Category Archives: Obituaries

Michter’s Master Distiller Emeritus Dies

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Joel Whitaker

Willie Pratt was 78.  He joined Michter’s in 2007 after a 40-year career at Brown-Forman where he served on the company’s committee studying distillation, cooperage, and aging conditions. At the start of his tenure at the company, he oversaw Michter’s production … Continue reading →

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Dolores Cakebread, Cofounder of Cakebread Cellars, Dies at 90

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Joel Whitaker

She understood the importance of tourism and hospitality to Napa Valley’s potential success.  The Cakebread winery became known for its cuisine driven by fresh, local produce.  She and her husband published the Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Cookbook in 2003.

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William Bonetti, 94, Dies; Created Sonoma-Cutrer Winery

Posted on September 22, 2020 by Joel Whitaker

William (Bill) Bonetti, 94, died Sept. 7. Raised in the northern Italian alps and educated at the Conegliano School of Viticulture, he brought a traditional and formal winemaking background to America at the age of 22. After years of honing … Continue reading →

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Barry Sterling, Founder of Iron Horse Vineyards, Dies at 90

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Joel Whitaker

His death came 40 years after the attorney-turned-vintner opened his winery on his 5oth birthday.  His Iron Horse sparkling wine was served at the Geneva Summit meetings between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev which ended … Continue reading →

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Anthony Terlato, Founder, Terlato Wine Group Dies

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Joel Whitaker

He was 86 years old, and was founder and chairman of Terlato Wine Group, spent his life in wine, working in every aspect of the business, as retailer, distributor, importer and winery owner. Notable quote: “When my father had the … Continue reading →

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Les Constable, Owned Brushy Creek Vineyards, Dies

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Joel Whitaker

The death was reported by the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, which had awarded him the John Crosby Award for lifetime achievement in the Texas wine and grape industry. In 2019 the Association awarded Les the Frank Madla Award … Continue reading →

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