Full Name
Chris Baker
Job Title
President
Company
Brassfield Estate Winery
Speaker Bio
Chris Baker, President comes to Brassfield Estate Winery after two retirements in a career with ever expanding roles in the hospitality and wine industry. From General Manager of a fine dining restaurant, General Manager of a NC wine distributor, management and executive roles in the supplier side of the wine business, he continues to build brands and develop people.
Chris was hired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates for a newly created position managing a division in the Southeast where he spent the next 11 years. Always striving to learn more, he left Ste. Michelle, threw a wine bag on his shoulder, and helped a California grower create and take their brand from 2,000 cases to over 200,000 in an eight-year run, progressing from Division Manager, VP of Eastern Region, National VP of Sales & Marketing and eventually retiring from the company as Chief Operating Officer after building a national sales force. After a three-year
retirement, Chris longed to get back in the industry, because he wanted to use his knowledge and experience to create the next generation of leaders in the industry and to represent a wine company that had a dedication to producing world class wines with an uncompromising commitment to quality.
Chris found a young wine company and together made history in the wine industry. Growing the brand from 2019-2022 with a CAGR of 45%, and over 40% in gross revenue. After achieving his goals, he retired and presented the leadership opportunity to the next generation and focused on his second retirement. One year later, destiny intervened as he met Jerry Brassfield. I found my new path, a family-owned winery that is 100% estate grown, produced and bottled. We are focused on sustainable farming, quality wine production and developing Brassfield Estate Winery globally as an affordable luxury wine brand known for a dedication to quality with a sense of place.
Chris says he has always had three major passions in life, Wine, two wheels and Photography. Proud father of two sons, Nick, an Engineer in Boulder, CO and Christopher, a Filmmaker in Charlotte, NC. Chris resides near Asheville, NC with his wife Tracey and their two hound dogs Kep and Lottie.
Chris was hired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates for a newly created position managing a division in the Southeast where he spent the next 11 years. Always striving to learn more, he left Ste. Michelle, threw a wine bag on his shoulder, and helped a California grower create and take their brand from 2,000 cases to over 200,000 in an eight-year run, progressing from Division Manager, VP of Eastern Region, National VP of Sales & Marketing and eventually retiring from the company as Chief Operating Officer after building a national sales force. After a three-year
retirement, Chris longed to get back in the industry, because he wanted to use his knowledge and experience to create the next generation of leaders in the industry and to represent a wine company that had a dedication to producing world class wines with an uncompromising commitment to quality.
Chris found a young wine company and together made history in the wine industry. Growing the brand from 2019-2022 with a CAGR of 45%, and over 40% in gross revenue. After achieving his goals, he retired and presented the leadership opportunity to the next generation and focused on his second retirement. One year later, destiny intervened as he met Jerry Brassfield. I found my new path, a family-owned winery that is 100% estate grown, produced and bottled. We are focused on sustainable farming, quality wine production and developing Brassfield Estate Winery globally as an affordable luxury wine brand known for a dedication to quality with a sense of place.
Chris says he has always had three major passions in life, Wine, two wheels and Photography. Proud father of two sons, Nick, an Engineer in Boulder, CO and Christopher, a Filmmaker in Charlotte, NC. Chris resides near Asheville, NC with his wife Tracey and their two hound dogs Kep and Lottie.
Speaking At
