Celebrate #ChardonnayDay with J. Lohr
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#JLOHRWOMEN

At J. Lohr, talent and inspiration know no gender

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions of women everywhere.

At J. Lohr, we are fortunate to have extremely talented team members in many different roles throughout our vineyards, wineries, offices, and warehouses. Cynthia Lohr, Kristen Barnhisel, Rhonda Motil, Rita Di Lello, and Jessica Kollhoff are just a few of the women making a daily difference at J. Lohr.

Over the next several weeks, we'll be celebrating diversity in the wine industry and the women who have inspired, mentored, and supported us.

Join the #JLohrWomen conversation.

CYNTHIA LOHR

FORWARD-LOOKING THOUGHT LEADER

As the daughter of wine industry pioneer Jerry Lohr, Cynthia Lohr spent much of her youth in the vineyards. As an adult, she chose her own path, establishing a reputation for excellence in strategic marketing and public relations, working with a who’s who of leading internet and technology companies. In 2002, Cynthia joined the family business as director of communications for J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. Today, Cynthia is a co-owner and the winery’s Chief Brand Officer.

Read Cynthia’s Bio
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Kristen Barnhisel 2022

Kristen Barnhisel

Globetrotting Artist

Acclaimed winemaker Kristen Barnhisel brings two decades of viticulture and enology experience spanning three continents to her role as winemaker for all our white wines. With an initial degree in Italian Literature, Kristen then followed her family’s deep winemaking roots. Known for her gifted palate and technical skill, Kristen presides over J. Lohr’s white wines winery in Monterey County.

Read Kristen’s Bio

Rhonda Motil

J. Lohr VP Marketing

Rhonda directs J. Lohr’s industry-admired in-house marketing program, while also managing the winery’s key communications, design, and digital media partners. Leveraging her extensive background in high-tech, Rhonda has played a pivotal role in establishing J. Lohr at the forefront of wine industry internet marketing and new media strategy—helping to create visionary programs that have earned J. Lohr accolades for its effective approach to consumer engagement.

Read Rhonda’s Bio
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Rita Di Lello

J. Lohr VP National Accounts, On-Premise

Rita has been with J. Lohr for twenty-two years. She leads a best-in-the-industry sales team servicing more than 300 accounts throughout the U.S. Rita has earned a deserved reputation as a detail-oriented on-premise specialist providing creative solutions and programs for her restaurant clients; she is known for building collaborative, successful relationships with customers and industry leaders.

Read Rita’s Bio

Jessica Kollhoff

J. Lohr Director of Hospitality and Direct Sales

Jessica joined the J. Lohr team in 2019. She oversees the visitor operations and famed hospitality of J. Lohr’s Wine Centers in Paso Robles and San Jose; Jessica also manages direct-to-consumer strategies and sales for the winery. Her previous e-Commerce experience in high-tech coupled with an MBA from Cal Poly makes Jessica the perfect fit to lead J. Lohr’s hospitality and DTC outreaches.

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Shaune Zeleny

Vice President, International Sales

Shaune has been a part of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines for twenty-four years. During her dedicated tenure, she has established lasting relationships with a global network of distributors, while building recognition and respect for J. Lohr’s brands, both nationally and internationally.

Read Shaune’s Bio

Upcoming Events

BizWomen “Mentoring Monday” Virtual Event

Join J. Lohr CBO Cynthia Lohr for Mentoring Monday on February 28. This annual event brings women together in a casual, speed-coaching format to make meaningful connections and gain career insights. Learn more about how to register here
Leadership Making a Difference - Training & Education

J. Lohr CBO Cynthia Lohr, J. Lohr VP National Accounts, On-Premise Rita Di Lello, and J. Lohr Winemaker, White Wine Kristen Barnhisel will be participating in Kimpton Hotel’s ‘Women in Wine’ event on March 9.

Giving Back

During Women’s History Month in March, Fish Market Restaurants will be donating proceeds from its Women In Wine events to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). J. Lohr Winemaker White Wine Kristen Barnhisel will be a featured guest speaker on March 8th in San Diego; J. Lohr CBO Cynthia Lohr will be in San Mateo on March 30th to share about our partnership with NBCF through the J. Lohr Touching Lives program. Find out more about how to attend HERE.
The Women Behind The Wine

During the month of March,
J. Lohr Winemaker Kristen Barnhisel and J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay will be featured in “Women Behind the Wine” displays and programs at Jewel-Osco stores throughout Illinois.

Women of The Vine & Spirits

Women of The Vine & Spirits

The Women of the Vine & Spirits organization is dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the alcohol beverage industry worldwide. The group’s “connect, collaborate, commit” motto speaks to their sense of community and mission. The annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Connect conference will take place online on March 8. Learn more here.

National Women’s History Month

National Women’s History Month

In 1987, Congress designated March as National Women’s History Month – to “highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.” International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 every year. Join us throughout March as we explore and discuss some of the remarkable women that have helped shape our industry, country, and planet. Share your stories with us, as well!