A to Z Wineworks, a 135,000-case winery based in Newberg, Ore., named Ron Mertz president of sales, based in Overland Park, Kan. The A to Z portfolio includes Rex Hill, A to Z, William Hatcher and Francis Tannahill brands.

B.C. VQA wine sales rise
The British Columbia Wine Institute reported that sales of B.C. Vintners Quality Alliance wine have grown more than CAD$40 million during the past four years. Sales this year topped CAD$191 million, an increase of 13.8% over the previous year. Sales at the B.C. VQA’s 19 wine stores were 14% higher than last year. B.C. VQA is a voluntary appellation of origin system that defines and mandates standards for wine production and certification.

Bouchard joins Road 13
Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Jean-Martin Bouchard will be the new winemaker at 16,000-case Road 13 Vineyards in Oliver, B.C.. Bouchard worked in Australia, where he studied wine science, and went on to work in Europe and Canada, in the Niagara and Okanagan Valley regions. Details: road13vineyards.com.

OWB appoints Morgan executive director
The board of directors of the Oregon Wine Board (OWB), Oregon Winegrowers Association and the Trust for Oregon Wine Education and Research announced that Jeanette Morgan has been named executive director of the OWB. Morgan will be responsible for strategic planning and administration of the board of directors and its committees and constituencies. In addition, she will serve as a liaison with other partners on promotions, advocacy, research and educational organizations.