Russell Fish was named assistant winemaker at Kunde Estate Winery & Vineyards in Kenwood, California. Fish previously held the position of assistant winemaker with Wattle Creek Winery. Fish was the brewmaster and production manager for Golden Pacific Brewing before heading to UC Davis for a graduate degree in winemaking. Fish was an enologist intern with Gallo of Sonoma before joining Wattle Creek.

Agate Ridge Vineyard, Eagle Point, Oregon, announced the appointment of Kiley Evans to the position of winemaker. He replaces retiring winemaker Will Brown. Evans was winemaker at Abacela Winery and has served as a regional advisor for the Oregon Wine Board's Wine Quality Program. Agate Ridge Vineyard produces diverse wines including Syrah, Primitivo, Petite Sirah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Sauvignon Blanc exclusively from Rogue Valley estate.

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers announced its new board of directors for 2008-2009. The new president is Bruce Walker of Starry Night Winery (Bay Area); the vice president is Duane Dappen of D-Cubed Cellars (Napa); secretary is Barbara Spelletich of Spelletich Cellars (Napa) and the treasurer is John Hanhauser of WW Shipping Solutions, an advocate member.

Clos Du Val promoted John Clews to chief operating officer of production. Clews was already vice president of vineyard and winery operations and joined Clos Du Val in 1999. Prior to Clos Du Val, Clews was general manager/chief enologist at Steele Wines in Lake County, California He also worked at Newton Vineyard in St. Helena, California, and at Preston Vineyards in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley.

Deanna Benzenberg is the new central U.S. regional sales for Renwood Winery. Known as Deanna Miller until her recent marriage, she was with Icon Estates as the Arizona/New Mexico territory manager. "Deanna is one of six regional managers that Renwood Winery will hire this year" stated Robert Smerling, chairman and founder of Renwood Winery, Inc. "After Renwood terminated W.J. Deutsch & Sons in May, we initiated a new strategic marketing plan."

Ovid Napa Valley proprietors Mark Nelson and Dana Johnson announced the appointment of Janet Pagano as managing partner. Pagano has been with Ovid, a producer of a super-premium Napa Valley Bordeaux blend, since its inception. Previous to her position at Ovid Napa Valley, Pagano has enjoyed success at several outstanding Napa Valley properties, including as general manager and winemaker at Codorniu Napa/Artesa Winery, general manager at Stonestreet, and president of Mt. Veeder Winery, among others. In addition, Pagano is a past board member of the Napa Valley Vintners and the Wine Institute and past chair of the Napa Valley Wine Auction. She is currently a board member and the incoming chairman of the Napa Valley Community Foundation.

Castello di Amorosa, Napa Valley's 12th century Tuscan Castle winery, announced it has appointed Georg Salzner as president. Salzner, an executive with extensive experience in the hotel, restaurant and catering business, returns to the U.S. after 13 years in Vienna, Austria. Salzner most recently served as director for the Public Gastronomies for Compass Group in Austria. His responsibilities included management of the conference center, event catering, airports, stadium, fine dining and the Museums café.

Pamplin Family Winery, a boutique winery located in the Chehalem Mountains of Oregon, announced the addition of Robert Henry as winemaker. Henry was previously with Pahlmeyer Winery in Napa, California for the past six years as the assistant winemaker.

St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw, Michigan announced the promotion of two top employees. Nancie Corum has been promoted to associate winemaker and Matt White has been promoted to director of operations, according to David Miller, St. Julian's vice president of winemaking.