Mark Beringer returns to Beringer Vineyards in Napa as winemaker

Mark Beringer has been appointed chief winemaker at Beringer Vineyards in Napa, coming back to the winery that bears his namesake.

Beringer will take over April 20. He comes from Artesa Vineyards and Winery and has also worked at Duckhorn Vineyards. He replaces Laurie Hook, who will move to the role of winemaker emeritus. Hook had served as chief winemaker since 2008, when she replaced Ed Sbragia.

'His (Mark's) depth of experience and enthusiasm will serve Beringer well as we enter this next chapter, one that will highlight why we remain one of the most iconic wineries in California,' said Sandra LeDrew, chief commercial officer for Treasury Wine Estates Americas.

Beringer is owned by Treasury Wine Estates, an Australian conglomerate whose holdings include Cellar No. 8 and Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma County and Stags' Leap Winery in Napa. Treasury last year ended talks with U.S. private equity firms that were interested in taking over the company. Analysts have questioned Beringer's performance in recent years in the competitive wine marketplace and its role with Treasury Wine Estates.