Brown-Forman Chief Winery Officer to Leave Company.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Brown-Forman announced today that Steve Dorfman, chief winery officer responsible for the production operations of the company's wine business, has decided to step down from his position.

"After spending 25 years with Fetzer and Brown-Forman, the time is right for me to explore new ventures in the wine industry," said Dorfman. "It's been a great ride and I have truly enjoyed working with the people of Brown-Forman, but I am ready for new challenges."

Dorfman joined Fetzer Vineyards in 1982 as a winemaker. After Brown-Forman acquired Fetzer in 1992, he worked in grower relations. When Brown-Forman acquired Sonoma-Cutrer in 1999, Dorfman served as the liaison to that new operation, and later he became head of Brown-Forman's Wine Estates Group. Since 2003, he has been responsible for the company's overall wine production as chief winery officer.

With Dorfman's decision, Brown-Forman announces that Tim Nall will become general manager of Brown-Forman winery operations, effective June 1. Nall will provide the day-to-day leadership to fully integrate the company's Winery Operations into the Brown-Forman Global Production Organization to capitalize on best practices and processes across the entire organization. Nall was most recently Director of the company's processing and bottling operations. Dorfman will remain with the company until June 30 of this year to help provide a smooth and successful transition for Nall and the Winery Operations Team.

Brown-Forman is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist; Fetzer, Sonoma-Cutrer, Bonterra, Jekel, and Five Rivers California wines; Bolla Italian Wines; Korbel California Champagnes; and Hartmann Luggage.