Koch started his career in politics working for Tony Coelho and was part of his campaign to become House Majority Whip. Koch later became staff director for House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt before joining the Wine Institute.[1] Since becoming President and CEO in June 2003, membership has grown 70% to over 1,000 Californian wineries and affiliated businesses which are predominantly family owned. He has a substantial equity interest in the Central European Distribution Corporation, a company that manufactures and distributes vodka in Poland.[2]