Michael Cooperman & Kate Krause
Palm Bay International is one of the preeminent family-owned wine and spirits import operations in the United States. The family’s rich history dates back to prohibition and spans four generations of entrepreneurship. Drawing inspiration from his pioneering heritage, Palm Bay President and CEO Marc D. Taub acquired Heritance in Napa Valley (now Taub Family Vineyards) in 2014, and Saracina Winery in Mendocino in 2018 with the goal of cementing his family legacy in domestic wine production. Marc’s son, Jake Taub, has since joined the family business with a matched fervor and steadfast commitment for crafting terroir-driven fine wines that highlight California’s diverse viticultural landscape.
Michael joined the Taub family team in March of 2025, and has lived and worked in Napa Valley for the last twelve years. Twenty-five years spent in the restaurant, hospitality and wine industries has honed Michael’s ability to weave the stories of wine with a variety of audiences and deliver compelling, memorable guest experiences at the winery and on the road.
“I bring a deep passion for all aspects of wine, a diverse professional background, an easy-going nature and, above all, a desire to open people’s eyes and minds, to the experiences I curate for our clients. I want to instill a sense of wonder and deep connection for what we are pursuing at Taub Family Vineyards and Sign of the Dove. The essence of what we do -- our commitment to producing beautifully balanced, precise, terroir-driven wines from the most exceptional vineyard sites in Napa Valley and Sonoma – is woven into the stories behind the wines.”
Michael resides in St. Helena with his 13-year old daughter, Sylvie. An avid cook and gardener, he enjoys sharing honest meals with family and friends, and spending time in the great outdoors.
In January 2024, Kate Krause joined their team to spearhead the growth and refinement of Taub's expanding domestic portfolio. With a career spanning over two decades in the wine and spirits industry, Kate is highly regarded as a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success in both sales and marketing for an array of award-winning wine producers. She takes particular pride in her meaningful industry relationships and her passion for connecting with consumers. Kate's previous roles include serving as Northeast Sales Director for Share a Splash Wine Co., National Brand Manager for The Pinot Project, and National Fine Wine Director for Concha y Toro.
Kate is dedicated to expanding the wine community by creating curated experiences that welcome more individuals into its fold. She devoted several years to volunteering as co-chair for Taste of the Seaport in New York City, a collaborative effort that united restaurateurs and businesses in the downtown area to support fundraising initiatives for NYC public schools. Outside of work, Kate enjoys challenging herself with weightlifting sessions at her local gym, enthusiastically cheering on her son's basketball team, pouring wine at her husband's art gallery openings, and cooking for family and friends.
Meet Michael and Kate at these Harvest Wine & Food Festival events:
Harvest After Dark - 10.17.25
Grand Tasting VIP Tent presented by Emerald Coast Magazine and The Dahler & Co. Team with Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty - 10.18.25
Tickets