California, Carneros, July 2020; Domaine Carneros estate, joint venture between Champagne Taittinger and Kobrand Corporation, has appointed seasoned executive Remi Cohen as new CEO, starting in August 2020.
Domaine Carneros has appointed Remi Cohen as the new CEO, following the earlier announcement that Founding Winemaker and CEO Eileen Crane will be stepping down at the end of 2020. After a sparkling 33-year career at Carneros, Crane is going to complete the 2020 harvest and blending before handing the reins over to Remi Cohen in August.
Cohen has over 20 years of experience in the wine industry building a career focused on fine winemaking, viticulture and directing strategic sales and marketing programmes in the luxury wine space – most recently as COO at Lede Family Wines.
The Taittinger family values female leadership; Vitalie Taittinger was appointed President of Champagne Taittinger at the beginning of 2020 and Eileen Crane was selected personally by Claude Taittinger back in 1987 when Domaine Carneros was founded.
Of the hire, Eileen Crane states: “I have had a long and satisfying career guiding Domaine Carneros to where it is today. My dream from the age of eight was to make delicious sparkling wine. From a little girl in New Jersey through a path of many adventures with twists and turns, eventually I found the career that has been more than a dream come true. And it has been a great pleasure to work with the Taittinger family for 33 years. Remi has all the qualities and more to take us to the next evolutionary step, particularly during a challenging time in the wine business. Her adaptability to the changing demographic and cultural landscape will guide the winery into the future with a steady hand at the helm.”
“I have had a long and satisfying career guiding Domaine Carneros to where it is today”
With 20 years of experience that began in the Carneros region at Saintsbury just after receiving her master’s degree in viticulture, Cohen comes full circle after building a multi-faceted career. She previously spent a decade with Lede Family Wines, earning many accolades including in 2015, Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 recognition as a tastemaker and influencer in the Napa Valley.
Cohen has long held Domaine Carneros and its management in high regard stating…
“I admire the incredible talent, leadership and vision that luminary Eileen Crane has provided for the winery. I take great pride in the opportunity to continue to develop this foundation of excellence.”
