Destination Cellars Names Vice President of Winery Relations and Estate Sommelier

DULLES, VA–(Marketwire – June 29, 2010) –  Destination Cellars, the first and only luxury destination wine club, today announced that Mitch Schwartz joins the company as vice president of winery relations and Sean Meyer joins as estate sommelier. Both Schwartz and Meyer are based in Napa, California.

“With his expansive experience in winery acquisition and compliance, Mitch is a strong addition to our expert bench,” said David Keuhner, founder and CEO of Destination Cellars. “Sean will play a vital role working directly with clients to educate, handle purchases and oversee events.”

In his position as Vice President of Winery Relations, Mitch Schwartz is responsible for the acquisition of new winery partners globally, compliance and fulfillment for the online wine portal and on-going relations with winery partners. Schwartz has more than 25 years experience in the wine industry in both sales and marketing. He has a blended background of working through both traditional distribution with Gallo, The Wine Group, and Constellation, and direct-to-consumer as co-founder of Winesource.com. Previously, Schwartz was vice president of Inertia Beverage where he helped dozens of wineries grow their direct-to-consumer businesses.

“Destination Cellars has hit on a formula that will successfully connect wine consumers with winery supply,” said Mitch Schwartz, vice president of winery relations, Destination Cellars. “I look forward to playing a role in helping our winery partners gain exposure and sales for their products, while at the same time maintaining their luxury brand positioning.”

As estate sommelier, Sean Q. Meyer specializes in tailoring experiences for wine lovers seeking exclusive and personalized access to some of the world’s most prestigious properties and vineyards. He assists everyone from the experienced oenophile to the novice wine taster in achieving new levels of appreciation for and excitement about wine. Meyer’s approach makes learning about wine equally enjoyable and educational for clients, while his experience as sommelier at the finest restaurants insures perfection in every detail.

“During the past two years, I’ve worked closely with Destination Cellars as a winery partner allowing me to bring a unique perspective to my new role. The company’s commitment to exceptional service, attention to detail, and luxury mindset impressed me immensely,” said Sean Meyer, estate sommelier, Destination Cellars. “Joining this team, I am pleased to combine the best elements of my professional experience to provide exceptional international wine experiences.”

Meyer devoted himself to studying and appreciating the finer points of wine for the past 15 years. He developed a keen palette and expert knowledge while sommelier and wine director for some of the world’s greatest culinary geniuses including Chefs Thomas Keller (Bouchon/French Laundry), Frank Stitt (Highlands Bar and Grill/Bottega/Chez Fonfon) and Tim McKee (La Belle Vie). Meyer gained first-hand knowledge of winemaking by working with some of Napa’s finest wineries including Cardinale, Lokoya and Freemark Abbey. He is currently in the final stage of examination for the Master Sommelier diploma.

About Destination Cellars
Founded in 2006, Destination Cellars is the first and only luxury destination club that offers affluent wine, food and travel enthusiasts personalized access to prestigious winery properties around the world. Individual and corporate club members enjoy exclusive, tailored experiences at more than 100 of the world’s finest wineries spanning seven countries. From an intimate wine tasting and fine dining experience, to cave exploration and bio-dynamic seminars, Destination Cellars creates private “once in a lifetime” experiences, to ensure it opens the world of wine to those who desire an extraordinary and memorable journey. Destination Cellars has built an esteemed alliance network to guarantee its members receive the best services available, including YPO, TIGER 21, Exclusive Resorts, Merrill Lynch, VIP Desk, Private Club Network, The Markers Club, Nos Caves Vin, Cellar Advisors, PGA Tour professional Parker McLachlin and LGPA Tour professional Meghan Francella.

For more information on Destination Cellars membership, visit http://www.destinationcellars.com or contact us at 703-327-3109.

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