By califusa

Vicki Carroll is the Executive Director of Hospice du Rhône, and it is because of her hard work and the dedication of a cadre of volunteers that the event was so successful this year. 

Vicki's involvement in wine began as a consumer a number of years ago, and led to a job with the Edna Valley - Arroyo Grande Vintners Association. She and her family live in the Edna Valley, own a Chardonnay vineyard, and her husband is an avid home wine maker. When Vicki joined the Association, there were 6 winery members. She was their director for approximately eight years, and when she left there were 25 winery members, a strong wine education program, and a series of popular annual events. A year and a half ago she decided to pursue private consulting in public relations and winery events. 

Her desire to spend more time with her family – her husband and two teenage daughters - led to the decision to look for a position with more time flexibility. She was approached by John Alban and Mat Garretson to provide much-needed logistical support as director of Hospice du Rhône, and as she says: "I naively took it on." 

Vicki is quick to credit others for the success of this event: her husband, for handling some of the bookkeeping chores; and other friends and volunteers, who spent countless hours creating this event. Perhaps her greatest challenge was communicating with the 111 wineries from three continents represented here.  

From our perspective, Vicki's influence on this event is easy to see - lots of very happy attendees, and about as smoothly run an event as we've seen. How does she feel now that it's almost over? 

“It’s a big relief, and I’m glad I can have a smile on my face.” 

We’re smiling, too.  

Good job, Vicki !!

Q & A with Mat Garretson, founder HdR or use site index link below