The Duckhorn Portfolio

Kay Malaske is a native Oklahoman and a proud graduate of Oklahoma State University. After nearly a decade of skill-building experiences in wine-centered restaurants in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Colorado, Malaske boldly moved to Napa Valley, California in 1997 and succeeded in starting a career in the wine industry. The person who initially gave her the idea of living and working in the Napa Valley was Wayne Hirst, the same Wayne Hirst for whom The Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education at Oklahoma State University is named.

 

For the past 11 years Malaske has thrived in her role as Senior Manager of Trade Relations and Education at The Duckhorn Portfolio. The Duckhorn Portfolio has set the standard for American fine wine for four decades. The acclaimed Duckhorn Portfolio of luxury wineries includes Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy, Sonoma-Cutrer, Kosta Browne, Goldeneye, Paraduxx, Calera, Migration, Postmark, Canvasback and Greenwing. The Duckhorn Portfolio is founded on a pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to quality. The only American wine portfolio in this century with two Wine Spectator “Wine of the Year” winners in its portfolio, The Duckhorn Portfolio wines are available throughout the United States, on five continents, and in over 50 countries. 

 

Malaske is based at Duckhorn Vineyards in Saint Helena, California. She is responsible for the development, administration and delivery of Duckhorn’s world class trade hospitality program. She serves as The Duckhorn Portfolio’s consummate ambassador, employee coach, storyteller and brand builder. Whether at the winery or in the market, Malaske is consistently personable, enthusiastic and effective. She provides memorable, high-touch interactions with esteemed trade and consumer guests from around the world. Her actions consistently grow her audience’s appreciation of The Duckhorn Portfolio, increasing brand equity and support.  She is a natural and charismatic presenter with a warm, friendly and unpretentious manner.  Her superpower is making the complex elements of wine understandable to audiences of all knowledge levels.  

 

Prior to joining The Duckhorn Portfolio in 2013, Malaske held hospitality and marketing positions at Artesa Winery and at The Terlato Wine Group. Anthony Terlato, wine industry luminary and founder of The Terlato Wine Group selected Malaske for The Chairman’s Award, acknowledging her dedication and performance. A joyful student and lifetime learner, Malaske is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators. She also holds the certifications of American Wine Expert and Napa Valley Wine Expert as issued by the Napa Valley Wine Academy.