Kari Leitch Named Vice President of Communications at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Woodinville, WA

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Washington’s premier wine company and one of the top 10 premium wine companies in the U.S., has named Kari Leitch Vice President of Communications.

Leitch, who joined Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 1996, was previously the Senior Director of Communications for the company, overseeing communications programs for Ste. Michelle’s domestic wine brands in Washington, Oregon, and California as well as the company’s import portfolio, including Antinori and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.

During her tenure at Ste. Michelle, Leitch has overseen numerous major campaigns and public relations programs, including the launch of Columbia Crest’s highly acclaimed Grand Estates program; the opening of the Red Mountain estate winery for Col Solare, the introduction of the joint venture partnership and importer relationship between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Marchesi Antinori of Italy; the acquisitions of Erath winery in Oregon and, with Antinori, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa; and most recently the introduction of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, France’s #1 Champagne brand, to Ste Michelle’s import portfolio as well as the brand’s U.S. relaunch.

“Kari has been integral in our efforts to create impactful communications programs which generate critical acclaim for our portfolio,” said Ted Baseler, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates President and CEO. “Under her leadership, our innovative outreach to both key trade publications and consumer media outlets has greatly helped us build our reputation as one of the most highly acclaimed wine companies in the world.”

In her new role, Leitch will direct all corporate communications and public relations programs for the company’s domestic and imported wine portfolios.

“I’m very proud of our ability to adapt our communications to ever-evolving markets and media audiences, and of the big hits we’ve garnered recently,” said Leitch, noting the naming of the Columbia Crest 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as Wine Spectator's top wine in the world and Baseler’s recognition as Wine Enthusiast's “Man of the Year.” “It’s an exciting time to be part of the Ste. Michelle team and I look forward to what the future holds as we continue towards our goal of being recognized as the premier fine wine company in the world.”

Prior to joining Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Leitch managed communications and community affairs programs for nonprofit associations based in Washington and Illinois. A native of Illinois, she earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Based in Washington State, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates also has vineyard and winery holdings in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and in Napa Valley, California. Ste. Michelle has pioneered the Washington wine industry since it was established in 1934, and today the company’s portfolio includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Snoqualmie, Northstar, Col Solare, and Spring Valley Vineyard in Washington; Erath in Oregon; and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Conn Creek, and Villa Mt. Eden in Napa. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is also the exclusive importer of Antinori wines in the United States, as well as Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.

# # #

For further information:
Grace Doyle
425-415-3359
grace.doyle@ste-michelle.com