Monterey County Luxury Winery Adds Positions for Strategic Growth
September 11, 2025 (Carmel Valley, CA) — Bernardus Winery, a pioneer luxury brand in Monterey County’s Carmel Valley, is proud to announce the expansion of its sales leadership team with three strategic appointments that will further strengthen its presence across the United States and key California markets.
New key appointments include:
Bruce Smitham, Vice President of U.S. Sales. Smitham joined Bernardus Winery in 2024 and brings more than 30 years of wine industry leadership experience, including roles with Constellation Brands, Southern Wine & Spirits, and J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.
Kellie Poe, Regional Sales Manager, Southern California. Poe brings extensive sales and account management expertise from Henry Wine Group, Wine Warehouse, Serendipity Wines, and holds both a WSET Diploma and Court of Master Sommeliers certification.
Danielle Thompson, Regional Sales Manager, Northern California. Thompson has held leadership roles in both domestic and international markets with Constellation, Viña Concha y Toro, Viña Almaviva, and Viñedos Familia Chadwick. She is certified through WSET, the Court of Master Sommeliers, and the Society of Wine Educators.
“These appointments mark an exciting chapter for Bernardus Winery as we continue to expand our national presence and strengthen our connections with trade partners,” said Jeff Meier, President. “Bruce, Kellie, and Danielle bring exceptional expertise, relationships, and passion for wine, and we are thrilled to have them driving our sales efforts.”
About Bernardus Winery
Founded in 1989 by Dutch entrepreneur and former international Porsche auto racer Ben Pon, Bernardus Winery in Carmel Valley was built on the vision of crafting world-class wines from iconic vineyards in Monterey County. Nestled in the Carmel Valley AVA where Bernardus opened the region’s first tasting room, the winery is renowned for its premiere Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from renowned sites like Rosella’s, Garys’, and Sierra Mar in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Guided by sustainable practices and meticulous hand-harvesting, Bernardus produces about 50,000 cases annually. Bernardus blends European heritage with California terroir, earning a global reputation for world-class wines rooted in excellence, sustainability, and hospitality. Learn more at www.bernardus.com.
