Adam Torpy, CEO of Goelet Wine Estates (GWE), the global family-owned wine company whose holdings include Napa Valley’s Clos Du Val Winery, the Languedoc’s Domaine de Nizas and Australia’s Taltarni Vineyards, announced today his acceptance of the resignation of former Clos Du Val COO and Head Winemaker, John Clews.

Clos Du Val, in the midst of widely-acknowledged resurgence within the luxury wine tier sparked by Project Evolution, continues to look toward the future.  The comprehensive capital investment plan led by current Clos Du Val Winemaker, Kristy Melton, is centered on the modernization and enhancement of the winery’s standard operating procedures, equipment and, most importantly, its wines.  Melton, who spearheaded the project since its inception, will step up to manage overall winemaking and winery operations during this transition period.

“While it’s never easy to bid farewell to a longstanding member of the GWE family, we are fortunate to have Kristy on-board to continue the important work she has started at Clos Du Val,” commented GWE CEO, Adam Torpy. “We remain grateful to John for his contribution to the winery and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Meanwhile, Clos Du Val, a member of the famed ‘class of ’72’, is preparing to enter its 5th decade in the Stags Leap District with a renewed sense of passion and purpose across all segments of the business.

“The plan is simple,” Torpy went on.  “We need to continue the positive evolution of the Clos Du Val winery, wines and customer experiences by leveraging our extraordinary vineyard holdings, our talented employees and our family-owned legacy within the Napa Valley.  It’s time to take our rightful place at the table among the world’s most highly-regarded wineries.”