Dan and Katy Leese abruptly depart Sonoma's 585 Wine Partners

Dan Leese, co-founder and president of 585 Wine Partners, left the company late last month, as did his wife and co-founder Katy Leese, the fast-growing wine company’s director of public relations and packaging.

No explanation was given for the abrupt departures. Co-founder and COO Doug Walker remains with the company.

In a Feb. 2 email to the San Francisco Business Times, Katy Leese indicated that "All that I can say at this point is that we are working on our next exciting wine endeavor. As plans become more defined we will keep you apprised."

The Leeses, along with Doug and Becky Walker and a small group of investors launched 585 Wine Partners in late 2005, buying a controlling interest in Red Truck Wines from Cline Cellars. The company later launched or acquired brands including Picket Fence Vineyards, Bivio Italia and Steelhead Wines. Within four years, 585 Wine Partners was the nation’s 27th largest wine company, according to Wine Business Monthly, producing more than 500,000 cases.

The trade publication said 585 Wine Partners was one of the fastest wine companies to reach the Top 30 ever, according to a statement released late last week by the public relations firm Cronin Communications.

Despite leaving his management post, Dan Leese continues in an ownership role, according to the Jan. 29 statement, and “will continue to play a significant role” in that arena.

Prior to starting 585 Wine Partners, Dan Leese was president and managing director of Foster’s Wine Estates Americas and executive vice president and managing director of Brown-Forman Wine Group’s U.S. Wine Business.