King Estate expanded its leadership team with the promotion of Steve Thomson from executive vice president of sales to executive vice president of King Estate, and announced his appointment to the Oregon Wine Board by Governor John Kitzhaber. Additionally, the company hired Rick Durette as vice president of national sales.

"These executive appointments are a powerful step forward for King Estate, adding to our already strong group of senior professionals. There's a commitment at King Estate to invest in top wine industry people to build the best company we can, and this is a key development," noted Ed King, CEO of King Estate Winery.

Sales will continue to report through Durette into Thomson for the coming year, ensuring continuity of this very important function, while Thomson assumes additional operational responsibilities at the Estate. Thomson continues his strategic advisement on the Board of Directors of WineAmerica: the National Association of American Wineries, the Oregon Wine Board, the Northwest Wine Coalition, and the Advisory Committee of the Chemeketa College Viticulture & Enology program.

About King Estate

King Estate, celebrating more than 20 years of Oregon winemaking, is located southwest of Eugene, Oregon and produces wines of exceptional quality using organic & sustainable farming methods, meticulous fruit selection, impeccable winemaking practices and judicious blending.

The beautiful estate of 1,033 acres is certified organic and includes 470 acres of organic vineyards, as well as 30 acres of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The Estate is crowned by the charming, European-style winery, where the winemaking process is also certified organic.

The Restaurant and Wine Bar at King Estate features wine tasting and winery tours as well as fine dining. The menu incorporates estate and locally grown organic ingredients that fully complement King Estate wines.