Bill Foley Announces New Winemaking Team At Chalone Estate Vineyard

Esteemed Winemaker Michael Michaud Returns to Chalone as Consulting Winemaker

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Apr 21, 2016, 07:15 ET

SANTA ROSA, Calif., April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bill Foley and Foley Family Wines are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Michaud as Consulting Winemaker and Gianni Abate as Associate Winemaker for Chalone Estate Vineyards. A well-known industry veteran, Michael has more than 20 years of experience in the Chalone AVA . Michael was the winemaker at Chalone Estate from 1979 to 1997, where he worked closely with founder Dick Graff, helping to build one of the most iconic wine estates in California. Upon leaving Chalone, Michael continued his work with the AVA with his own vineyard. "The vast experience Michael brings to Chalone is exactly what we want," Bill Foley, Proprietor of Foley Family Wines said. "He worked with Dick Graff for years and understands these unique and historic vineyards like no one else."

Additionally, Gianni Abate has joined the team as Associate Winemaker. Gianni was most recently with Morgan Winery in Salinas, where he made award winning wine for 11 vintages. Gianni has also had roles at Robert Mondavi, Woodbridge, Bronco and Delicato Winery. Foley states, "Having both Gianni and Michael will ensure that we reach our goal of maximizing the quality of wines coming from this incredible property. These two are going to be a dynamic team and I'm looking forward to their expertise being applied to both the Chalone Estate and Gavilan brands, especially now as we celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris." Adds Michael Michaud, "I am thrilled to work with Gianni and the Foley Family Wines team to return Chalone Estate Vineyard to the successful winegrowing practices that made the wines so highly respected around the world."

About Chalone Estate Vineyard

Chalone Vineyard is the only winery located in the Chalone American Viticultural Area (AVA). This 8,540-acre appellation, designated an AVA for its unique soils and mesoclimates, lies on top of the Gavilan Mountains on the eastern side of the Salinas Valley. The ancient volcanic formation of Pinnacles National Monument forms the backdrop for Chalone Vineyard on this high plateau. Chalone is known for producing outstanding Chardonnnay and Pinot Noirs as well as a number of other unique varieties including Cheninc Blanc that was planted in 1919. In addition, Chalone was recognized as a top Chardonnay in the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris.

About Foley Family Wines

Foley Family Wines was established by Bill Foley in 1996 with the acquisition of Lincourt Vineyards in California's Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, Foley Family Wines has grown to become a major producer, marketer and distributor of highly-acclaimed, handmade wines from some of the world's greatest vineyards. Every brand in the company's portfolio is distinct and autonomous with its own identity, style, techniques and personnel. Foley Family Wines owns the following properties: Foley Estates (Santa Rita Hills, CA), Lincourt Vineyards (Solvang, CA), Merus (Napa Valley, CA), Foley Johnson (Napa Valley, CA), Chalk Hill (Sonoma County, CA), Sebastiani (Sonoma County, CA), Kuleto (Napa Valley, CA), Altus (Napa, CA), Foley Johnson (Napa, CA), Three Rivers Winery (Walla Walla, WA), The Four Graces (Dundee, OR), Firestone Vineyard (Santa Ynez Valley, CA), Eos (Paso Robles, CA), Vavasour (Marlborough, New Zealand), Clifford Bay (Marlborough, New Zealand), and Te Kairanga (Martinborough, NZ). Bill Foley is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Fidelity National Inc and Executive Chairman of Fidelity National Information Services. Both are Fortune 500 companies.