GREENFIELD — Scheid Family Wines Vice President of Winemaking Dave Nagengast has announced his retirement after 20 years with the Monterey County-based wine company.
Nagengast was the creative and organizational mastermind behind the company’s portfolio of wines, an early adopter of sustainable farming and winemaking practices, and an innovator in both the vineyard and cellar. Under his leadership, Scheid Family Wines grew from 2,500 cases to 900,000 cases in 10 years.
“We are incredibly grateful to Dave for his vision and commitment,” said Executive Vice President Heidi Scheid. “He was instrumental in the development and evolution of the brands in our wide-ranging portfolio, ensuring quality, consistency and a pure expression of character, whether it was a $10 or a $100 bottle of wine.”
Scheid added that Nagengast is not only a gifted winemaker, but also an “extremely effective leader who has built an incredible team through his calm and effective leadership style.”
“In the winery, he oversaw everything from construction to expansion to sustainability improvements. His touch can be felt everywhere,” she said.
Over the past several months, Nagengast and the Operations leadership team drew up a strong succession plan with the existing winemaking team. Vincent Catalaa, who has been with the company for 17 years, has been promoted from winemaker to director of winemaking.
Casey Di Cesare will continue as winemaker for Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, Scheid Vineyards and Metz Road, and will take on a new role as lean champion, responsible for driving efficiency-improvement processes and projects.
Ellie Loustalot has been promoted from associate winemaker to winemaker for Grandeur and the Scheid Family Wines’ organic portfolio of brands.
Rounding out the team, Shane Green will continue as winemaker for Scheid Family Wines and Jonathan Masse will continue as lab manager.
Founded in Monterey County in 1972, Scheid Family Wines is ranked among the top 20 largest wine producers in California. Just off Highway 101 between Greenfield and King City, Scheid’s “home” location and winery tasting room are set among the vineyards and its 400-foot wind turbine.
