St. Helena—Joseph Phelps Vineyards appointed Sam Burton to the position of vice president and director of operations. Burton will have operational responsibility for the Phelps family’s estate vineyards and wineries including Freestone Vineyards on the Sonoma County coast. A native of Australia, Burton graduated from the University of Adelaide with a degree in Agricultural Science with honors. He began his career as a viticultural consultant in Australia before coming to the United States to work first for Chalone and then Constellation Brands Inc. in vineyard operations and grower relations. Most recently he oversaw all grape supply, both grower relations and the estate vineyards, for Diageo Chateau & Estates before being promoted to director of North Coast operations.