Sacramento, Calif.—Edgar B. “Pete” Downs is the new, acting president of the Family Winemakers of California, which represents more than 400 wineries most of which are family owned and produce less than 5,000 cases per year. Downs retired from Jackson Family Wines in 2012 after working there for 20 years to launch his own consulting firm and has been an active board member of Family Winemakers and head of the legislative committee. 

According to the statement announcing Downs’ appointment, expanding market opportunities remains the principal goal along with representation for smaller wineries in agricultural issues, and reform and modernization of regulations governing winery operations, including direct to consumer sales and marketing.