October 22, 2026 (Santa Rosa, CA) — Balletto Vineyards, a family-owned winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley, today announced the promotion of Malia Ford to California Sales Manager. Ford steps into the role after nearly eight years with the winery, where she has built lasting relationships with accounts, distributor partners, and the sales team across the state.
In her new position, Ford will lead the local sales team, strengthen coverage across both Northern and Southern California territories, and build on an experienced field team to deepen distributor alignment. She will also expand retail partnerships and accelerate growth in high-opportunity California accounts, including the priority metro markets that have become her specialty.
“I am thrilled to represent Balletto Vineyards as California Sales Manager,” said Ford. “I’ve been with Balletto for nearly eight years, beginning as a marketing intern during my final semester at Sonoma State University. During my internship, I had the opportunity to spend time in different departments and learn more about the business, and I quickly realized that outside sales was where I belonged.”
In September 2019, Ford transitioned into Outside Sales, a role she held for seven years while growing the Balletto brand across both on- and off-premise channels. Her tenure included navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, when the business shifted from roughly 80 percent restaurant-focused sales to a largely off-premise model, a period Ford credits with teaching her the adaptability now central to her approach.
Ford is stepping into a role long held by Judy Polley, a mentor who shaped much of her career at Balletto. “I still remember working with Judy and realizing that this was the role I wanted to pursue,” Ford said. “Judy saw that in me early on, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from her ever since. Taking on the California Sales Manager role feels like a really meaningful next step after so many years with the brand.”
Founder John Balletto praised Ford’s contributions to the company. “Malia has added great value to our team, especially in the high-opportunity California markets where strong relationships make all the difference. She knows our distributor, retail, and partners well, and she understands what they need to succeed with our wines. Investing in an experienced sales team lets us support those partners at a higher level, from priority metro accounts to our home market in Sonoma County. With Malia leading the way, we’re well positioned to keep growing throughout the state.”
Ford will work alongside Balletto’s established California sales team, including Lena Morrison, who covers Sonoma County, and Lisa Dent, who supports the East Bay. She will also partner closely with National Sales Director Kat Cardinali and the Balletto family as she steps into this expanded leadership role.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow both personally and professionally, working closely with our sales team, and expanding the Balletto brand throughout California,” Ford said. “Balletto is a brand I’m incredibly proud to represent. The wines are balanced, beautifully made, approachable, and genuinely fun to sell because there is something special about introducing someone to a wine and seeing them connect with it.”
Ford also holds a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Wine Business Studies from Sonoma State University. In her free time, she is passionate about wellness and travel and became a registered yoga instructor in 2024. She is an avid traveler and always excited for a new adventure. She notes that it’s been especially fun to find ways to combine her love of travel with a career in wine.
About Balletto Vineyards
Balletto Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California. Founded on a legacy of farming, Balletto Vineyards produces estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate varietals, distributed throughout California and beyond with support from partners including Classic Wines of California. For more information, visit ballettovineyards.com.
