Heather McCarthy, Seminar Host
Heather McCarthy brings a dynamic blend of expertise and passion to the wine industry as the Director of Marketing at Rombauer Vineyards. In awe of wine's ability to bring people together, her customer-centric approach to marketing is deeply rooted in storytelling, engagement, and creating memorable experiences. A member of Rombauer's Leadership Team, she leads all brand marketing and communications across direct-to-consumer channels, national wholesale, and international markets. Under her leadership, Rombauer has maintained and grown its position as the #1 wine brand in the super luxury category, including its iconic Carneros Chardonnay, category-leading Zinfandel, and fast-growing Sauvignon Blanc.
Heather oversees marketing efforts supporting a nationwide community of wine club members, a robust e-commerce platform, and a thriving digital and social presence, while also supporting national and international sales partners. Knowing that trust in the brand is a key factor in Rombauer's success, she ensures cohesive messaging and a consistent look and feel across every consumer touchpoint, from wine club and tasting rooms to trade and global markets. "Wherever consumers choose to engage with Rombauer, they deserve the unmistakable feeling of joy and the quality our wines consistently deliver," Heather explains.
When she joined Rombauer in 2017, Heather brought extensive experience in brand building, consumer engagement, and cross-functional leadership. Her career includes senior marketing roles at Treasury Wine Estates, where she managed luxury tiers of the Beringer portfolio with global execution, and at Delicato Family Vineyards, where she led brand strategy across multiple high-volume and premium labels. Earlier in her career, she held roles spanning public relations, brand management, cellar work, and tasting room operations, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the wine business.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Wine and Viticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she studied wine abroad at the University of Adelaide, and earned an Executive MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University. Outside of her professional life, Heather enjoys family time, a good game of pickleball, and conversations with friends over great bottles of wine.
