In this WIN Insider Series episode, George Christie interviews Alexandra O’Gorman, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines. Alexandra shares her journey from Carmel, California, into the wine industry, working her way through sales, marketing, hospitality, and communications at prestigious wineries, including Flowers Vineyard and Korbel, while earning her MBA from Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute. Her career is defined by taking risks, embracing change, and continuous learning. Alexandra discusses her current role overseeing community relations at Foley Family Wines, blending social impact, sustainability, and strategic philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of industry inclusivity, mentorship, and authentic leadership while addressing current challenges like market perceptions, product focus, and member engagement within winery associations. Her insights on connection, community involvement, and focused portfolios provide valuable inspirat

Afternoon Brief: Wine Sales Drying Up as Americans Turn Elsewhere

U.S. wine sales continued a multiyear decline in 2024, which experts attribute to shifting demographics, health concerns, new competition and economic forces...

Sonoma State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Linda Nowak as Interim Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute (WBI). Nowak, a distinguished educator and respected leader in the field of wine business, returns to the role she held from 2007 to 2010, when she was instrumental in furthering WBI’s reputation as a global leader in wine business education. Nowak’s extensive background in marketing, business administration, and wine education uniquely positions her to lead WBI during a transitional period. She holds a Ph.D. in business administration from Saint Louis University, with a major in marketing and a minor in international business. She earned her MBA from Mercer University and her Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Nowak is no stranger to Sonoma State University, having served as a professor of marketing from 1996 to 2010. Her tenure included notable achievements as Executive Director of WB

Afternoon Brief, June 3rd

Grim Reports Have the Wine Industry in Knots. But Should We Just Calm Down?: Lately, conversations within the wine industry have been punctuated with doom and gloom. Sales are erratic, the climate is unpredictable, overproduction is rampant and drinkers are hesitant to spend...

Korbel® California Champagne Appoints Carmichael Lynch as Brand & Media Agency of Record

Companies Reunite, Building on Decade-Long Relationship from the 1990s GUERNEVILLE, Calif. (June 3, 2024) – Korbel today announced it has chosen Carmichael Lynch as its new brand and media agency of record, which includes […]

Korbel California Champagne® Toasts 2023 PNC Championship

December 18, 2023, ORLANDO, FL – For the second year in a row, Korbel California Champagne® sponsored the PNC Championship, awarding $5,000 to the winner of the Korbel Closest to the Pin […]

Afternoon Brief, December 18th

British Man Accused of Swindling Nearly $100 Million in Wine Fraud Case Pleads Not Guilty : A British man accused of allegedly defrauding investors of nearly $100 million through a Ponzi-like scheme involving nonexistent luxury wines pleaded not guilty in a U.S. court on Saturday...

Korbel California Champagne® Toasts 2022 American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament with Long Drive and Hole-in-One Contests

July 12, 2022, Lake Tahoe, NV – Korbel California Champagne® sponsored the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe for its 18th year. Each summer, fans […]