Gretchen Thomas is the Vice President of Beverage for DFRG which includes 4 concepts: Del Frisco's Double Eagle, Del Frisco's Grille, Barcelona Wine Bar and Bartaco. Thomas was previously the Wine & Spirits Director of Barteca Restaurant Group, the parent company of Barcelona Wine Bar and Bartaco, that was acquired by DFRG in 2018. At Barteca, Thomas built the beverage programs for Barcelona Wine Bar and bartaco over her 13 year tenure.

For Barcelona, she continues to oversee one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the United States. Thomas also manages all spirits and beer selections for all four restaurant concepts, including all cocktail creations. She has developed and taught numerous staff and public wine classes, and frequently leads seminars at trade conferences, such as Somm Con. She is also managing a portfolio of small production and custom wines, called Vi Side Imports, bringing in fine wines from artisanal producers in Spain and South America. Her drive an ingenuity lead to the creation of the blend for Libélula, the house tequila for the much awarded margarita at bartaco.

Thomas initially envisioned becoming a chef and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, where she was Valedictorian of her class, recipient of the Kopf Achievement Award, and a resident Wine Tutor. Between obtaining her Associate's and Bachelor's degree, she studied wine in France and Italy working at some of Europe's most prestigious properties. After graduation, she worked as a sommelier and restaurant manager in various restaurants in the Hudson Valley, most notably Gigi Trattoria in Rhinebeck, NY.

She has obtained various levels of certifications from WSET, CMS, CSW and NOSA as well as being a certified Spanish Wine Educator from the Wine Academy of Spain, where she scored in the top 15 in the world.

Thomas currently lives in Easton, CT with her husband, daughter, and four pets.

Follow Gretchen on Instagram to track her travels and tastings: @gretchenlenae