M. Shanken Communications Market Watch, Wine Enthusiast, Decanter and Wine Business Monthly have recognized Annette Alvarez-Peters as a top leader in the wine industry. She spent nearly 37 years working for Costco Wholesale, the 3rd largest global retailer and dominant membership warehouse club operator.

Annette began her career with an entry-level position and spent her last 25 years in Costco’s Beverage Alcohol department. Retired in January 2020, she held the position of Asst. Vice President - General Manager for wine, spirits and beer categories while leading a team of 11 buyers in the United States as well as assisting 9 international buyers.

She holds the Diploma from Wine & Spirit Education Trust, along with a Certified Wine Educator certificate from Society of Wine Educators. She has also been inducted into the following associations: Bordeaux’s Commanderie du Bontemps de Medoc; Champagne’s Ordre des Coteaux des Champagne and Chateauneuf du Pape’s Echansonnerie des Papes.

Annette was named Wine Business Monthly Top Wine Industry Leader (2019- 2017), Most Influential in the US Wine Industry from IntoWine.com in 2018 (No. 1), Retailer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast (2015), Washington State Wine Industry (2015), and MarketWatch (2011). She was also named to Decanter’s Power List in 2013 (No.4) and biennially since 2005 and in Fortune/Food and Wine Top 25 Innovative Women, Food & Drink (2014).