Gretchen Roddick of Hope Family Wines Elected Wine Institute 2026-2027 Board Chair

New Officers and Board Directors Named as California Wine Enters a Pivotal Year

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Gretchen Roddick, executive vice president of Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, was elected Wine Institute board chair for the 2026-27 fiscal year at the organization's Annual Membership and Board of Directors Meeting in Napa, June 7-9, 2026.

Roddick assumes the role at an important time of transition for both Wine Institute and the broader California wine community. As wineries face significant market pressures, shifting consumer behavior, international trade challenges and an increasingly complex policy environment, Wine Institute is sharpening its focus on advocacy, member engagement and a stronger, more unified narrative for California wine.

Other officers elected were Ben Dollard of Treasury Wine Estates, first vice chair; Ed Matovcik of Constellation Brands, second vice chair; Christine Wente of Wente Vineyards, treasurer; and Jennifer Evans of The Wine Group, secretary. Steve J. Gross is president and CEO of Wine Institute.

Robin Baggett, managing partner of Alpha Omega Winery in St. Helena and Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo, is the outgoing chair and becomes an ex-officio board member.

"I am deeply honored to serve as Wine Institute chair and grateful for the leaders who have helped build, guide and strengthen this organization over many decades," said Roddick. "This is a challenging moment for wine, but it is also a moment that calls for clarity, optimism and action. Wine Institute has an extraordinary role to play in bringing our industry together, strengthening our voice and helping shape what comes next for California wine."

Roddick said a key focus of her chairmanship will be increasing member engagement, supporting member recruitment and helping modernize Wine Institute governance so the organization can remain nimble and effective in a rapidly changing environment.

"The year ahead will require engagement from our members at every level," Roddick said. "We want more wineries at the table, more voices in the conversation and more opportunities for members to help shape the future of this organization. When members engage, they strengthen not only Wine Institute but the entire California wine community."

Roddick brings deep operational experience, regional leadership and a long-standing commitment to California wine to the role. She joined Hope Family Wines in 1997 and today oversees company operations, including production, winemaking, finance, hospitality, sales and marketing. Over nearly three decades, she has worked side by side with owner-winemaker Austin Hope as the company grew from 1,000 cases annually to nearly 1 million cases, becoming one of Paso Robles' most-recognized success stories. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Roddick majored in fruit science with a minor in agricultural business before beginning her wine career on the Central Coast.

"We are fortunate to have Gretchen stepping into this role at such an important time," said Steve Gross, president and CEO of Wine Institute. "She brings energy, optimism and a clear understanding of the challenges facing our industry. Her focus on engagement, governance and member connection aligns directly with the work Wine Institute is doing to strengthen the organization and support California wineries through a period of significant change."

Wine Institute's membership also elected new district and at-large directors and their alternates.

About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. Its California Wine Export Program extends that mission globally, driving international market development on behalf of participating members.