TURNER, Ore., Sept. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Willamette Valley
Vineyards (NASDAQ: WVVI & WVVIP), a leading producer
of Pinot Noir in Oregon, has
appointed Greg Urmini to the role of
Director of Winemaking & Vineyards to lead its winery, estate
vineyards and the development of a new winery in the Dundee Hills
to accommodate its rapidly growing business.
Urmini, who had last been with Paul Hobbs Winery in Sonoma for
14 years, had worked his way up from an intern to a cellar worker
and eventually Director of Winemaking, where he oversaw the
winemaking for Paul Hobbs and
CrossBarn. During his tenure, the winery earned several 100-point
perfect scores and grew from approximately 30 to 350 estate
vineyard acres.
Greg's passion for winemaking and love of Oregon Pinot Noirs led
him to Willamette Valley Vineyards where he was inspired by
Willamette's values of teamwork, community and estate-grown fruit.
"I am excited to join such an esteemed group of winemakers in the
Willamette Valley to continue to build a grand reputation for the
valley," explained Urmini. "I am honored that Willamette Valley
Vineyards placed their trust in me and I look forward to telling
the story of our estate vineyards through elegant and classic
Oregon wines."
Director of Winemaking & Vineyards Greg Urmini will be responsible for the overall
management of winemaking and vineyards, including 500 producing
acres in the Willamette Valley and 35 acres in the Walla Walla
Valley and The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVAs.
"We were drawn to Greg's work ethic, which started at an early
age when he worked in his dad's fresh pasta shop as a young boy,
combined with his commitment to quality, and propensity to take on
new and challenging projects," stated Winery Director Christine Clair. "We're thrilled to have him
join our team. It is an exciting time to have a new leader in
winemaking focused on meeting our growth opportunities."
Urmini will also oversee the construction of a new, state-of-the
art winery on 40 acres in the Dundee Hills on property Willamette
purchased four years ago for this purpose. It is close to the new
boutique, sparkling winery called Domaine Willamette at the Bernau
Estate Vineyard.
Winery Founder and CEO Jim Bernau
stated, "Greg is a strong leader with a clear vision for building a
world-class winery in the Dundee Hills of Oregon." Bernau continued, "Our industry is
continuing to attract top winemaking talent from the best of
California. My advice to those who
want an exciting future and place to grow a family is to 'go
north.' We need and want you."
About Willamette Valley Vineyards:
Founded in
1983 by Jim Bernau with the dream of
creating world-class Pinot Noir while serving as stewards of the
land, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into
one of the region's leading wineries, earning the title "One of
America's Great Pinot Noir Producers" from Wine Enthusiast
Magazine. All of the vineyards have been certified sustainable
through LIVE (Low Impact Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon-Safe
programs.
The winery is supported by more than 20,000 wine enthusiast
owner investors. The winery launched a $10.7
million offering in June to help fund its expansion and new
tasting rooms. Shares are currently offered at $5.05 with a 4.36% annual dividend or wine credit
worth 15% more. For more information on winery ownership and
investment, visit www.wvv.com/ownership, call (800) 344-9463 or
email stock.offering@wvv.com.
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SOURCE Willamette Valley Vineyards