March 28th – RUTHERFORD, CA – Rutherford Dust Society (RDS), the non-profit community organization of growers, vintners and neighbors in the Rutherford appellation, announced the appointment of Lily West as their incoming Executive Director today, along with new officers for their Board of Directors. With this year marking the 30th anniversary of the Rutherford American Viticultural Area (AVA), the new leadership team sets out with an exciting plan for 2023.
A California native, Lily West brings with her the experience of working in both production and the business side of the wine industry. Prior to her work in marketing and hospitality, Lily spent seven vintages working harvest in the lab and cellar at various wineries around the world, including Outpost Estate Wines, Markham Vineyards, Arista Winery, Flowers Vineyards & Winery, and Te Mata Winery in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Lily has spent the last two years apprenticing in Rutherford with former executive director, Sara Soergel. She has worked behind the scenes to produce successful RDS events and programs, including the Rutherford Chili Ball and the debut Rutherford Wine Collection. “Lily is the ideal candidate to continue the excellent momentum of Rutherford Dust Society,” said Rod Santos, Board President for Rutherford Dust Society. “She is dedicated to our region and the people within it, and approaches each new challenge with her own unique brand of creativity and a can-do attitude. We are thrilled to be welcoming her as our new ED, and look forward to many exciting milestones together.”
The first of such milestones will be the celebration of Rutherford AVA’s 30th anniversary in 2023. A celebration dinner, dubbed the “Rutherford Perlé” (in honor of the pearl anniversary), is planned for Saturday, April 29th at the iconic Beaulieu Garden in Rutherford. At the event, thirty renowned Rutherford vintners will bring a unique “wine with a story” to share with guests at their dinner tables. Rumor has it that these bottles will include older vintages dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, along with rare, large format selections and a wine produced by Beaulieu Vineyard that has never left the estate. A special pairing menu will be prepared by Paula le Duc Fine Catering and Events to highlight the wines. A limited number of tickets to this exclusive and historic affair are still available at rutherforddust.org and on Eventbrite.
Rutherford Dust Society also voted in new Officers at their Annual Meeting and Dinner on March 9, 2023 at historic Rutherford Grange Hall. Rod Santos, General Manager at William Harrison Vineyard & Winery, is the incoming President of the Board. “Always the voice of reason, Rod brings a focus to the work of Rutherford Dust Society that will elevate our efforts on every level,” said Lauren (Leeds) Pesch, outgoing President of the Board after a two-year term. Sara Fowler, Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyards at PEJU in Rutherford, has been voted in as Vice President. Joel Aiken and Will Lawrence will continue to serve as Treasurer and Secretary of the Board, respectively.
The full 2023 Board of Directors includes:
- President Rod Santos, William Harrison Vineyards & Winery
- Vice President Sara Fowler, PEJU
- Secretary Will Lawrence, Sacrashe Vineyard
- Treasurer Joel Aiken, Aiken Wines
- Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega
- Andy Beckstoffer, Beckstoffer Vineyards
- Elissa Miller, Vintage Oaks
- Christopher Morisoli, Morisoli Vineyard
- Lauren Pesch, Leeds & Pesch Viticulture and Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyard
- Steve Tonella, S. R. Tonella Cellars
- Regina Weinstein, Honig Vineyard & Winery
- Rebekah Wineburg, Quintessa
- Executive Director, Lily West
About Rutherford Dust Society
The Rutherford Appellation is located in the historic heart of the Napa Valley. It is known world-wide for its signature “Rutherford dust”, a term used to reflect its terroir, its deep connection to the soil in the vineyards, the wine and the wineries of Rutherford. In collaboration with its grower and vintner members, RDS focuses on helping wine consumers, trade and media discover the celebrated Rutherford terroir, while promoting highest quality standards for grape growing and winemaking in the region and building community. The group dedicated 14 years to the highly successful RDRT (Rutherford Dust Restoration Team) project, restoring the Rutherford Reach section of the Napa River. For more information about the Rutherford Appellation and the Rutherford Dust Society, please go to rutherforddust.org.
