Announcing The Debut Of Purple Wine + Spirits
GRATON, Calif., March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Derek Benham, Owner of Purple and Sonoma Wine Companies, is pleased to announce the establishment of Purple Wine + Spirits. Three divisions, Purple Wine Company – producer of branded wines, Sonoma Wine Company – creator of custom and private label wines and Graton Spirits – distiller of craft spirits, will be unified under the Purple Wine + Spirits umbrella.
"Over time, separate business units evolved to address specific customer needs," said Benham. "I felt it was time to harness the strength of all our capabilities to build the company as a whole as opposed to focusing on a single brand or individual item. We're known as brand builders and will continue to create innovative new wine and spirits brands. Our commitment is to deliver extraordinary wines and spirits that surprise and delight our consumers," stated Benham.
Several key management positions have been added or amended as part of Benham's new direction, including:
Jeff Harris – originally brought onboard in 2013 as CFO, Harris' role will be expanded to CFO/COO where he will oversee all Operations including Production, Winemaking and Wine Contract Services as well as Finance and Administration. Harris joined Purple/Sonoma Wine Companies in 2013 from Stella & Dot where he held the position of CFO. Previously, Harris held Senior Financial Management roles at Gymboree, CBS Marketwatch.com and Lucasfilm.
David Francke – has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Francke leads all sales efforts both nationally and internationally as well as Marketing and Communications. Prior to signing on with Purple Wine + Spirits, Francke was the Managing Director and partner at Folio Fine Wine Partners. Past roles include Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Estates Group division, Young's Market Company and General Manager of Robert Mondavi Oakville.
Lisa Ehrlich – has stepped into the role of Executive Vice President, Branding & Innovation. Ehrlich, who has worked closely with Benham since 2005, will oversee all aspects of Graton Spirits including sales, marketing and operations. Ehrlich started her career as a wine and spirits buyer in the restaurant industry several decades ago, then moved into sales and marketing. She has a depth of brand building experience for wineries ranging from small and boutique to very large, including roles at Jim Beam Brands, E&J Gallo and Robert Mondavi Winery.
Holly Evans – has been hired as Director of Communications. Formerly with Delicato Family Vineyards, Balzac Communications and Jackson Family Wines, Evans will lead both corporate and brand communications.
ABOUT PURPLE WINE + SPIRITS
Purple Wine + Spirits is dedicated to creating extraordinary wine and distilled spirit experiences that surprise and delight. Founded by Derek Benham in 2001, the company produces branded wines as well as custom and private label wines for major U.S. and International retailers and restaurateurs. Purple Wine + Spirits is based in the small, west Sonoma County town of Graton, with satellite wineries in American Canyon and the Russian River Valley. Sustainability is a key facet of Purple's operating principles. Over the past decade the company has made great strides in water and energy conservation and both the Graton and American Canyon wineries are certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. In 2014, Benham broke ground on a new distillery at the Graton winery with plans to produce small lot, artisanal spirits launching in 2015. The Purple Wine + Spirits portfolio includes brands such as Avalon, Four Vines, Lucky Star, Cryptic, Calista, Flint & Steel, Raeburn and WheelHouse. For more information about Purple Wine + Spirits, visit www.purplewinespirits.com.
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SOURCE Purple Wine + Spirits
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