Bion Rice steps down as CEO of Sunstone Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez, Calif. - Honored winemaker Bion Rice has stepped down as the CEO of Sunstone Vineyards & Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. He remains in the wine industry on several levels going forward.

In a statement, Rice said, "the decade ahead is going to bring exciting opportunities. I look forward to expanding my abilities and sharing my experience and capabilities to help people grow and prosper in their business and personal lives.”

He took over the family business in 2011. He is now shifting his direction and returning the business back to new investors and family members.

Rice says he will spend more time on his Artiste wine brand as well as his new consulting firm, Cultivate Growth Advisors.

Last year, Sunstone reported more than 40,000 visitors, 3,000 club members, and more than 9,000 cases of wine were sold.

Sunstone has won multiple awards for its wine dating back to 1995.

For more information, click here.