The Country Vintner (TCV) of Ashland, Virginia, an importer of fine wines and wholesaler of fine wines and craft spirits, announces the appointment of Laura DePasquale, MS as Vice President and General Manager of its Florida division, Stacole Fine Wines.

DePasquale most recently served as Vice President of Fine Wine for leading Italian wine importer Palm Bay International of Boca Raton. She is one of only 118 wine professionals and only 17 women in North America to have earned the title of Master Sommelier and currently works on behalf of the Court of Master Sommeliers as Lecturer and Examiner.

Founded in 1980, The Country Vintner is the premiere dedicated fine wine and craft spirit wholesaler in the U.S. TCV’s knowledge-based sales culture and customer-centric approach have allowed the company to grow organically and independently, acquiring Stacole Fine Wines of Boca Raton in September 2010.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura to our growing organization. Her credentials are impeccable. She has overseen sales growth in all of her previous roles, and her obvious commitment to education and training fits our culture perfectly." said David Townsend, President and CEO, The Country Vintner.

“I've admired the unique Fine Wine market position of The Country Vintner for some time now. I'm super excited to be part of this growing and dynamic organization and look forward to all the great things to come," said DePasquale.