HYE, TEXAS (September 15, 2020) – Texas-based William Chris Vineyards is pleased to announce that Joseph Burns has come aboard as the company’s director of wholesale.
Joe brings over 15 years of direct experience in both domestic and international wholesale distribution and retail operations. Joe started his career in the specialty food business managing a private label line of Italian gourmet food products before transitioning to wholesale specialty beverage sales. He has held a number of positions over the years in several top organizations, including CR Goodman, Ben E Keith Specialty Beverage, and The Flying Saucer, and has consulted with specialty beverage manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, both in Texas and in Italy.
In his role as director of wholesale, Joe will focus on expanding William Chris Vineyards’ retail presence in both off-premises and on-premises accounts throughout the country.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joe to the team,” said Chris Brundrett, William Chris co-founder and CEO. “His hands-on experience in retail sales and brand management is going to be instrumental to our continued growth and success in the wholesale space.”
Added Joe, “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work for a company like William Chris. Their dedication to quality is unmatched in the Texas wine industry, and I look forward to applying my experience to help spread the gospel of true Texas-grown wine to a wider audience.”
Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Texas at Austin as well as Advanced Cicerone and Introductory Sommelier certifications.
For more information, please visit www.williamchriswines.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @WilliamChrisVineyards.
ABOUT WILLIAM CHRIS VINEYARDS
William Chris Vineyards is a leader in producing 100% Texas-grown wine. Since 2008, winegrowers William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett, who was recently included in Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 40 Under 40 list, have expanded the estate vineyards and partner with family-owned farms to source only the highest quality fruit. At William Chris, they pride themselves on sharing the genuine taste of Texas terroir while delivering a one-of-a-kind experience. Their method integrates farming, tradition, and local culture, and Bill and Chris kept this in mind as they sought out a property to build their winery. Deciding on a pioneer farm settlement in the historic town of Hye, Texas, they began the project to restore the 1905 Deike farmhouse, the future William Chris Tasting Room. William Chris Vineyards is pleased to share a piece of their world and cannot wait to share it with you. For more information, please visit williamchriswines.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @WilliamChrisVineyards.
