Vara Winery and Distillery appoints new sales director

US-based Vara Winery and Distillery has given long-time partner Drake McCarthy a senior leadership role.

Drake has been named senior director of sales, distribution and sourcing at the Alberquerque, New Mexico company, following a long career as a fine wine importer and distributor. 

In his new expanded role, he will be responsible for inciting the discovery and introduction of fine French, Italian, Spanish and other world wines to the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

He joins a distinguished senior team at Vara Winery and Distillery which includes Xavier Zamarippa, Louisa Sawyer Lindquist, Bob Lindquist, Laurent Gruet and Scott Feuille, as well as the company's co-founder Doug Diefenthaler.

Of Drake's appointment, Doug said: "Drake's many years of management and international travel as a wine professional and his ability to manifest this experience and knowledge to local markets make him one of the most unique talents in our industry. We are very pleased to be able to include his authority and strength to our team."

Drake added: "Vara is truly an innovative and cutting-edge venture setting new standards for bringing world-class quality to your table. I am delighted, thrilled, inspired, and humbled to be offered a seat at the table with this stellar team of industry standouts."

1 September 2021 - Bethany Whymark