Debra Eagle, the general manager of Alma Rosa Winery, has announced her retirement at the end of 2024, after nearly seven years with the winery and over three decades in the wine industry.
Eagle’s tenure at Alma Rosa, a winery located in the Sta. Rita Hills, has been transformative. Under her leadership, Alma Rosa’s wines and brand have reached new heights, gaining recognition as some of the best in California. Bob Zorich, owner of Alma Rosa Winery, praised Eagle for her role in elevating the winery’s standing.
Eagle played a pivotal role in the winery’s growth, including hiring winemaker Samra Morris and consulting winemaker Tony Biagi. She also spearheaded the expansion of Alma Rosa’s hospitality program, relocating its primary tasting room to downtown Solvang and introducing private guided tours at the winery’s historic El Jabali estate vineyard.
Before joining Alma Rosa in 2018, Eagle built a distinguished career in the wine industry. She spent over 25 years in sales and marketing roles with renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Her notable positions include director of marketing for Robert Mondavi Winery and Sutter Home, as well as general manager of Hestan Vineyards and B.R. Cohn Winery.
In retirement, Eagle plans to travel extensively, particularly to Europe, where she previously lived for several years. She also looks forward to spending more time with her family, which includes six children—three of whom are involved in the wine industry—along with their spouses and 10 grandchildren. Eagle plans to continue her education through courses at her alma mater, UC Berkeley.
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