As veterans of The Chalone Wine Group and Diageo, Chateau & Estate Wines, both Viotto and Seager come to Talbott with extensive experience working with high-end Monterey County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Viotto was the California sales manager for Chalone Wine Group when Diageo purchased the company in 2005. During this transition, Viotto was instrumental in integrating Chalone Wine Estates into Diageo’s extensive global portfolio. As Diageo’s Southern California market manager, Viotto led 15 California sales teams including the broad-market and the chain divisions. At the same time, he was responsible for increasing growth eight percent in 2008 and 13 percent in 2009—both in down markets. As the Northern California/Nevada senior regional manager for Chalone, and later the Northern California market manager for Diageo, Seager was responsible for overseeing upwards of 50 sales people, while consistently achieving year-after-year sales growth in his territory.
Viotto was handpicked by Robb Talbott and Talbott Winemaker and General Manager Dan Karlsen, who worked with both Viotto and Seager at Chalone Wine Group. “I had the pleasure of working with Matt and Bob for many years at Chalone, and I know they are both gifted sales professionals,” says Karlsen. “I also know they have a real passion and appreciation for the core values that define our family-owned winery—namely a focus on quality and our world-class estate program.” Viotto and Seager round out Talbott’s dedicated in-house sales team, which also includes Bill Cascio and Marc Cutino.
Talbott Vineyards was founded in 1982, when Robb Talbott personally planted his mountainous Diamond T Vineyard. Today, Talbott Vineyards’ estate program encompasses two of Monterey County’s most esteemed winegrowing areas: the Santa Lucia Highlands, where Talbott’s famed Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is located, and the Carmel Valley, which is home to Diamond T. From this exceptional palette of estate fruit, Talbott Vineyards crafts an acclaimed portfolio of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that have earned a reputation for their elegance and aging potential.