Wente Vineyards
Kela Driggs has a diverse work experience spanning various roles in the wine industry. Kela most recently worked at Wente Family Estates since 2020, initially as a Brand Manager and later promoted to Senior Brand Manager. Prior to that, from 2016 to 2020, they served as an Account Director at Calhoun & Company Communications, where they managed client accounts in the fine wine and premium spirits industry. Additionally, from 2018 to 2020, Kela owned and served as an interviewer for the Women in Wine Podcast, celebrating women working in the wine industry.
Further in their career, Kela served as the Director of Marketing at TASTED 100% Blind from 2015 to 2016, overseeing marketing strategies and establishing relationships for the production of blind tasting videos. Kela also held the position of Director of Marketing and Communications at Syrah Medias from 2015 to 2016, assisting wineries and managing online and digital communication. Prior to that, they worked as an Export Assistant - Internship at Murielle Claudel Wines in 2015, expanding distribution channels and aiding in sales efforts.
Kela's early career experiences include roles such as Events and Marketing Coordinator at the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association from 2012 to 2014, where they organized consumer events to increase awareness of the wine region. Kela also worked as a Territory Sales Representative at Classic Wines of California in 2012, gaining experience in a large and diversified portfolio. Kela's initial roles in the industry include working as a Wine Steward/Bartender at The Vine at Bridges in 2011 and as a Harvest Intern at Ruby Hill Winery from 2011 to 2012.
Kela Driggs attended California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo from 2007 to 2011, where they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Business with a specialization in Wine and Viticulture. After a few years, they pursued higher education and enrolled in OMNES Education from 2014 to 2016, where they earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Kela'sfocus during their MBA program was on Wine Marketing and Management. Additionally, Kela Driggs has obtained a certification in WSET Level 3 from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. The specific month and year of obtaining this certification are not provided.
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Wente Vineyards
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, Wente Vineyards was among the first wineries to receive the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.