Exclusive: Far Niente Appoints SMWE Veteran Conway As CEO
September 30, 2025Napa Valley-based luxury winemaker Far Niente Wine Estates has appointed Ste Michelle Wine Estates veteran Shawn Conway as its new CEO, SND has learned. Conway assumes the reins of Far Niente from interim CEO Carol Reber, who will become chairman of the board. Backed by investment groups GI Partners and Apax, Far Niente has more than 400 acres of vineyards across the Napa and Russian River Valleys.
Conway has spent three decades in the drinks business, including the past two and half years at the helm of Ste Michelle Wine Estates. Prior to that he served for more than a decade at Peet’s Coffee in senior roles, including CEO, COO, and chief supply chain officer. Earlier in his career he was with Skyy Spirits in finance and operations roles for nearly 10 years.
“Shawn has a deep understanding of luxury wine and will continue Far Niente’s focus on crafting wines and experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Nick Hartman, equity partner at Apax Partners. “He has a rare combination of executive leadership in wine, spirits, and coffee.”
“Shawn brings a sharp perspective and the kind of energy that will challenge us to think bigger,” added Reber, who joined Far Niente as interim CEO at the start of this year after a long tenure with Duckhorn.
Led by the fast-growing Post & Beam label, Far Niente continues to carve out gains both on- and off-premise despite the challenging conditions. The company’s portfolio, which contains the Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Dolce, Bella Union, EnRoute, and Post & Beam brands, has produced over 150,000 cases of wine in recent years.
Last year, Post & Beam grew 50% to 51,000 cases, according to Impact Databank, earning “Hot Prospect” honors. The brand, billed as the entry-way to the larger Far Niente portfolio, still sits firmly in upscale territory, generally retailing at $35-$55.
The company has also been active at the higher end with the release of new halo wines for Far Niente and Bella Union. Far Niente Benson Vale Cabernet Sauvignon, a collaboration with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, sells at $500 a bottle and received a 95-point score from Wine Spectator. Bella Union Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is at $220.—Daniel Marsteller
Tagged : Belle Union, EnRoute, Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Post & Beam
