The Virginia Winery Distribution Company (VWDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Board Chair and a change in membership for one of the seats on the Board. These changes reflect the VWDC’s commitment to driving growth and excellence in the Virginia wine industry.

Stanley K. Joynes III, CEO and co-founder of Valley Road Vineyards located in the Monticello American Viticultural Area, has been appointed Chair of the VWDC Board of Directors. With over 30 years of experience practicing law and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Virginia viticulture, Joynes brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to his new role which includes expanding the role and influence of VWDC in promoting and facilitating the distribution of Virginia wine. He is also an alumnus of the Piedmont Virginia Community College programs in Viticulture and Enology, a board member of the Monticello Wine Trail, and a member of the Legislative Affairs Committee of the Virginia Winery Association.

Joining the VWDC Board is David Drillock, owner of Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard in Louisa, Virginia. Drillock’s passion for winegrowing and his prior experience in Finance, make him a valuable addition to the Board. Actively involved in the operations of the winery and participating in the viticulture and enology program at Piedmont Valley Community College, Drillock is committed to positioning Virginia as one of the world’s premier wine regions. He is also a Board member of the Virginia Wine Association. His dedication to sustainable, quality wine production aligns with the VWDC mission of promoting Virginia Wine.

Mr. Drillock fills a seat on the Board previously held by Courtney Mailey, who also served as Board Chair. The VWDC wishes to express its gratitude to Ms. Mailey for her many years of valuable service on the Board. Drillock joins existing board members Joseph Guthrie, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Jay Colston III of Virginia Imports, Ltd in Springfield, and Doug Zerbst of Republic National Distribution Company in Ashland. Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the interests of Virginia’s farm wineries.

Established in 2007, the VWDC is a non-profit, non-stock corporation created by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide wholesale wine distribution services for Virginia farm wineries. Acting as a vital link between wineries and local retailers, the VWDC plays a crucial role in promoting and expanding the reach of Virginia wines.

The VWDC Board consists of two representatives nominated by the Virginia wine wholesale industry, two representatives nominated by the Virginia wine industry, and the VDACS Commissioner. This collaborative structure ensures that the Board represents the interests of both stakeholders and provides strategic guidance for the VWDC’s operations.

For more information about the Virginia Winery Distribution Company, please visit vwdc.org.