John Clews, COO and Head Winemaker at Clos Du Val Winery announced today the promotion of Kristy Melton from Assistant Winemaker to Winemaker at the iconic Napa Valley winery. Kristy, who was hired by the winery in 2010 to assist John in on-going the enological modernization of Clos Du Val winemaking techniques and wine style, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Clos Du Val's well-known passion for producing exceptional wines of balance, elegance and complexity.

In addition to continuing to assist in the overall evolution of Clos Du Val, Kristy's primary role will be to oversee the winery's highly-limited 'Winemaker Signature Series', the new line of winery-exclusive wines crafted from specific vineyard blocks, interesting varietals and proprietary blends launched in 2010 as well as new, luxury-tier wines designed to showcase Clos Du Val's amazing vineyard holdings.

"In her time at Clos Du Val, Kristy has demonstrated a unique and compelling ability to add extraordinary nuance to our wines while remaining focused on our stylistic integrity," John comments. "We have never been a winery to rest our on laurels and we look forward to Kristy's on-going contribution to the evolution of our winery practices and the wines."

Kristy will continue to report to John Clews in his role as Head Winemaker in charge of Clos Du Val's Classic and Stags Leap District Tiers, with Carneros Pinot Noir, his expressed passion, and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Du Val's best selling wine, among them.

"I am honored to work with John in the evolution of our wines and doing so in recognition and in honor of our historic perspective," Kristy says. "We've been making extraordinary wines for 40 years, I am thrilled to help continue and influence that tradition."

Kristy will be on the road quite a lot in 2012 as part of Clos Du Val's Big 4-0 Ten City Tour and various other celebrations planned, the details of which will be subject to another press release.

About Clos Du Val

Clos Du Val, French for "small vineyard estate of a small valley," was founded in 1972 in the now legendary Stags Leap District by John Goelet and French winemaker Bernard Portet. After a worldwide search to purchase vineyard properties from which to craft world-class Bordeaux and Burgundy varietals, 150 acres in the now legendary Stags Leap District and 180 acres in the cool Carneros District were chosen, from which Clos Du Val Winery, a true Napa Valley icon, was born.

Today, for Clos Du Val winemakers John Clews and Kristy Melton, it's the fruit from these distinctive vineyards that serves as the foundation for crafting the balanced, terroir-driven wines of elegance for which Clos Du Val is known.

For more information, visit www.closduval.com or call 800-993-9463.