Luxury wine executive and Shafer Vineyards CEO to lead JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Lewis Cellars
September 3, 2026 (Los Angeles, CA) — The Wonderful Company today announced that Chris Avery has been named president of its wine business, effective October 5. Avery, who currently serves as CEO of Shafer Vineyards, will oversee JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Lewis Cellars.
Avery brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the luxury wine industry. In addition to Shafer, he has held senior roles at Darioush, DAOU Family Estates, Patrimony Estate, Opus One and Jordan Vineyard & Winery. His experience spans operations, global sales and distribution, marketing, hospitality and direct-to-consumer, giving him a comprehensive understanding of how to build and strengthen enduring wine brands and position them for long-term growth.
In his previous roles, Avery has led global commercial strategy, managed acquisitions, directed global sales and marketing and helped build and launch luxury brands through international market expansion.
“Chris brings a rare combination of luxury brand expertise, commercial discipline and hands-on leadership across every part of the wine business,” said Stewart Resnick, chairman and president of The Wonderful Company. “He understands both the challenges facing the industry and the long-term opportunity represented by exceptional brands, vineyards and people. He is the right leader to guide our wine business through this period and position it for its next chapter of growth.”
“The wine industry is undergoing a significant correction, making long-term commitment and disciplined leadership more important than ever,” said Avery. “The Wonderful Company has built an extraordinary wine portfolio and has the resources, patience and ambition to invest in its future. I’m excited to work with the teams at JUSTIN, Landmark and Lewis Cellars to build on the unique strengths that make each brand distinctive and emerge from this period even stronger.”
The Wonderful Company’s wine portfolio spans California’s leading wine regions, including Paso Robles, Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
- JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, a pioneer of Paso Robles winemaking, was founded in 1981 and is known for crafting world-class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties, including its flagship ISOSCELES red blend. The JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon is the No. 1 luxury Cabernet Sauvignon in the nation. The brand recently expanded its wholesale offerings to include the JUSTIN Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the JUSTIN Central Coast Chardonnay. In addition, the Paso Robles vineyard estate features five-star accommodations at the JUST INN® and a MICHELIN-Starred dining experience at The Restaurant at JUSTIN.
- Lewis Cellars, a luxury Napa Valley winery with a more than 30-year legacy of crafting opulent big reds and sexy chardonnays. Lewis captures the attention of in-the-know wine connoisseurs, having been named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2016 for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and offers wholesale and direct-to-consumer offerings. Lewis joined The Wonderful Company portfolio in 2021 and opened its new tasting room in Napa’s renowned Stags Leap District on Silverado Trail in fall 2025.
- Landmark Vineyards, located in Sonoma, California, has been dedicated to producing handcrafted, ultra-premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir since 1974. Its Hop Kiln Estate is a registered California Historical Landmark and expands Landmark Vineyards’ presence with two tasting rooms and properties in Sonoma and the Russian River Valley. The brand is putting a renewed focus on its direct-to-consumer business.
About The Wonderful Company
The Wonderful Company is a privately held $6 billion global company dedicated to harvesting health and happiness around the world. Its iconic brands include FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, Wonderful Halos, Wonderful Seedless Lemons, Teleflora and JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Lewis Cellars. The Wonderful Company’s connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back in its DNA. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and its core values, please visit wonderful.com or follow The Wonderful Company on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
