WASHINGTON, D.C.— April 29th, 2024- The United Sommeliers Foundation (USF), a charitable organization dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to wine professionals, is proud to announce the appointment of Landon Patterson, CEO of The Hundred Acre Wine Group to their board.
An early and ardent supporter of the Foundation, Patterson served as the first Auction Chair in 2020 and raised over $150,000 in direct efforts with Jayson Woodbridge, owner of Hundred Acre along with over $300,000 raised directly from the 2020 Auction. “I have been in the industry for 25 years and it all started out in restaurants, selling wine, working the floor, and ultimately becoming a sommelier. I have never forgotten the hard work, long hours and passion that it took to be a sommelier and any opportunity for me to support that community is a blessing. I was blessed to be an early partner to the USF and I am honored and delighted to become a member of the board to further support those in need.” says Patterson.
A native of Southern California, Patterson began his wine career as a sommelier in Las Vegas, working with the venerable Wolfgang Puck at his signature restaurants on the strip. While there, he built a passion and a strong platform of knowledge focused on international luxury wines, with a specialty in wines from Italy and Spain. Patterson’s love of wine and natural ability to impart that passion to customers quickly lead him into the world of sales. Over the last 20 years, his deep knowledge of international and luxury wines seamlessly translated to working as a sales leader with small, US family-owned wine producers Chalk Hill and BR Cohn. In 2011, Patterson took on the challenge of leading the Western Division as Vice President of Sales for Vintage Point managing a twenty-five-brand portfolio while launching a then unknown brand Oyster Bay to become a top 3 brand in the US. In his current role as Chief Executive Officer for Hundred Acre Wine Group, Patterson has rebuilt the financial infrastructure for the company, purchased three new vineyards and developed two new estate wine brands for the Hundred Acre portfolio. Aside from the day-to-day responsibilities of managing Hundred Acre, Patterson’s passion is investing in its people and building a strong culture within the company. He believes that is the core of what has made Hundred Acre the industry leader that it is today.
The Foundation to date has awarded over $1.5 Million to their applicants and is continuing to provide financial aid to wine professionals in emergency situations beyond their control. To apply for aid, donate or learn more please visit www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org.
About The United Sommeliers Foundation
The United Sommeliers Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to provide information and immediate financial assistance to Sommeliers experiencing a pause or termination of employment due to circumstances beyond their control. The organization assists Sommeliers nationwide and was founded by several of the industry’s leading experts with more than 100 years combined experience and knowledge. The organization’s goal is to positively impact the wine industry and the Sommelier community for years to come. Please visit www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org for more information.
