Ste. Michelle Wine Estates CEO Shawn Conway is moving to take the helm at rival US wine group Far Niente Wine Estates.

Napa Valley-based Far Niente Wine Estates began its search for a permanent chief executive in January after announcing the retirement of Steve Spadarotto, who had led the business since 2018.  

Conway, who headed Ste. Michelle Wine Estates for two years, takes the baton from Carol Reber, who has been Far Niente Wine Estates' CEO on an interim basis. She becomes the company's chairman.

“Shawn has a deep understanding of luxury wine and will continue Far Niente’s focus on crafting wines and experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations," said Nick Hartman, an equity partner at Apax Partners, which jointly owns the wine group with GI Partners.

Conway was CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates from March 2023. Prior to that, he spent over a decade at Peet’s Coffee in senior posts including chief operating officer. 

Before joining Peet’s Coffee, he spent eight years at Skyy Spirits, including four-and-a-half years as senior vice president for operations.

Commenting on his new role, Conway said: “Few wineries can claim such a legacy of estate vineyards and steadfast commitment to craftsmanship.  

“I am honoured to join the Far Niente team, whose artistry and passion continue to shape the Napa Valley story, and to build on a portfolio that has become a touchstone for wine lovers around the world.” 

In his new role, Conway will oversee Far Niente Wine Estates’ portfolio of six wineries: Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Bella Union, Post & Beam, EnRoute and Dolce. 

Far Niente Wine Estates, founded in 1885, has more than 400 acres of vineyards across Napa and Russian River Valley.

Far Niente Wine Estates’ wines are primarily sold across nearly 20,000 accounts in the US. The company also does business in countries including Canada and South Korea.