Vin du Lac Winery, a winery from the Lake Chelan AVA , has announced new duties and titles for two key team members. Assistant Winemaker David Traynor, has added “sales liaison” to his title. At the same time, National Sales Manager Gary Knopp adds “winemaking” to his title.
Owner and Senior Winemaker Larry Lehmbecker explained that the moves reflected Vin du Lac’s focus on winemaking as the core of the company’s success. “We’re a winery that is very focused on unique wines from a unique region. We are cool climate specialists, making lighter, brighter reds and crisp, food-friendly whites. Having sales representatives out in the marketplace who are involved in the winemaking process helps us fully communicate what it is that is distinctive about our wines.”
Lehmbecker and Vin du Lac Senior Assistant Winemaker Todd Bunker also participate in sales activities. During 2011, the winemaking team conducted nearly 50 two-day “roadshows” at Northwest Costco stores, meeting with customers to talk about the wines and the winery, and selling 1,500 cases of wine. The roadshow program is ongoing, and in 2012 is already on track to eclipse last year’s sales.
Gary Knopp already had 25 years of wine sales and palate training under his belt. He has served as a Commercial Wine Judge for the state of California for 7 years running. To support his production role he has undertaken the study of wine production through Washington State University, and recently completed coursework in Wine Production and Winery Sanitation. At the winery, he is involved in production planning and blending operations.
David Traynor has 6 years winemaking experience, and formerly served as Lead Winemaker at Mt. Baker Vineyards for 4 years. In addition to supervising the Costco program, David will be responsible for wholesale account development and distribution management in the North Central Washington and North Puget Sound markets.