Dane Narbaitz, formerly Northwest-area sales supervisor for Robert Mondavi Corp., has joined Long Shadows Vintners as Vice President, Sales and Marketing effective immediately. Long Shadows, led by former Chateau Ste. Michelle CEO Allen Shoup, is a consortium of ultra-premium wineries established in 2003. It brings a renowned group of celebrated international vintners to Washington State.

Narbaitz’s success representing ultra-premium wineries on-premise as well as his experience managing all areas of distribution and sales management made him the ideal candidate for the job. “Dane is a seasoned veteran with a proven track record for building high-end wines,” says Shoup. “He understands the importance of channel management and brings strong trade relationships to the Long Shadows team.”

Narbaitz joined Mondavi in March 2001, quickly moving through the ranks from regional manager to area supervisor. Prior to working for Mondavi, he worked for Kendall-Jackson Winery from 1997-2001, first as Seattle account manager and later as regional sales manager where he earned numerous accolades for his work including “Region Manager of the Year.” He began his career in wine sales in 1993 with Western Washington Beverage in Seattle.

Later this year, Long Shadows will introduce its first red wines: Pirouette from Philippe Melka (Métisse, Bryant Family Vineyards, Napa Valley) and Agustin Huneeus (Quintessa, Napa Valley); Pedestal from Michel Rolland (Bordeaux vintner and consultant to many of the world’s most famous wineries); Sequel from John Duval, (formerly of Penfolds Grange, Australia) and Chester-Kidder from Shoup and Long Shadows resident winemaker Gilles Nicault. “Production of each wine in the Long Shadows portfolio is generally less than 1,500 cases per winery” says Shoup. “Having Dane on our team will ensure a smooth roll-out of these limited releases.”

A 1991 graduate of the University of Washington with double bachelor degrees in communications and psychology, Narbaitz and his wife Sara live in Bellevue, Wash. with their son Kyle, age 5, and daughter Julia, age 3.