Byrd’s appointment coincides with changes in the winery’s senior leadership team
Walla Walla, WA – Woodward Canyon, the second winery to open in the Walla Walla Valley, has named Kathy Byrd as its new vice president/general manager. Byrd takes over management for the 45-year-old winery from Jordan Small, daughter of founders Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small. While stepping down as general manager, Jordan maintains her role on the winery’s board of directors and her co-ownership alongside her parents and brother, Sager Small.
This leadership transition ensures Woodward Canyon continues its legacy as one of the few second-generation, family-owned wineries operating in Washington state.
Byrd will focus on driving success through three key areas: working closely with her internal team, expanding national/DTC sales, and cultivating strong external relationships to represent the business to the world.
Byrd joins Woodward Canyon with 30 years of wine sales and management expertise. She began her career in 1996 in Chicago at Direct Import Wine Company in distribution. From 1997 to 2012, she managed regional and national distributor networks including King Estate, Francis Coppola Presents, and Gundlach Bundschu.
Byrd then served as vice president of sales for the Estates Group at Young’s Market Company in Washington, and vice president/general manager for Noble Wines, leading Washington distribution and boosting supplier sales. In 2018, she launched a consulting business to help winery owners build sustainable, profitable sales and marketing strategies.
“Kathy’s experience in devising effective wine sales strategies coupled with her knowledge of wine operations and connections within the wine industry made her the ideal candidate,” said Darcey Small. “She will guide us in building on our history of crafting extraordinary wines while leading Woodward Canyon in its next chapter as a family-owned winery.”
Byrd’s management team includes Marcus Rafanelli, Sager Small, and Michelle Aichele. Rafanelli recently joined the company as head winemaker in February after serving six years in the same role at L’Ecole No. 41, Walla Walla’s third-oldest winery. Co-owner Small has stepped into a public-facing role as the director of education, leveraging his extensive background in food, wine, and the arts. Aichele was recently promoted to director of operations, expanding her previous oversight of wine club and DTC sales to include broader management functions.
“I look forward to working hands-on with the team in Walla Walla as we guide this legendary winery into its next exciting chapter,” said Byrd. “Woodward Canyon is a true original, built on the vision, character, and the pioneering drive that established the region.”
Named for the canyon where the Small family has farmed for generations, Woodward Canyon Winery is the second winery to incorporate in the Walla Walla Valley that has grown to over 100 wineries and numerous vineyards. The winery and the Smalls were instrumental in the federal approval of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation in 1984 which underscored its reputation as a world-class creator of fine wines.
The winery has consistently produced premium, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons, Bordeaux-style blends, Merlots, and Chardonnays.
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Photo of Kathy Bird by Richard Duval
