New Face in the Cellar

Covey Run Hires New Winemaker — Kate Michaud


WOODINVILLE, WA., August 7, 2007 – Covey Run, producer of premium wines from Washington State, announces the appointment of Kate Michaud as Winemaker effective August 1, 2007. Michaud will oversee production of Covey Run's popular Quail Series of wines as well as the limited-production Columbia Valley Reserve tier. Michaud comes from Washington’s Canoe Ridge Vineyard where she held the post of Assistant Winemaker.

Wine has long been an integral part of Michaud’s life. “I was exposed to wine at a ‘tender age’,” she says. “I was raised in the United Kingdom and travelled extensively throughout Europe as I was growing up. My parents always served wine with family meals.”

Along with local winemaking experience, Michaud has worked in New Zealand, Margaret River Australia and California’s Central Coast. However, it is the chance to work amongst the burgeoning Washington wine industry that most excited Michaud. “This is an incredible position. I’m honored that Covey Run has offered me this opportunity, one that will allow me to work with the region’s world-class fruit. I hope in the wines I make, consumers will become more aware of the amazing quality that Washington wines have to offer,” states Michaud.

Covey Run
2007 marks the 25th anniversary of Covey Run. Since the release of the 1982 vintage, Covey Run has crafted high quality, price worthy wines from Washington’s Columbia River Valley, wines that have been embraced by consumers and journalists alike earning 20 Wine Spectator Best Values awards. Covey Run’s portfolio includes two distinctive tiers of fine wine – Quail Series and Columbia Valley Reserve – delicious wines for every occasion, from stylish entertaining to casual gatherings and picnics with family and friends.

Centerra Wine Company
Covey Run is made by Centerra Wine Company, the popular-priced and premium wine producer of Constellation Wines U.S., which is part of Constellation Wines, the world’s largest wine business, an operating division of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) ("CBI"). Constellation Wines U.S. encompasses four of CBI's U.S. wine businesses: Icon Estates, Centerra Wine Company, Pacific Wine Partners, and North Lake Wines. Leading brands include Alice White, Arbor Mist, Cook’s, Inglenook, Ravenswood Winery, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Talus Collection, Turner Road, Vendange, and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi.

 

For further information, Please contact:
Alicia Laury @ 415-912-3701 or alicia.laury@cwine.com