In keeping with its strategy to boost its direct-to-consumer sales model, Levendi Winery has filled two key positions – a regional California sales manager and a tasting room manager to open its highly anticipated downtown Napa storefront location, due in February 2022.
Tom Conti has been appointed sales manager of three key Southern California markets, including Orange County, San Diego County and Riverside County. His 32 years of sales experience in the Southern California market, and time as a retail wine and spirits professional, make him a great fit for Levendi’s quest to deepen reach in the competitive California wine market.
New wine tasting room manager Steve Ebol has five successful east coast restaurant partnerships under his belt as sommelier and beverage director for each. His longtime appointment at Orange County’s Antonello Ristorante led to a Southern California Wine Writers Association ‘Golden Bacchus’ award for wine program excellence.
Passionate about wine, with a deep understanding of both viticulture and vinology, and well-traveled to many of the world’s most storied wine appellations, Ebol is a perfect fit to launch Levendi’s new downtown Napa Valley tasting room, according to president Rick Brown.
“Both of these outstanding new team members have been long acquainted with the Gianulias family, each having been highly respected for personal industry accomplishments,” he said.
Historically, Levendi has been a boutique winery, delivering its full-bodied, hand-crafted, award-winning wines to enthusiasts by way of its website, distributors and top industry retail outlets.
Brown said Conti’s new role will be to expand that presence and reach in retail outlets, and grow Levendi’s brand with greater restaurant wine program presence. Ebol will be pivotal in launching Levendi’s new wine tasting room and wine club, as well as developing consumer-friendly wine tips for those who visit its upcoming downtown 1465 First Street location.
Brown said the increase in visibility will fuel greater consumer brand recognition, and acquaint more people with its portfolio of fine wines. “We want to showcase the quality of our wines and attract new cellar club members, of course, but the tasting room is also a way for us to share the winery’s story in greater depth,” Brown said.
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