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PAUL DOLAN ANNOUNCES HIS DEPARTURE FROM
FETZER AND BROWN-FORMAN Respected California Wine Maker Will Launch Two New Wineries April 2, 2004 Hopland, Calif. — Fetzer Vineyards President Paul Dolan announced today that he will leave the famed Mendocino County winery and Brown-Forman Wines at the end of the company's fiscal year (April 30). Dolan has spent the last 27 years in leadership positions at Fetzer. "Over the past couple of years, as I've worked to share our story in True To Our Roots, I've come to realize that the next chapter in the book of my life is ready to be written," Dolan wrote to his fellow employees. "My work in carrying forward our message of sustainable business has just begun, and I plan to continue speaking, writing and spreading the word in every way possible. I will remain active in the work of the Wine Institute in this area, and also continue to champion the Wine Vision process which, at its heart, is simply trying to make wine more accessible and understandable to more Americans," he continued. "Without the full support of Brown-Forman, it would not have been possible for these ideas to reach their fruition at Fetzer, or to move beyond our own Mendocino borders to impact the wine industry as we have. I can't thank the leadership of Brown-Forman enough for the vision and continued leadership for sustainability." Dolan also plans a return to his winemaking roots. He and several friends will soon launch a new winery, named Sauvignon Republic Cellars, focused on food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc from the world's great Sauvignon regions, while Dolan and his sons are in the early stages of creating an as yet unnamed winery. "My sons and I are very committed to creating a Mendocino winery that is anchored firmly in both sustainable approaches to agriculture, organic farming and the full expression of wines with a sense of place." Dolan expressed confidence in the new generation of leaders at Fetzer and Brown-Forman Wines to step forward. "I hope that you join me in celebrating what is yet to come for Fetzer, Brown-Forman Wines and for me personally." Brown Forman Wines President David Dearie commended Dolan on his nearly three decades of excellent service to Fetzer. "Paul Dolan is truly one of the great leaders in the California wine industry and all of us at Brown-Forman and Fetzer wish him the best in his as he begins this next phase in his exemplary career." Dearie added that while no one could replace Dolan, the company will announce in the near future who will take on responsibility for new product development for Brown-Forman Wines, the function for which Dolan has been most responsible over the last year. Fetzer Vineyards, based in Mendocino County, produces a wide range of wines produced in a sustainable manner, and is the largest grower of organic winegrapes in the United States. Visit Fetzer on the web at Fetzer.com ## ### ## Brown-Forman Beverages Media Contact: James Caudill / Brown-Forman Wines |
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