"Our numbers haven't been what we want or expect them to be," said Ryan Pennington, senior director of communications and corporate affairs for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. "I don't think that really factors in here at all. There was nothing that Bob did that was any kind of fault. The wines are as good as they've ever been. Bob was ready for new adventures. We were looking for the next generation to take over winemaking. The timing seemed right for both sides."
Bertheau, a Seattle native and UC Davis graduate, could not be reached for comment.
The move comes at a time of great upheaval for Chateau Ste. Michelle and the entire Washington wine industry. Chateau Ste. Michelle has struggled with sales in recent years and has been cancelling grape contracts. In November, former Treasury Wine Estates chief David Dearie took over as CEO, an unusual move for a company that usually promoted from within.