Laetitia Vineyards and Winery looks forward to deepening its connection with guests, wine club members, and the Central Coast community. Whether visiting the tasting room, attending an event, or opening a bottle at home, the Laetitia experience promises to be more welcoming, joyful, and memorable than ever.
About Laetitia Vineyards and Winery
Since 1982, the Laetitia Vineyards & Winery has produced elegant wines that champion the exceptional character and diversity of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. Originally founded by an established French Champagne house, the Laetitia estate carries on in the longstanding traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot pinot noir and sparkling wines. Valuing legacy, balance, innovation, and sustainable practices from harvest to glass, the Laetitia team works meticulously from vintage to vintage to ensure that every bottle of Laetitia wine is as expressive as the coastal land from which it originates.
