Bringing Two Decades of Membership and Hospitality Leadership, King to Manage Mare Island Distillery Consumer Experience and Tasting Room
MARE ISLAND, CA (November 4, 2026) – San Francisco Bay’s Redwood Empire Whiskey today announced the appointment of Kristina King as its new Visitor Experience & Whiskey Club Manager. Based at the Redwood Empire Distillery on Mare Island, King will oversee consumer and trade distillery experiences, from tours and tastings to member events and exclusive releases, while also managing the Redwood Empire Whiskey Club. With King’s appointment, Redwood Empire Whiskey reimagines its California distillery as a sought-after destination for memorable and engaging whiskey experiences, attracting current brand fans and whiskey-curious consumers alike.
King brings more than 20 years of experience building membership communities and direct-to-consumer programs for some of Northern California’s most respected wine brands. Most recently, she served as Director of Consumer Sales & Marketing at Kenefick Ranch Vineyard & Winery in Calistoga, where she led the member and customer experience, and guided the winery’s digital modernization. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade at Chateau Montelena as Direct Sales & Wine Club Manager, growing the club from roughly 1,100 members to more than 10,000.
“At Redwood Empire, we’ve established ourselves as the premier whiskey distillery in California and Kristina is a key new hire that will allow us to truly show what happens when you match California innovation with fine whiskey making. Her experience in hospitality will be critical as we evolve and elevate our tasting room and distillery experience,” said Andrew Floor, Vice President of Marketing for Redwood Empire Whiskey.
In her newly created role at Redwood Empire Whiskey, King will develop the distillery calendar of tours, tastings, whiskey education and VIP experiences, and welcome trade partners, whiskey societies, and guests from across the Bay Area and beyond. She will also shape the Redwood Empire Whiskey Club’s membership model and member experience, including exclusive releases, events and benefits. Created to tap into California’s burgeoning whiskey scene, consumers may join Redwood Empire’s Whiskey Club online at www.redwoodempirewhiskey.com/join-theclub, selecting from one of two membership options: Collectors Club or Explores Club.
Selling more than 40,000 cases in 2025, Redwood Empire is one of the largest distilleries on the West Coast, with a portfolio of more than 16 whiskeys, including its signature Pipe Dream Bourbon, Emerald Giant Rye, Lost Monarch Small Batch Craft Whiskey Blend, and Colonel Armstrong High Wheat Bourbon. The company was founded by wine and spirits industry veteran Derek Benham in 2015. Jeff Duckhorn serves as the Master Distiller.
Follow Redwood Empire on social media to keep up with the latest news and announcements. Instagram: @redwoodempirewhiskey | Facebook: facebook.com/redwoodempirewhiskey.
Media images may be found here: Redwood Empire Media Assets – Google Drive.
About Redwood Empire Whiskey
Redwood Empire Whiskey is California’s No. 1 whiskey brand, crafting award-winning bourbons, ryes, and American whiskeys inspired by the spirit of the Golden State. Produced in Northern California and guided by a commitment to quality, innovation, and conservation, Redwood Empire combines grain-to-glass distillation, thoughtful sourcing, and expert blending to create approachable whiskeys with a distinct sense of place. For more information, visit RedwoodEmpireWhiskey.com or follow @redwoodempirewhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.
