Communications Leader Joins Wine Institute

Natalie Wymer Steps into VP Role as Nancy Light Retires

SAN FRANCISCO – Wine Institute has announced the appointment of Natalie Wymer to the position of vice president, communications, effective April 19, 2021. A resident of St. Helena, she assumes the position from Nancy Light, who is retiring from Wine Institute in mid-May, following 24 years of service.

“During her time with Wine Institute, Nancy has provided invaluable communications counsel to our members, while leaving a lasting imprint on the California wine industry,” said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, Wine Institute President and CEO. “I’m grateful for her many contributions and a seamless transition in bringing Natalie on board.”

Wymer joins Wine Institute after serving as communications vice president with SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR), a Silicon Valley-headquartered solar, storage and services company. She was responsible for communications strategy to internal and external audiences and during her decade with the company, focused on many key efforts including SunPower’s recent CEO announcement, its spin-off, federal tariffs and sales transactions and acquisitions.

Wymer also has extensive federal and state government experience. She served in the Clinton/Gore Administration, including as communications director for the White House Climate Change Task Force during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Kyoto, Japan; communications advisor to U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson; deputy chief of staff to U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich; and press secretary for the Denver Summit of the Annual G-8 meeting. She began her career working in Ohio government, including for the governor, attorney general and economic development department.

“With her extensive public- and private-sector experience, Natalie understands how to communicate and educate different audiences on a wide variety of topics,” said Koch. “Her strategic and comprehensive approach on communications, especially on relevant policy issues, will be a great asset to our members and the community.”

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination.