Brent Stone, King Estate copyright Richard Duval

Brent Stone has been promoted to co-chief executive officer of King Estate Winery in Willamette Valley. Stone, who has served as chief operating officer since 2018, will continue to hold the role of winemaker.

“For King Estate, Brent’s promotion means he’s a CEO-capable individual who’s ready, and it represents characteristic King Estate continuity,” says founder Ed King, with whom Stone will share co-CEO responsibilities.

Born in Boise, Idaho and raised in Utah, Stone received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Utah State University. He subsequently received a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas in agricultural food and life sciences.

Stone spent 10 years working in quality control, including time in the dairy industry. In 2011, he joined King Estate as laboratory manager and director of quality assurance. It was his first job in the wine industry. Stone subsequently completed an enology certificate program at Washington State University.

Stone became winemaker at King Estate in 2016. As COO, he has overseen all winemaking operations. Now, as co-CEO, Stone will help guide one of Willamette Valley’s largest producers.

“The trust and support from Ed and the rest of the King family obviously means a lot to me personally,” Stone says. “I’ve always been extremely proud to be associated with the winery and all the great people that work here. To continue to be a part of that in any fashion is an absolute privilege.”

King Estate was founded by Ed King and his father Ed King Jr. in 1991. King, 74, remains intimately involved in day-to-day operations at the winery.

The winery, located in Eugene, Oregon, has the largest certified biodynamic vineyard in North America at 1,033 acres. The vineyard was certified in 2016. King Estate also partners with 50 growers in Oregon and in Washington. King Estate produces approximately315,000 cases annually.

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