Leadership Transitions at 50-Year-Old Wine Company The Duckhorn Portfolio has announced three executive appointments effective immediately through early 2027, as the luxury wine company marks its 50th anniversary. Paul Passaro, most recently Head of Sales at O'Neill Vintners & Distillers, has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Sales Officer, effective October 5, 2026. Passaro brings 25 years of wine and spirits industry experience, including nearly 18 years at E. & J. Gallo Winery, where he served as National Director of Sales & Marketing for the company's Luxury Portfolio. "I've admired The Duckhorn Portfolio since the very beginning of my career, when I had the opportunity to represent these remarkable brands as a sales consultant," Passaro said. "To join an organization I've long respected and be able to contribute to the growth and evolution of this iconic portfolio is incredibly meaningful."
Internal Promotions Chanel Caplan, who joined Duckhorn in February 2025 as Senior Vice President of Brand Management for Premium Brands, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, effective September 30, 2026. Caplan previously led growth initiatives at Constellation Brands for Kim Crawford and Meiomi, and served as President of Rancho La Gloria at Patco Brands. "I am thrilled to be taking on the CMO role and building on the incredible heritage and momentum of our brands," Caplan said. "I look forward to finding new ways to connect with our consumers as we continue to fulfill our company's mission to elevate life's meaningful moments—from the celebratory to the everyday—with exceptional wines that bring people together." P.J. Alviso, Senior Vice President of Operations, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, effective February 1, 2027. Alviso joined the company in 2007 and has held roles spanning vineyard management, winemaking, and sourcing strategy across Duckhorn's regional brands. "It is such an honor to succeed my long-time mentor, Zach, and build on the strong foundation he has helped establish over more than two decades," Alviso said. "Having spent nearly 19 years growing alongside The Duckhorn Portfolio, and a lifetime spent on vineyards like ours, I have a deep appreciation for the people, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality that have made this company what it is today."
Board Appointment Outgoing Chief Operating Officer Zach Rasmuson, who has served in that role since 2012 and joined the company in 2003, will transition to the Board of Directors effective February 1, 2027. Rasmuson will continue to lead The Duckhorn Portfolio Founders Fund, which supports educational programs for historically disadvantaged groups in communities where the company operates. "After 23 years, I could not be more confident in the organization's direction, or in P.J. as my hand-picked successor," Rasmuson said. "I am honored to continue serving The Duckhorn Portfolio on the Board of Directors and look forward to continuing my work at the Founders Fund to support educational programs in our communities." Duckhorn Portfolio CEO Robert Hanson said the appointments reflect the company's strategy to maintain growth momentum. "These appointments bring the right combination of fresh perspective, deep institutional knowledge, and proven leadership to our executive team as we enter our next phase of growth," Hanson said. "Our goal is to be the undisputed leader in American luxury wine, and I am confident that these leaders will be instrumental in helping us achieve that ambition."
Why It Matters
The moves signal Duckhorn's confidence in internal talent development—Alviso's promotion is particularly significant given his nearly two-decade tenure—while bringing external sales expertise from established premium wine portfolios. For operators and wholesale partners, Passaro's 25-year track record in luxury wine sales could drive distribution and account management changes.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
