An Announcement from River Stone Founder, Ted Kane
To our valued River Stone community,
I am proud to share some important and personal news about the future of River Stone Estate Winery.
After six vintages of working side by side in both the vineyards and the cellar, I am pleased to formally announce the promotion of Austin Hodinsky to Winemaker and Vineyard Manager. Watching Austin grow into this role has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey as a winemaker, vineyard manager, and founder.
Austin first joined us for a single season to help in the vineyard and the cellar. It didn’t take long to recognize his work ethic, instinct, and respect for the craft. That season turned into an apprenticeship, and over the years he has become a trusted partner in the day-to-day decisions that shape our wines. Together, we’ve worked through rare and difficult vintages (heat domes, hard freezes, and everything in between) along with some truly beautiful harvests. Through it all, Austin has helped craft the award-winning wines that define River Stone Today. He understands that great wines start in the vineyards, and he shares my belief that winemaking is both a science and an art.
Austin recently completed formal winemaking studies from Washington State University in both oenology and viticulture, adding further technical depth to the practical experience he’s gained here on the estate: He is now fully qualified to work in the wine industry anywhere in the world.
This promotion represents both a well-earned step forward for Austin and a natural evolution for the winery. Over the last several years, I have been intentionally building our leadership structure for the long term: strengthening operations and mentoring the next generation to ensure continuity in both quality and philosophy. Austin’s new role is an important part of that plan.
As Austin steps fully into winemaking leadership, I will be transitioning into the role of Director of Wine and Vineyard Operations as my passion for winemaking and vineyard management remains strong. I remain actively involved in River Stone’s direction and will continue to oversee major business developments in winemaking and vineyard operations, steward of River Rock Vineyard, and focus on the creative and hands on projects that drew me into this industry in the first place. I’m also looking forward to spending more time with Lorraine and our family. My heart (and my palate) remains firmly here.
Mother Nature still runs the show. Our commitment to estate driven wines and honest vineyard expression does not change; it simply continues with new energy and in trusted hands.
Ted Kane
Founder, Director of Wine and Vineyard Operations
River Stone Estate Winery
