Santa Rosa, CA – (September 13, 2023) – Balletto Vineyards, a family-owned estate winery in Sonoma County, is proud to add Jim Morris to its team. Jim joins as Director of Hospitality and brings 20 years of wine, hospitality and event experience to the position.
“We are thrilled for Jim to join the Balletto team. His abundant professional experience in wine, hospitality, and events makes him well-equipped to elevate guest experiences, champion outstanding customer service, and oversee the continued success of Balletto’s Direct to Consumer business,” says John Balletto, President & Founder of Balletto Vineyards.
As a 20+-year veteran in the wine industry, Jim specializes in creating engaging guest experiences, building strong teams, and producing memorable events from organization to execution. In his new role at Balletto, Jim returns to his roots in Sonoma County after a six-year run in Napa Valley, where he worked at wineries of note such as Raymond Vineyards. In addition, Jim has worked at premier California wine destinations including Boisset Family Estates, Charles Krug Winery, Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate, and MacPhail Wines during his tenure in the wine industry.
As Balletto’s Director of Hospitality, Jim’s responsibilities will include managing the day-to-day operation of the tasting room, maintaining a strong Wine Club, overseeing events and marketing efforts, and providing excellent guest experiences to help fulfill Balletto’s company mission of creating lifelong guests.
“I have always had a place in my heart for the farmers turned winery owners. That is a unique journey that few wineries can claim today. I have often heard about Balletto, saw the family name attached to numerous charitable organizations and was drawn to the true community nature of this winery,” says Jim Morris. “This aligns with my values and coming to Balletto Vineyards helps me remain true to my roots.”
About Balletto Vineyards
With a focus on single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Balletto Vineyards is an estate winery in the famed Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County, California. Owned and operated by the Balletto family, Balletto Vineyards delivers expressive wines meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. Owner John Balletto and his wife, Terri, started in the vegetable farming business, growing into the largest vegetable farm in Northern California. Seeing a bright future for wine grape growing in Russian River Valley, John and Terri transitioned to grape growing in 1995. In 2001, they created the first vintage of Balletto Vineyards estate wine from Russian River Valley and as of 2022, they are proud to say they are fully solar powered in all operations.
