Napa, CA, May 29, 2024 - Copper Peak Logistics (CPL), a direct-to-consumer wine fulfillment, distribution, and logistics services company, has announced two promotions impacting its executive structure.  Merilee Anderson, formerly Vice President of Client Services, will now serve as Senior Vice President of Client Services. Stacey Heuer, formerly Vice President of Operations, has been named Senior Vice President of Operations.  Merilee Anderson and Stacey Heuer “These promotions recognize the years of hard work and effort that Merilee and Stacey have contributed to CPL and the wine industry as a whole,” says Milton Cornwell, COO/Co-founder of CPL. “They’ve played a crucial role in creating a workplace where people can flourish, and they’re instrumental in providing our clients with white-glove fulfillment services.”  Both Anderson and Heuer are pioneers in the wine fulfillment industry. Prior to joining CPL, they coordinated client ser

At Copper Peak Logistics, our strength comes not just from the work we do, but from the people who show up every day committed to excellence. This Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize four women whose leadership has helped shape Copper Peak into the company it is today: Stacey Heuer, Merilee Anderson, Katiria “Kay” Rodriguez, and Heidi Grooms. Together, these four leaders represent 64 years of dedication working for the Lane Family. Their collective experience, leadership styles, and commitment to meaningful relationships have been instrumental in building the culture, standards, and reputation that define Copper Peak. While each of them leads in different areas of the organization, they share a common belief: great logistics isn’t just about moving product. It’s about people, partnerships, and the responsibility of representing our winery partners with care and precision. Leadership Rooted in Experience and Passion Each of these women brings

by Stacey HeuerAs we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a time to pause and reflect on the past year—the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve navigated, and the many things we have to be grateful for. For those of us in the wine industry, this reflection feels especially meaningful. The past year has asked us to adapt, to rethink long-standing traditions, and to find new ways to connect with customers and one another. We’ve witnessed shifting consumer preferences, evolving markets, and the uncertainty that naturally comes with change. Yet through it all, I’ve seen incredible determination, creativity, and collaboration across our community. These qualities remind me that, while the landscape may shift, what truly endures is our shared passion for the craft, our resilience in the face of challenge, and the strong sense of camaraderie that binds us together. In that spirit, I’d like to share what I’m especially thankful for within our wine

By Stacey HeuerIn both the world of winemaking and logistics, technology has made tremendous strides in efficiency and automation. Yet, there are times when the best results come from people who care deeply about their craft. Take, for example, wineries that harvest their grapes by hand. While machines can pick grapes faster, hand-harvesting provides a level of quality and care that often leads to superior wines. Similarly, in the world of third-party logistics (3PL), companies are beginning to question whether automation is always the best route, opting instead to reduce automation and invest in team members dedicated to providing high-quality service. Hand-Harvested Grapes – Quality Over Quantity For centuries, vineyards have been harvesting grapes by hand, especially for premium wines. Although mechanical harvesting can be faster and cheaper, hand-picking grapes offers several benefits that directly impact the quality of the wine. Selective Harvesting: Vineyard workers can car

by Stacey HeuerAs Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on all that I have to be thankful for, both personally and professionally. One of the standout moments this year has been the completion of and move into our brand-new, custom-built Napa facility. This isn’t just a warehouse; it’s a place that feels like home—a space we’ve meticulously crafted with love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to an industry we are so proud to support. Creating this facility was truly a labor of love, but it wasn’t just about constructing a building. It was about giving our team members a voice and recognizing the value of everyone’s insights and experience. We involved our team in every step of the design, layout, and process flow, ensuring that the new space not only met but exceeded the needs of those who would be using it every day. The impact of so many people coming together to contribute their expertise has been profound. The outcome of this

by: Stacey HeuerFor businesses in the wine industry, the holiday season, special events, and major wine releases often lead to sharp spikes in shipping demand. Meeting customer expectations during these busy times can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining both the quality and timely delivery of wine shipments. Partnering with Copper Peak Logistics (CPL) , a third-party logistics provider, offers a strategic solution. CPL  provides the strategies and resources necessary to handle seasonal wine shipping surges effectively, ensuring your customers receive their wine in perfect condition and on time. Key Strategies Copper Peak Logistics Uses to Manage Seasonal Demand: Scalable Infrastructure Seasonal demand often brings a sudden influx of orders, putting a strain internal logistics and storage capacities. CPL’s new Napa facility features scalable infrastructure, customizable to meet the varying needs of our winery partners.  We have the additional storage

Stacey HeuerMy day-to-day life here at CPL is often focused on the intricacies of our operations, the challenges we face, and the strategies we employ to overcome them. I lead our team through navigating the complex web of transportation, supply chain management, and customer satisfaction. It is a challenging position that demands constant adaptation, innovation, and collaboration. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is crucial to pause and take a moment to reflect. Join me in raising a glass to gratitude as I share all the remarkable aspects of our industry, the people who make it all possible, and what makes me truly thankful in this season of appreciation. Our Winery Partners At the core of our business are our winery partners, who produce some of the world’s most exceptional wines. Winemaking is an art, and I am grateful for the trust our winery partners place in CPL to care for each bottle from the moment it comes off the bottling line all the way to their consumer

By Stacey Heuer, VP of Operations Whenever Thanksgiving draws close, I start thinking about the year that is just about to pass. What were the high points? What, in the end, really mattered? What am I truly Thankful for? What I realized this year was this: With all of the uncertainty around me, I am truly thankful for those things that were certain. The people and things that, no matter what else happened, I knew I could rely on. The things that made the most sense, because they reflect who we are as human beings. Thinking about what is certain in your life is an important exercise, especially now. If there was one word I heard again and again in 2021, it was the word “uncertainty,” and it’s not hard to see why. People wondered when the pandemic would improve. What the stock market was going to do. What new people in office would do. What the harvest would bring.  But even with all that uncertainty, there were certain constants in my life. My family and frie

One thing that has really struck us here at Copper Peak Logistics over the last few months is how well our team came together and made it happen when the pandemic hit. For me, preparing for a new way of working reinforced just how important good relationships were—with your workforce, your leadership team, your vendors, and your clients. That made me curious about what other team members had learned, too… so I asked them. Their answers contained some real nuggets that could be helpful for any business looking to grow in these strange times. What We Learned About Ourselves Many of our employees shared things they learned about themselves and the way they achieve work-life balance: “I can juggle! Although it may not be with balls or bowling pins, I’ve done a pretty good job juggling working remotely 60% of the time, homeschooling a 5th grader, all while taking care of a 1-year-old.” —Stacey Heuer, VP of Operations “What I learned about m