Carol (Cat) Thorup passed away on September 5, 2011 at the age of 57 from cancer.
Carol was born on November 2, 1953 in Livermore CA.
She was a graduate of California State University at Fresno. Carol was also an avid 49er Fan and a world traveler.
She began her career with Almaden Vineyards in 1982 at the Almaden Facility on Blossom Hill Road in San Jose.
Carol moved to San Benito County in 1983 where she began working at Almaden Vineyards in Paicines.
In 1986 she was promoted to the position of Winemaker/Manager of the Almaden Paicines Facility where she remained throughout many corporate changes. In 1987 Diageo purchased the Paicines Facility and in 1993 it was renamed “Blossom Hill Winery”.
Carol continued as wine maker for Blossom Hill Wines as well as other brands.
Carol was pivotal to Blossom Hill and the Paicines Team, the Blossom Hill brand is the largest wine brand within Diageo and the largest in the UK. With a team of two supports, Carol was Blossom Hill, the wine maker, the face of the brand, the protector of the brand. It was always very personal for Carol and that showed in her wines.
Carol was with DC&E for 27 years and over that time was the glue that helped steer and grow Blossom Hill to where it is now. Carol will be missed by her colleges both here, Italy and in the UK, especially her thoughtful and pragmatic way of working”, said David Hayman SVP Diageo Chateau and Estates Wines operations.
Carol will be missed by her Blossom Hill Winery family at Paicines, her friends and wine industry colleagues; she has left with us all many memories and of course her wonderful wines.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Anna Thorup , beloved relatives, Ed, Lois and Dennis Katona and her beloved pets.
Carol is survived by her sister Donna Feliciano, brother in-law-Ross; nephew Ryan and wife Jennifer and their sons; and nephew Eric Feliciano all from South Lake Tahoe. She will also be dearly missed by relatives Robert Thorup, Marilyn Mc Laughlin, Sue Baum, Kent Baum, Mark Shutte, Gary Shutte, Robert Thorup Jr., Tom Thorup, Steven Thorup, Sharon Wooten and Tom Reid.
At Carol’s request, there will be no formal services. Family, colleagues and friends have chosen to have a private celebration in memory of her life at a later date.
Donations in Carol’s memory can be sent to the ASPCA or Hollister Pet Friends and Rescue.
