Meet Joseph Phelps Vineyard's multi-faceted

Marketing Director

Mike McEvoy, JPV's genial and well-traveled director of marketing, looks more like a stockbroker than a rock guitarist, but appearances are deceptive for he has actually been both. ("The only reason I gave up being in a rock and roll band," Mike explains, "was at 30, graduate school seemed like a more promising direction.")

Mike came to work for JPV in April of 2003 from the East Coast after completing his MBA at the University of Baltimore in 1997. His first post-MBA job was Director of Acct. Management for a branch of Sylvan Learning Systems, and before moving to the West Coast he was also marketing manager for Boordy Winery in Maryland. Today he is responsible for the sales and distribution of JPV wines in 41 states and Washington, DC, and acknowledges that taking over the position wasn't as easy as he anticipated.

"The wine business is more complex than I ever realized," Mike admits. "Coming from a technology background I assumed the job wasn't rocket science -- how hard could it be? But the problem was that while technology has a pretty high failure rate, Phelps had a long history of extraordinary success. I was on the road within weeks after being hired, dealing with buyers and retailers who had been 30-year fans of Phelps. It was pretty daunting trying to hold my own with them, and I had to work at not being intimidated."

Now, two years later, Mike's comfort level has increased considerably and he has settled into the challenges of navigating the rocky shoals of wine marketing. "You can never get too comfortable," he observes. "Distributors consolidate and relationships change. Competition is fierce. The media's perception of any given vintage can make you a hero or a goat. The key is developing relationships and proving yourself trustworthy.

"I feel a lot of responsibility when it's just me out in the marketplace," he continues. "I consider JPV one of California's firstgrowth wineries, and it's my responsibility to communicate that. I love going in with a new Cab vintage and explaining the estate-based concept that has basically produced a baby Insignia at a third the price. When I was in a corporate environment, I never cared this much because I had limited influence and control. Today I'm more fully engaged and committed because I'm in the professional situation I dreamed about."

Mike's life has not only involved embarking on a new career. In January of 2005 he married his college sweetheart and acquired an instant family with stepsons Owen (9) and Harry (6). More recently, on September 30 he and Gina became proud parents of a 7 lb. 15 oz baby girl named Isabel. The McEvoy family lives in Napa.

Steven McCullagh
June 14, 1976 - July 28, 2005

By Ashley Hepworth

Many of us at Joseph Phelps Vineyards were fortunate enough to become good friends with Steven when he worked in the cellar during the 2000 harvest.

Those who knew him remember his unshakable loyalty to the Raiders — much to the dismay of the Forty-Niner fans. Always up for a good debate, he would pontificate on everything from winemaking to music.

His passion for the outdoors led to his involvement as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, a group that he had been involved with as a youth. During a recent Boy Scout trip to the Sierras, Steven lost his life in a lighting storm.

Steven is remembered by his ready smile, his knowledge of wine, his love for the outdoors, and most of all for his kind heart. He will be missed at Phelps and by all those in the St. Helena community. Donations can be made in Steven's name to the St. Helena Boy Scouts Troop c/o Dr. Darter, Troop 1 BSA, P.O. Box 32, St. Helena, CA 94574.