Napa, Calif.—Beringer Vineyards announced Mark Beringer — a direct descendent of Jacob Beringer who was one of the founders of the winery in 1876 — is the winery's new chief winemaker. "It's an honor to step in and continue the legacy of winemaking that Beringer has long been known for. I am incredibly excited to craft wines that reflect the best of Napa Valley — the very same sentiment that led my great-great-grandfather to establish Beringer in 1876," said Beringer said in a press release by Treasury Wine Estates, the Australian company that now owns the Napa winery. Beringer joins Beringer Vineyards after working at Artesa Vineyards & Winery and Duckhorn Vineyards as well as other Napa Valley wineries.

Beringer’s Chief Winemaker Laurie Hook is also moving into the role of winemaker emeritus. Hook has been with the winery since 1986 and became winemaker in 2000. As winemaker emeritus Hook will continue to advise on winemaking and represent the winery at key events.