RUTHERFORD, Calif. -- Emma Swain, chief executive officer of St. Supery Vineyards & Winery, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Bakas to the new position of director of social media marketing of St. Supery Vineyards & Winery and Skalli USA, effective August 3. (www.stsupery.com, www.sfwamericas.com)
Over the past 15 years, Bakas has worked in brand management, direct marketing, interactive media, and wine sales and support. Previous employers include consumer product and sports companies such as Nike and The Sports Authority. Bakas has also worked in the wine industry for BDC Summit Distributor in Denver, as well as his own wine sales consulting company, Bakas Beverage Solutions, where he designed POS, conducted waitstaff training and analyzed market research for his clients. He also manages a popular wine blog, "Back to Bakas" at http://rickbakas.com/
"Rick is a real pro with both the Web 2.0 and on-the-street sales experience required to drive our brands," said Swain. "Our goal is to increase awareness, excitement and sales directly with consumers and, equally, to leverage these new tools in innovative ways to assist our sales partners through interactive programs and events," she added.
"It is rare to get the opportunity to integrate one's skills and experiences into one 'dream job,' so I feel very fortunate to join the dynamic St. Supery team at this particular time for the winery and industry," said Bakas. Bakas attended University of Oregon and studied computer science and architecture after receiving an Associates Degree in graphic design from Portland Community College.
About St. Supery Vineyards & Winery
St. Supery Vineyards & Winery is located in Rutherford, California, in the heart of the famed Napa Valley. Among Napa Valley's few estate wineries, with two prime vineyards totaling 510 acres and a state-of-the-art winery, St. Supery's first vines were planted in 1982 by Paris-based Robert Skalli. In addition to St. Supery, the Skalli family owns three wineries in France: Les Vins Skalli, considered a driving force behind the quality revolution in the south of France, Cyteaux de Diana in Corsica, and Maison Bouachon in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. St. Supery imports the Skalli family's French wines through its SFWAmericas division.
St. Supery Napa Valley is highly regarded for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage blends Elu and VirtA, and the single-vineyard Limited Edition Dollarhide wines. Wine lovers come from far and wide to experience St. Supery's outstanding visitor program, and the winery has three thriving wine clubs. To learn more about St. Supery, visit www.stsupery.com, email us at divinecab@stsupery.com or call (800) 942-0810.
