NAPA, Calif., Feb. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reata Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran Bill Leigon as President. Mr. Leigon brings decades of wine industry experience to Reata, most recently serving for 12 years as President of Hahn Family Wines. Leigon is an industry innovator and visionary, having pioneered the use of the Internet and social media to build and market Hahn Family Wine brands, leading to increased international recognition. Leigon successfully introduced Cycles Gladiator, an everyday wine, which followed the groundbreaking success of HRM Rex Goliath, which was successfully sold by Hahn to Constellation Brands.
Leigon has been active in the wine industry for over 40 years. He co-founded The Wine Trust and Ariel Vineyards (the first premium non-alcoholic wine), served as National Sales Manager guiding J. Lohr wines for 13 years, and worked as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Associated Vintage Group. In 2000, Leigon founded Wimbledon Wine Company, a national sales and marketing firm that represented Hahn Estates, Smith & Hook and Cycles Gladiator, that ultimately became Hahn Family Wines.
Reata Winery co-founder and CEO Bryan Gordon says, "Bill has great experience developing and building brands and an extensive knowledge of every facet of the wine industry landscape. Given his significant vision, experience and leadership, I am confident that he will serve as a driving force behind the success of the Reata organization. "
Situated in the rolling hills of the southeastern Napa Valley, Reata Winery specializes in cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These limited production wines are produced from both the Reata Estate vineyard and select vineyards in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Reata provides its winemakers with the freedom and resources to make each bottle of wine the best possible expression of the unique combination of both varietal and vineyard site.
Reata produces wines from its 350-acre estate that was once part of the Suscol Ranch owned by General M.G. Vallejo. Reata's first vintages were released in the fall of 2011 and today are in national distribution. The tasting room is open daily and also carries small batch wines exclusively available on-site or online at www.reatawines.com.
The search for Bill Leigon was completed by Newlin Associates.
Bill Leigon Joins Reata Winery as President
| Source: Reata Winery