Lee Hodo Biography 

 

Lee Hodo is a twenty-nine year veteran in marketing and promotion of wineries and destination brands.  Born in Sacramento California, she fell in love with the wine country immediately after graduating from college, moving to Sonoma County in 1975.  It was here she began a career that has spanned three decades during which time she became especially noted for her "outside the box" promotions and no-nonsense approach to wine speak.  This approach has served her well, generating millions of media "hits" over the years, largely due to her ability to understand the language of both the uninitiated consumer and the often besieged media.

When Lee entered the industry during the late 70's, California was experiencing a renaissance of wines and pioneering winemakers.   She began as PR Director during the launch of Jordan Vineyard and Winery in Sonoma County.  In 1983, she joined another group of trail-blazer's at Acacia Winery, which was breaking ground as one of the first "cult" Pinot Noir producers in the US.

In the years to follow, Lee brought her expertise to assist in the launch or growth of small and mass-market wineries throughout California, earning her clients national notoriety on television, radio, the internet and in print.  The Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County and the Sierra Foothills have been home to past associations with Bouchaine Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Parducci,Ironstone Vineyards and Round Hill Winery.

As a freelance consultant Lee's portfolio has included such impressive clients as; Schramsberg Champagne, Napa Valley Wine Auction, Russian River Valley Pinot Forum, Piper Sonoma Sparkling Wine Raymond Vineyards and Andy Beckstoffer.