Appointment will drive U.S. growth of company and brands from Oregon and South Africa
McMinnville, OR – (October 19, 2021) – Beck Family Estates, the exclusive importer and sales agency for South Africa-based Graham Beck and Steenberg Vineyards, and Oregon-based Abbott Claim and Angela Vineyards, announces their newly appointed President, John Kochis.
Beck Family Estates is establishing a premier portfolio of premium and luxury wines, and this appointment will drive additional growth of all brands and the portfolio’s position in the U.S. market. Graham Beck is the U.S. category leader for South Africa’s Méthode Cap Classique wines and marquee property Abbott Claim, in Oregon, looks to set a new standard for luxury wine experiences. Steenberg Vineyards is the oldest registered farm in the Western Cape of South Africa and Angela Vineyards crafts premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from organic and sustainably farmed vineyards in the Willamette Valley.
John Kochis brings over 25 years of executive wine sales and management experience to Beck Family Estates. As founder and President of Gemini Consulting, and owner of Ground Effect Wine Co., he has focused on achieving the financial and lifestyle goals of privately owned wineries since 2013. Prior to this, he spent 18 years with the E. & J. Gallo Winery and finished his career as the National Sales Director for their on-premise channel. Along the way, he focused on operational planning, supply chain and wholesaler management, and performance optimization for a number of brands and wineries, as well as developing strategic marketing concepts.
‘With John’s appointment to this role, we are bringing a more cohesive approach to the portfolio, while still highlighting the most compelling elements of each brand. Our focus as a family of wine brands has always been on quality and sharing exceptional wines with consumers. We look forward to the insight and drive that John can bring to our brands and elevating their visibility within the U.S. market”, says Antony Beck, Owner of Beck Family Estates.
Kochis adds, “There is so much promise with this portfolio. Each brand brings something unique to the table and there is much to celebrate. Especially with Graham Beck, its leading position in the category, the pricing, the packaging – there is potential for this brand to be a major, national player.”
About Beck Family Estates
Beck Family Estates is a family-owned company championing unique vineyard sites and wineries in South Africa and Oregon. As grape growers, winemakers, importers and marketers, the company is lauded for its long-term, multi-generational commitment to local communities, as well as environmental restoration, conservation, and regenerative farming. Led by Antony Beck, the company is the exclusive importer for the acclaimed, méthode champenoise house, Graham Beck, as well as Steenberg Vineyards, the oldest registered farm in South Africa’s Western Cape. In Oregon, the recently launched Abbott Claim focuses on small lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from estate vines with a focus on regenerative farming, led by winemaker Alban Debeaulieu. Abbot Claim’s goal is to create a best-in-class luxury wine experience. The Angela Vineyards label also champions organic and sustainable farming practices for their wines and vineyard sources throughout the Willamette Valley.
