100-Point Napa Valley Winery Celebrates Success with Key Appointments
August 28, 2024 – NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – Following the most recent acquisition of 63 acres of potential vineyard adjacent to its acclaimed Diamond Mountain winery estate and the winery’s upcoming expansion into a 7,500 square foot cave, The Vineyardist is proud to announce strategic team appointments that will support its noteworthy growth. Celebrated for its exclusive, 100-point estate Cabernet Sauvignon expertly crafted by Tony Biagi, the winery is posed to expand its hospitality, sales and distribution. These efforts will be supported by its new team appointments.
“The Vineyardist is very fortunate to have a dedicated, highly regarded team in place that enjoys working together and can support our goals and nurture our private client relationships. While The Vineyardist has earned widespread acclaim, these team members will continue to propel us forward”, said co-founder Becky Kukkola.
General Manager and Director of Private Clients Kristi Devine leads the expanded team. Her hospitality background and thirteen-year operational experience at iconic Napa Valley wineries has provided an exceptional professional foundation. She fully embraces the luxury wine experience and has the visionary leadership and dedication to assure a unified approach in achieving our goals and to drive The Vineyardist forward to unparalleled distinction.
Joining Kristi is Akim Provatakis, the newly appointed Hospitality and Private Client Relations Associate. Akim has twenty years of experience in the Napa Valley wine industry and has a breadth of experience including being a Napa Valley wine producer, tasting room manager, WSET III and sommelier. His vast understanding of the wine business has made him an excellent member of the team.
Zachary Turner, previously Cellar Master since 2020, has been promoted to Associate Winemaker. Zach will continue to work daily with our celebrated Winemaker Tony Biagi in crafting The Vineyardist wines. He is deeply knowledgeable of all aspects of the estate. With his highly trained palate, he can ably assist in private client tastings and hospitality.
These team appointments and promotions, together with the winemaking leadership of Tony Biagi, will drive The Vineyardist toward achieving its expansion goals and cement its position as a leading Napa Valley winery estate.
ABOUT THE VINEYARDIST
Founded in 2000, The Vineyardist is a family-owned endeavor that has established itself among Napa Valley’s most sought-after wines, known for its story, star winemaker Tony Biagi and 100-point Cabernet. The Vineyardist has an extraordinary terroir featuring vineyards carved into the volcanic hillsides of Diamond Mountain. The estate dates to 1879 and currently covers 183 acres, with 24 acres planted as vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grow in harmony throughout. The estate’s imprimatur is its ability to express the terroir’s full potential providing it an iconic international reputation. The Vineyardist is powered by a team of individuals bound by a common purpose: a devotion to exact the utmost from the vine and to capture the full potential of each wine. Together, the team has worked towards this ideal for more than two decades. The Vineyardist wines are currently procured via an allocation system.
