Who & What --

Buehler Vineyards names Elizabeth Kester as Winemaker, succeeding longtime Buehler winemaker David Cronin, who retired. Kester joins Buehler after more than 15 years at Wente Family Estates, America's oldest continuously operating family-owned winery, where she was Director of Winemaking.

M. A. Silva names Andrew Thompson national sales director. He will lead the cork, glass, and packing distributor’s sales organization across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reporting to General Manager Michael Bartlett. 

Breakthru Beverage promotes Jesse Christen to lead the Wisconsin market. Christen has been with Breakthru for 14 years, most recently serving as vice president of supplier business development.

Chateau Grand Traverse, Traaverse City, Mich., names Virginia Usher Director of Winemaking and Head of Production, Usher follows longtime winemaker Bernd Croissant, whose career at Chateau Grand Traverse spans more than three decades. Usher comes to Northern Michigan following more than a decade with Mendocino Wine Company in California, where she advanced from enologist to Director of Winemaking.