Local winery expands leadership team
Rita Di Lello. Photo from J. Lohr.
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines promotes Rita Di Lello to vice president of U.S. sales
– J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has promoted Rita Di Lello to vice president of U.S. sales. Di Lello, who has more than two decades of experience in the premium and luxury wine categories, will oversee J. Lohr’s domestic sales operations, including on- and off-premise channels, national accounts, and e-commerce initiatives. She will work with President and CEO Steve Lohr and the Lohr family to guide the company’s wholesale distribution network and sales organization.
“Rita’s promotion is a testament to her exceptional leadership and deep understanding of our brand and customers,” said Steve Lohr. “She has been a driving force in our sales organization for the past nine years, and her commitment to quality, integrity, and partnership reflects the values that have defined J. Lohr since our founding.”
Di Lello joined J. Lohr in 2000 as West Coast national accounts, on-premise manager and Nevada state manager, developing a portfolio of restaurant and casino accounts. She later held sales roles at Banfi Vintners, 585 Wine Partners, and Foley Family Wines before returning to J. Lohr in 2016 as vice president of national accounts, on-premise.
Under her leadership, the company’s sales team earned “Best Small Winery Supplier of the Year” honors for five consecutive years at the annual VIBE Conference. Di Lello was promoted in 2024 to vice president of national accounts and e-commerce, overseeing retail, on-premise, and e-commerce national customers, before being named vice president of U.S. sales.
“I am deeply honored to continue working with the Lohr family and our talented team in this expanded role,” Di Lello said. “J. Lohr represents the best of what a family-owned winery can be: commitment to quality, innovation, and authentic relationships.”
A Utah native, Di Lello earned a bachelor’s degree in technical sales from Weber State University and an MBA in sales and marketing from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Society of Wine Educators and was part of the first graduating class to earn Certified Wine Professional accreditation from the Culinary Institute of America.
Founded 51 years ago by Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines remains family-owned and operates more than 4,000 acres of certified sustainable vineyards in Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations, Paso Robles, and St. Helena in Napa Valley. More information is available at jlohr.com.
