Mendocino Wine Co. Struggles To Explain Paul Dolan’s Exit

But doesn’t succeed.

Below is a letter sent out by Tom Thornhill, CEO and President, and David Simpson, Vice President of National Sales

 

Dear Valued Customers and Distributor Partners,

We have business news to share with you that reflects progressive developments for the Mendocino Wine Company (MWC).

Effective January 20, 2012, Tom Thornhill, Chairman and founding CEO since 2004, has assumed the role of President of MWC. Paul Dolan is no longer with the company and is at work on his other business interests.

Over the last seven years we have developed a culture and business around quality, authenticity and sustainability. We are proud to maintain a culture that now includes three generations of the Thornhill family at Mendocino Wine Company.

The future is bright for the Mendocino Wine Co. In recent months we have retooled the venerable Parducci Wine Cellars brand while focusing on quality and value. Our new Small Lot Blend positioning and packaging has been enthusiastically embraced by our trade and retail partners. In addition we have recently won several new placements for the Paul Dolan Vineyards brand, including a couple of new national account placements.

The Paul Dolan Vineyards brand and its distributor relationships will remain unchanged moving forward. Virtually all of the fruit for the brand will remain the same, Mendocino-sourced, certified, organically grown grapes and biodynamically grown grapes. Mendocino Wine Company’s Head Winemaker, Bob Swain, continues in his role of day-to-day supervision of the brand.

Reporting directly to Tom Thornhill are: Tim Thornhill in his role as COO, Bob Swain as Head Winemaker, and Kelly Lentz as Marketing Manager. David Simpson as VP of National Sales and Jennifer Gulbrandsen as Controller will continue to report to Tom.
We look forward to our continued relationship and successful collaboration this year. Please feel free to call me directly if you have any questions about this change.

Sincerely,

Tom Thornhill, CEO and President, 707-463-5363
David Simpson, Vice President of National Sales, 707-696-4765 mobile