Napa, Calif.—Ste. Michelle Wine Estates appointed Russell Joy to the position of vice president of California operations. In this role, Joy will oversee operations at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa, Patz & Hall in Sonoma and Conn Creek Winery in St. Helena, according to the press release announcing the promotion.

For the past 11 years, Joy was vice president and general manager for Patz & Hall and prior to that, he was chief finance officer of Viansa and Sebastiani wineries. He also has previous experience with Allied Domecq as director of finance. Joy currently serves as vice president of the Sonoma County Vintners and is a fourth generation grape grower.