Monday, August 10, 2009

Olsen Estates Winery Welcomes Robert Johnson as New Sales Manager


Olsen Estates Winery Welcomes Robert Johnson as New Sales Manager
Seattle-Based Johnson Brings Expertise and Enthusiasm to Award-Winning Winery

PROSSER, Wash.—(August 10, 2009)— Olsen Estates Winery is welcoming top wine professional, Robert Johnson as its new sales manager.

With over a dozen years of experience in both restaurant management and wine distribution combined with his specialized wine training, Johnson is a valuable addition to the Olsen team.

“Robert is a genuine triple threat,” says Martin Olsen, winery owner and manager. “He is passionate and knowledgeable about wine but also knows the ins and outs of the industry with all the experience he has under his belt. We’re absolutely thrilled to have him.”

Johnson, a Seattle native, discovered his love of the wine industry on a personal wine trip to Napa Valley in the fall of 1995. “What really got me was the customer service. I was taken care of at each winery,” Johnson said. “I loved that the wine industry was so friendly and from then on I just saw it as a place I could work in.”

Johnson shortly thereafter met the corporate trainer for G. Raden & Sons, while managing the Keg restaurants. A small distributor at the time, Renton-based G. Raden quickly recruited him after seeing his potential and passion for wine.

For the next 13 years, Johnson held various positions and helped grow G. Raden into one of the largest beer and wine distributors in the nation. The company eventually became Young’s Columbia.

His experience is complemented by his wine training, which includes his Level One Sommelier certification and a Certified Specialist of Wine.

Now, Johnson is using his connections and breadth of experience to promote, market and expand sales of Olsen Estates wines in Seattle and throughout the state.

The timing couldn’t be better. The Olsen Family is celebrating their centennial year of farming in the Yakima Valley: Festivities will continue with a series of events through September, culminating with the release of their first Heritage Series wine, a 2007 Syrah made from their finest 100% estate-grown grapes.

Olsen Estates Winery Olsen Estates Winery is located at 500 Merlot Drive, Prosser, Wash., in the Yakima Valley AVA. Known in the valley as longtime grape growers, the Olsen family unveiled their first vintage in 2006 made from only the best grapes from its 800-acre vineyards. Olsen Estates’ focus is on 100 percent varietal and Rhône style blends, crafted by winemaker Kyle Johnson. Tasting room hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday during the summer. The winery and surrounding grounds are also available for private events. For more information, call (509) 786-7007 or visit http://www.olsenestates.com.


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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

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