FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE ICONIC WILLIAMSBURG WINERY APPOINTS NEW CEO TO USHER IN AN EXCITING NEW ERA

New Leadership Brings Excitement, Energy, and a Fresh Perspective to the Legendary Winery

Williamsburg, VA – The Williamsburg Winery’s Board of Directors, in two unanimous votes, have appointed new leadership, naming Michael D. Weatherly as Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Michael Weatherly officially succeeded Mr. Patrick Duffeler, founder of The Williamsburg Winery, as CEO on Monday May 15, 2023.

Dr. Weatherly is an educator, entrepreneur, restauranteur, and philanthropist with over twenty years’ experience in creating wildly successful ventures within the Sports, Hospitality, and Government spaces; to include the purchase of Skyline Meadows Farm, a 350 acre estate located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley wine country, where he and his wife Cierra established Ecco Adesso Vineyards in 2021. Michael holds five degrees including a Doctorate in Business Management and Organizational Development and an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems. He is also an adjunct professor at three accredited universities and perennial Head Coach for Virginia Beach Little League.

“This succession is 40 years in the making,” said Duffeler, “and I am honored to leave the next chapter of The Williamsburg Winery to Michael. A more dedicated, equipped, and deserving candidate does not exist and I have complete confidence that the Williamsburg Winery will flourish under his leadership.”

At this time, Mr. Michael Weatherly & Mr. Jeremy Andrews were elected to the BoD and Mr. Marshall Warner, Mr. Michael Strouse, Mr. Tom Gillman and Mr. Terence Duffeler will continue on in their BoD positions. Duffeler will remain Chairman of the Board for the acclaimed winery that planted its first vineyard in 1985 and grew into an industry leader, most recently earning a spot in the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup case for its 2019 Petit Verdot Reserve.

Contact: Sarah Papple, Marketing Coordinator – The Williamsburg Winery, LTD.

Phone: 757-258-0899 x 130

Email: spapple@wmbgwine.com