Gary Galleron has been appointed full-time winemaker for Bourassa Vineyards in Napa Valley. Galleron has been a consulting winemaker for Bourassa since 2004 and has worked in the past for such wineries as Grgich Hills, Whitehall Lane, Grace Family, Hartwell, Vineyard 29 and Seavey.

Vic Bourassa started as a home winemaker and opened his own winery in 2001. His first vintage was the 2003 Harmony 3, a Bordeaux-style blend.

V. Sattui has been named Winery of the Year by the California State Fair for the second year in a row and for the third time in four years. The winery received double gold medals at the fair for five of its wines and gold medals for two others.

Jean-Michel Valette has joined Vinfolio, an online wine store, as non-executive chairman. He has been involved with Vinfolio’s board of directors for nearly a year, and his new duties will involve counseling on strategy and lending his wine industry experience in industry relationships.

Valette most recently was chairman of Robert Mondavi Winery, and previously served as president and CEO of Franciscan Estates. He holds the title of Master of Wine.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, recognized Fetzer Vineyards for being named “Brand With a Conscience,” one of only eight forms world-wide to be recognized by the Medinge Group, a think-tank on branding and business.

Fetzer joins such organizations as Whole Foods, Virgin Group and IKEA on the list.

Fetzer is known for its energy efficient and sustainable agricultural practices and has been honored for its extensive use of organic farming, solar power, bio-fuel and recycling programs.

Ernie Weir, owner of Hagafen Cellars, and Remington Cox, owner of CC Blue contemporary Japanese restaurant in St. Helena, host a winemakers dinner Aug. 2. Cox will prepare a five-course meal to pair with Hagafen wines. Dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and can be reserved by calling 967-9100. CC Blue is at the south end of Main Street.

  

Submit items for Toast of the Valley to On Wine Editor Sasha Paulsen, spaulsen@napanews.com