Cindy Cates Joins the
Virginia Wineries Association
Virginia Native to Lead All Marketing Efforts in Support of Virginia Wines

November 11, 2004
Contacts: Nan Johnson
(804) 358-8011, njohnson@dsignr.com
Cindy Cates
(804) 371-7685, cindy.cates@virginiawines.org

RICHMOND, Va. – Antony Champ, president of The Virginia Wineries Association (VWA), announces the hire of Cindy Cates as the director of Virginia wine marketing, which became effective November 1. Cates joined The VWA from Chateau Morrisette, one of the largest and oldest wineries in Virginia, where she served as regional sales representative.

“Cindy is just the right person for the job,” said Champ. “She’s seen the wine industry from both the winery and wholesale perspectives and has experience in retail and restaurant environments. We’re delighted to have her on board.”

Cates brings more than 15 years of wine, beverage and hospitality experience to the VWA. Before joining Chateau Morrisette, Cates served as the Virginia sales representative at The Williamsburg Winery where she managed sales through eight statewide distributors, worked with national chains, identified new market opportunities and developed seasonal distributor marketing programs. She also served as a sales representative at the Blue Ridge Beverage Company, one of the largest wholesale beverage distributors in Virginia, where she was recognized as On-Premise Representative of the Year for four years.

Cates’ experience is extensive and includes the development and management of sales promotion programs, marketing campaigns and materials, special event creation and consumer wine education. She studied Food Service Management at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she also minored in Speech Pathology. She is a graduate of George Wythe High School in Wytheville, Virginia, and spent many years of her professional career in Roanoke before moving to Richmond.

Virginia ranks fifth among Vinifera wine growing states and 10th nationally in commercial grape production. In 2003, producers harvested 3,600 tons of commercial grapes of which Chardonnay represented 34 percent. The top three grape varieties in Virginia are Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. For further information about Virginia wines visit www.virginiawines.org.

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