Kurt Eckert has spent several decades in the wine industry, beginning as a Sommelier and Beverage Director for top restaurants in New York City, with a side project as boutique brand creator and winemaker. This was followed by a position as Brand Director for an ultra-premium Champagne producer, and then a position as Fine Wine Director at a historic US importer. After running an upstart Import & Distribution company, primarily focused upon small Burgundian Domaines, he joined the Kobrand Corporation as General Manager of its Burgundy portfolio centered around the expansive holdings of Maison Louis Jadot. He has a master’s degree in fine art and lives in Brooklyn, NY where he enjoys travel, cooking and competitive distance running.