Napa Valley, CA (August 24, 2022) – Burgess is pleased to announce the appointment of Garrett Hales as Estate Director. Prior to transitioning into his new role at Burgess, Hales was the Hospitality Manager at Heitz Cellar, leading the hospitality team at the newly re-opened Heitz Cellar Tasting Salon. Hales joins Burgess at an exciting time, as the historic winery celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and pays homage to the winery’s roots and continuing renovations.
“We’re very excited to welcome such an incredible talent to Burgess,” says Lawrence Wine Estates Managing Partner Carlton McCoy Jr. “Garrett has a deep knowledge of luxury hospitality, from Michelin-starred restaurants to Napa Valley, and understands how to seamlessly blend creating those guest experiences for Burgess while upholding the winery’s roots and mission. I’m eager to see how Garrett will make his mark on the next chapter of Burgess, working closely with winemaker Meghan Zobeck.”
Hales will oversee all estate operations, including hospitality, membership, branding, and more. With a keen focus on guest experience, Hales applies luxury service standards to the modern wine tasting experience and further developing the private tasting program.
Hales graduated from the University of Colorado in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Post-graduation, Hales made the bold decision to follow his passion and pursue a career in fine wine and hospitality. Soon thereafter, Garrett pursued a Sommelier Certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, which he achieved in 2016. Garrett has served as Captain and Sommelier at The French Laundry and has held various other roles at wineries such as JUSTIN and Hearst Ranch Winery in Paso Robles.
“I’ve had a love for Napa wines and hospitality throughout my career,” says Hales. “Burgess is such a pillar of Napa Valley’s history, and it deserves to be preserved for guests, through immersive and luxury-focused guest experiences. I look forward to working with winemaker Meghan Zobeck to create both authentic wines and hospitality experiences that evolve Burgess’ legacy.”
Earlier this year, Burgess underwent updates to the landscape and exterior (garden tasting area) and interior renovations will begin in late 2022. This coincides with a visual rebranding of the wine labels, website, and collateral for guests. Under Zobeck’s tenure as winemaker, Burgess is transitioning to regenerative and promiscuous agricultural practices, and is set to become Demeter certified by 2023.
About Burgess
Founded by Tom Burgess in 1972, the winery has been continuously owned and operated by the Burgess family until the acquisition by the Lawrence Family in 2020. Since its inception, Cabernet Sauvignon has been the flagship variety, though the brand has since expanded its portfolio to include Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Chardonnay wines. For more information, visit www.burgesscellars.com or Instagram at @burgesscellars.
