Patrick G. Duffeler, founder of Williamsburg Winery, announced that Patrick G. Duffeler II was named chief executive officer, effective March 1.

Patrick Duffeler II joined the company in June 1989, as a tour guide. Subsequently, he became a field sales associate in Northern Virginia, spent a crush and several months in Bordeaux, France, pursued a winery management course at UC Davis, California, and returned to the winery in the 1990’s where, after several years, he was named chief operating officer.

Matthew G. R. Meyer, winemaker, has been appointed executive vice president. He is a graduate of UC Davis and worked at Heitz Wine Cellars in Napa, California before joining the Williamsburg Winery in 2002. He oversees all production aspects of the winery including viticulture, winemaking, bottling, maintenance and capital expenditure.

Kristen M. Duffeler, vice president, will continue as counsel with a focus on the operations of Wedmore Place and marketing.

Tim Westby-Gibson, executive chef of the Café Provençal, will join the executive committee of the board to participate actively in the long-term planning of food service within the context of the continued evolution of all operations.

The 2012 harvest represented the 25th harvest for the Williamsburg Winery. The Williamsburg Winery, the largest in Virginia, has been included in the last six years by Decanter Magazine of London in their roster of the world’s best wines.

Patrick Duffeler, founder, will remain active as chairman of the board with a focus on strategic planning and monitoring performance and successful growth of the bompany.

The Williamsburg Winery, established in 1985, is located on a 300-acre farm only a few miles from Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district.