Batchelor named winemaker, ops chief of Sonoma's Gundlach Bundschu

Bill Batchelor has been named as vice president of winemaking and operations for the Bundschu Co. in Sonoma, which oversees Gundlach Bundschu, Bartholomew Park and Abbot’s Passage wines and the Gundlach Bundschu Rhinefarm estate in Sonoma.

Batchelor started in the wine business in 1996 at Preston of Dry Creek in Healdsburg. His past jobs included working in winemaking and production at Blackstone Winery in Kenwood. He was most recently at Martin Ray and Angeline wineries in Santa Rosa as general manager and director of winemaking.

“As Gundlach Bundschu continues to grow and prosper, a family-owned business like ours has to think strategically about our staffing and costs. With his impressive background in winery operations, Bill is a perfect addition to our team of rock stars,” said Shandra Knego, chief operating officer at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, in a statement.