Don DeFesi

Don DeFesi is a retired wine industry professional with an extensive career spanning over three decades. While he previously held the position of Vice President, Domestic Sales at Rutherford Wine Company, his most recent role before retirement was as a National Account Manager at WX Brands.1

Career Highlights

Wine Industry Experience: Don DeFesi had a 31-year career in Wine Industry Sales and Management.1 His expertise includes:

• Exclusive Brands/Private Label development
• Multi-million dollar growth with major retailers like Whole Foods
• Leading a team that achieved significant breakthroughs in Amazon's wine program

Roles at WX Brands: Before retiring in January 2022, Don held the following positions at WX Brands:

• National Account Manager to Amazon and Whole Foods (Jan 2020 - Jan 2022)
• National Account Manager to Whole Foods (May 2009 - Jan 2020)

Previous Wine Industry Positions: Don's career in the wine industry included roles at several notable companies:

• National Sales Manager/West at Rutherford Wine Company (Dec 2006 - May 2009)
• Western Regional Manager at Oyster Bay Wines (2004 - 2006)
• Sales Manager at Cosentino Winery (Apr 2002 - Apr 2004)
• California State Manager at Wente Vineyards (Apr 1999 - Jan 2002)
• Northern California Chain Sales Manager at Geyser Peak Winery (Apr 1993 - Apr 1999)
• National Chain Store Manager at Raymond Vineyards (Apr 1990 - Apr 1993)

Additional Background

Before his wine industry career, Don spent 20 years as a Radio Broadcaster.1 His experience in this field included:

• Broadcast Journalism
• On-Air Personality
• Sales
• Station Management

Don DeFesi attended California State University-Sacramento, where he studied Radio and Television from 1969 to 1970.1