Brown-Forman (NYSE:BFB)(NYSE:BFA) announced today that long-time winemaker Terry Adams has decided to retire next year after spending nearly 30 years at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, one of California’s premier wineries. Adams has been with Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards since it was established in 1981 and has served its Director of Winemaking for ten years, helping build Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards into “America’s Grand Cru” of Chardonnay. Adams, who is 61 years old, plans to retire late next spring or early next summer.

“I’ve decided to retire because I’m looking to do some exciting new things in the next chapter of my life, to seek new adventures,” stated Adams.

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Russian River Ranches Chardonnay consistently ranks among the most requested wines in fine dining restaurants in the U.S., according to the annual Wines & Spirits magazine survey. In recent years the winery has also introduced a Pinot Noir that has received top ratings from many wine aficionados.

“We will be forever grateful to Terry for his nearly three decades of exemplary service to this great winery,” said John Hudson, brand director for Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards. “And we’re very happy that he will continue to lead our winemaking team over the next several months during the transition as we identify a successor as head winemaker.”

Brown-Forman Corporation is a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, Woodford Reserve, and Bonterra.