Mark Beringer to Join Beringer Vineyards as Chief Winemaker, Returning Family Legacy to one of Napa Valley's Premier Wineries

NAPA, Calif., March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Beringer Vineyards today announces the hiring of Mark Beringer as Chief Winemaker beginning April 20^th, 2015. A direct descendant of founding brother Jacob Beringer, Mark brings a familial passion as well as decades of winemaking experience to Beringer. "It's an honor to step in and continue the legacy of winemaking that Beringer has long been known for. I am incredibly excited to craft wines that reflect the best of Napa Valley - the very same sentiment that led my great-great-grandfather to establish Beringer in 1876," said Mark Beringer. Most recently at Artesa with additional experience at Duckhorn, Mark brings great winemaking skill as well as years of working across a variety of Napa Valley vineyards and appellations.

This month will also mark the transition of  Beringer's Chief Winemaker, Laurie Hook, to Winemaker Emeritus. Laurie has been with Beringer Vineyards since 1986, when she joined as enologist under then Winemaker Ed Sbragia. Laurie was promoted to Winemaker in 2000 and continued to work under Ed until his transition to Winemaster Emeritus in 2008. As Winemaker Emeritus, Laurie will continue to advise on winemaking and represent the winery at key events.

"We are thrilled to have Mark Beringer on board," said Sandra LeDrew, Chief Commercial Officer, Treasury Wine Estates Americas. "His depth of experience and enthusiasm will serve Beringer well as we enter this next chapter, one that will highlight why we remain one of the most iconic wineries in California. We thank Laurie for the passion, dedication and expertise she has given to Beringer Vineyards."

Laurie's contributions to winemaking at Beringer far exceed the notable and continued acclaim for the brand's flagship Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. They include an evolution of style on the Private Reserve Chardonnay, Knights Valley Cabernet and the introduction of some of the winery's recent bestsellers including Knights Valley Reserve, Luminus Chardonnay and Quantum Red Blend. Her legacy at Beringer will be reflected in the many outstanding wines she crafted during her tenure. Laurie Hook commented, "I'm looking forward to my next challenge and while this transition will be bittersweet,  I will take pleasure in advising as Winemaker Emeritus and remain confident our extraordinary collection of vineyards, unique legacy, and commitment to innovation will live on in Beringer's impressive portfolio of wines under Mark's leadership."

About Beringer Vineyards
The longest continually operating winery in California, Beringer has been Napa Valley's benchmark producer since its establishment in 1876. An acclaimed portfolio of wines are crafted from Napa's finest appellations and Beringer's exceptional collection of vineyards. The historic estate in St. Helena offers a tradition of hospitality that defines the Napa Valley. www.beringer.com

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Hooker, Director of Public Relations
[email protected], # 707-294-7117

SOURCE Beringer Vineyards

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