Cakebread Cellars Names Bruce Cakebread President/COO; Other Key Promotions Announced as Tradition of Family-Owned, Operated Winery is Secured for Another Generation

Business Wire, June 6, 2002

Business/Food & Wine Editors

RUTHERFORD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2002

Founder Jack Cakebread Continues as CEO as Acclaimed Napa Valley

Winery Prepares for Next Phase of Growth; 30th Anniversary in 2003

Jack Cakebread, CEO and founder of Cakebread Cellars along with its board of directors, have announced the appointment of Bruce Cakebread as president and chief operating officer following 22 years as Cakebread Cellars' chief winemaker.

Jack and Dolores Cakebread founded the winery in 1973, which is now recognized by industry experts and leading media as one of Napa Valley's most prominent family-owned and managed wineries, consistently producing highly regarded Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and other popular wine varieties.

"Creating Cakebread wines has always been an intensely personal experience for all of us at the winery, driven by our commitment to continually produce the best wines possible from incomparable vineyards throughout the region," noted Jack Cakebread. "I am especially proud of our tradition of producing quality products under the guidance of family members who will continue to lead Cakebread Cellars for decades to come."

In addition to his new position, Bruce Cakebread will be responsible for day-to-day operations and will continue to oversee the family vineyards and grower relations and join the winery's board of directors.

Julianne Laks, a 16-year member of the Cakebread Cellars team, will become head winemaker after serving as assistant winemaker to Bruce Cakebread. She becomes only the third winemaker in the 29-year history of Cakebread Cellars, following Jack and Bruce Cakebread. An enology graduate of UC Davis, Laks brings more than two decades of winemaking experience to her new position.

Several other Cakebread family members hold key management positions at the winery as well.

Dennis Cakebread has been elevated to senior vice president of sales and marketing. He will continue to focus on the critical role of maintaining long-standing relationships with consumers, restaurants, retailers and distributors. He received his B.S. from the University of California at Berkeley and holds an MBA from California State University at Hayward and a CPA license.

Dolores Cakebread will continue to be involved in culinary events and the hospitality program at the winery as well as overseeing its renowned gardens. She serves as an ambassador-at-large for Cakebread Cellars along with Jack Cakebread.

Karen Cakebread serves as program director for the highly regarded American Harvest Workshop held at Cakebread Cellars every September, which is moving into its 16th year. She also manages winery events and participates in the growing international market.

About Cakebread Cellars

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2003, Cakebread Cellars has received national and international recognition for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot wines, among others. Operating on 145 acres in the heart of Napa Valley, California, Cakebread Cellars wines are distributed throughout the United States and Canada as well as in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and most European countries.