July 23, 2024 – We’ve known for some time that Kim Stemler, who has stewarded the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association since 2012 as executive director, recently took on a new job with the Carmel Foundation. It was just a matter of finding the right fit to replace her at MCVGA and it appears that the glass slipper will now be worn by Helena Welsh—a long-time resident of California’s Lake County.
After a 6-year stint as the executive director for the Lake County Wine Alliance, Welsh will be moving to Monterey County with her family to take over the reins at the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.
Born and raised in San Ramon, Welsh attended Sacramento State, where she majored in business and operations management and also met her husband, a general contractor. For several years, they lived in the state capitol — she calls it her “City Life” period — before moving to the country life in Lake County, where they currently have 100 acres. Prior to taking on the leadership role for the Lake County Wine Alliance, Welsh worked at Pope Valley Winery in Napa.
Welsh and her husband have two daughters, ages 11 and 14, who are both involved in 4H and Girl Scouts. “They’re so excited to move here. My youngest wants to move right away, but I explained that she has to finish raising her turkeys for the County Fair that’s coming up on Labor Day Weekend in Lake County first!”
Meanwhile, she’s scouting high schools and places to live in her very diverse new backyard. Having an opportunity to continue her daughters’ current interests is critical.
“Agriculture is one of our core values, and seeing my children thrive inspires me to be a better person every day. I have worked so hard to get here, and I want my daughters to be able to pursue their dreams and new opportunities,” says Welsh.
She’s getting lots of guidance and support from Stemler, who immediately offered her a place to stay while she navigates a new job in a new part of the state. “Kim is just an incredible mentor,” says Welsh. “The way she lives her life is awe-inspiring! Working with women who empower women is a new thing for me.”
Members of the MCVGA will be able to meet Welsh at the Grower’s Luncheon this Thursday, July 25, at Odonata Winery on River Road.
“I am honored and excited to lead MCVGA during this exciting time for Monterey County’s wine industry,” says Welsh. “The reception I’ve gotten since I started has been so supportive and positive. I already love this area so much, and can’t wait to meet more of the growers and industry partners,” she adds.
In her new role, Welsh will focus on enhancing marketing efforts, advocating for legislative support, promoting sustainable viticulture practices and policy by collaborating closely with the board of directors and stakeholders to strengthen the Monterey County wine community.
For now, she’s exploring the area, which is vastly different from Lake County, both from a geographical and economic perspective. “I was on River Road in Salinas, checking out the wineries there, and my whole mind was just blown by the beauty and the rich farming history of it all. It is such a privilege to be here!”
Welsh, like her fellow wine executives throughout the state and around the country, face many challenges, from accelerating climate change to a growing anti-alcohol sentiment, coupled with an explosion of alternative beverages, including the “low and no” proliferation, and a drop in wine sales.
All these things may be true. But, says Welsh, “I cannot think of a single other beverage that has the power to transform lives the way wine can.”
About the author
Laura Ness is a longtime wine journalist, columnist and judge who contributes regularly to Edible Monterey Bay, Spirited, WineOh.Tv, Los Gatos Magazine and Wine Industry Network, and a variety of consumer publications. Her passion is telling stories about the intriguing characters who inhabit the fascinating world of wine and food.
