Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology Executive Director Cassidee Shull will step down from her role, effective Oct. 31, concluding nearly 15 years of leadership dedicated to advancing Colorado’s grape-growing and winemaking community.

CAVE made the announcement in a July 13 news release.

Shull joined CAVE in 2012 at 23 years old, becoming one of the youngest executives to lead a statewide wine-industry association in the United States. During her nearly 15-year tenure, she helped guide the organization and Colorado’s wine industry through a period of significant growth, increased visibility and national recognition.

Under her leadership, CAVE expanded statewide educational programming, strengthened industry advocacy efforts and helped secure the passage of multiple pieces of legislation benefiting Colorado grape growers, wineries and allied partners. These policy achievements improved operational conditions for wineries and strengthened the long-term sustainability of the state’s wine industry, the news release said.

CAVE elevated Colorado Mountain Winefest to national prominence, including being named Best Wine Festival in the Nation by USA TODAY, and grew VinCO into one of the country’s premier conferences focused on cold-climate viticulture and enology.

During Shull’s tenure, the organization modernized its statewide marketing and consumer-engagement strategies through the launch of the Drink Colorado Wine App, creating a year-round platform connecting consumers with Colorado wineries, wine trails and events. CAVE also launched Colorado Cru, a statewide wine initiative designed to define and elevate signature Colorado wine blends, while continuing to expand scholarships, technical education, research partnerships and professional development opportunities across the industry.

The news release said Colorado’s wine industry received unprecedented national attention during this period, with Colorado wineries, wines and wine destinations featured in leading food, wine and travel publications, helping establish Colorado as one of the nation’s emerging wine regions.

In 2024, Shull was honored as Colorado Ag Leader of the Year, recognizing her contributions to advancing Colorado agriculture and the state’s wine industry.

The CAVE Board of Directors will initiate a nationwide search for the organization’s next executive director. According to the news release, a search committee will oversee the recruitment process and ensure a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition.

Shull will continue serving as executive director through Oct. 31, remaining focused Colorado Mountain Winefest, continued planning for VinCO, legislative advocacy, member services and ensuring the organization’s continued success.

Board President Kevin Webber thanked Shull for her years of service and expressed confidence in CAVE’s future.

“Cassidee’s leadership has helped transform both CAVE and the Colorado wine industry,” Webber said. “Her vision, dedication and collaborative leadership have strengthened our organization, elevated Colorado wine on the national stage and created opportunities that will benefit growers and wineries for years to come.”

Reflecting on her decision and tenure, Shull said, “Serving CAVE and the Colorado wine industry has been the greatest honor of my professional life. When I accepted this role at 23 years old, I could never have imagined the journey ahead. Looking back, I am most proud of what this industry has accomplished together. Through education, advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, we’ve built an organization that is stronger than ever and helped elevate Colorado wine onto the national stage. Those accomplishments belong to our incredible staff, Melinda Tredway, as well as our growers, winemakers, members, volunteers, partners and board leaders who believed in the future of Colorado wine.

“After many years of dedicated leadership, I have made the decision to conclude my tenure and step away from my role to take a sabbatical focused on rest, reflection and creating space for the next chapter of my life. I remain fully committed to CAVE through my final day and to supporting a successful transition for the organization and its next executive director.”

The board said CAVE remains financially strong, strategically focused and well-positioned for continued success.