2021 Oregon Wine Symposium | Demystifying Wine Distribution

Demystifying Wine Distribution: A Winery Toolkit to Help Build and Navigate Wholesale Distribution Across the United States

This session provides wineries with a toolkit to help build and navigate wholesale distribution across the United States. Learn the language of distribution and how to assess, approach and collaborate with distributors to prepare a strategy, then launch and grow a successful distribution program. The seminar includes access to the Distribution Toolkit and resources surrounding state legalities, pricing and regulations.

View the Session Recording

Speaker Bios

Jeff was raised on a small farm near Lawrence, Kansas.

While completing a degree in industrial design from the University of Kansas, he founded the first certified sustainable fresh-seafood restaurant in the Midwest. As the chef/owner he developed an interest in wine, leading him to sell everything and head towards larger adventures.

Jeff’s journey led him to Mendoza, Argentina in 2011 where he worked as sommelier for chef Francis Mallmann. For the next six years, Jeff would spend eight months of the year in Argentina working as a wine educator and developing hospitality programs for wineries and luxury hotels, then return to Portland, Oregon in the summer to work with wineries in the Willamette Valley.

Currently, Jeff is the director of education and national sales manager for Revana Wines. He travels around the U.S., Canada and South America to collaborate with top wine programs and sommeliers and share the stories of Dr. Revana’s three estate wineries, Alexana Vineyards (Dundee Hills), Revana Family Vineyards (St. Helena) and Bodega Corazón del Sol (Uco Valley).

Colin Eddy grew up in the heart of Texas, launching a career in hospitality before he even left high school. By the time he’d finished college at The University of Houston, Colin was managing a beverage program for Fleming’s Steakhouse and soon after joined Republic National Distributing Company where he quickly climbed the ranks and broadened his wine knowledge and experience in distribution.

After several years in different roles at RNDC, Colin accepted the role of national sales manager with Penner-Ash Wine Cellars and relocated to Portland, Oregon. In 2016, Colin joined NW Wine Co. as national sales manager, overseeing the sales for one of the largest producers in Oregon. He holds the Level 2 Certificate with the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET Advanced Certficate, and the title of Certified Sake Specialist.

Today, Colin lives in the Portland area with his wife Lisa, son Daniel, and German Shepherd, Cleo.