Mercer Estates, a leading Washington State winery founded by two local farming families to create wines that embody the flavor and soul of their lands, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Jones to the position of National Sales & Marketing Manager, effective January 17, 2011. In his role, Jones will be responsible for all aspects of the Mercer Estates sales and marketing program, including managing distributor relationships to achieve ongoing brand growth.

With more than seventeen years of direct sales and distributor management experience in the wine industry, most recently as the Southeast Regional Manager and Eastern National Accounts Manager for Southern Starz, Jones brings a strategically minded and entrepreneurial approach to the position.

“Chris is a valued addition to the Mercer Estates team, highly regarded for his professionalism and rich experience. With long-lasting relationships in important channels, he will be a real asset to our continued forward momentum” said Rob Mercer, owner-partner of Mercer Estates.

Prior to joining Mercer Estates, Jones was Managing Partner and National Sales Manager of Gulfstream Wine Traders/Fairhope Vintners. Jones began his career as Key Account Manager for Opici Wine Group and subsequently held management positions at Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates (now Ste. Michelle Wine Estates), Paterno International and Old Bridge Cellars.

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from CUNY. He currently resides with his wife and children in Stuart, Florida.

About Mercer Estates – www.mercerwine.com
Mercer Estates, located in Prosser, Washington was created to celebrate and continue the legacy of the Mercer and Hogue families’ spirit, individualism and dedication to sustainability by creating wines that share the rich history of our soils and the pureness of our environment. With a winemaking heritage that bridges generations of excellence and more than 40 years of grape growing and winemaking experience in Washington State, Mercer Estates aspires to create outstanding wines from the Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley and Columbia Valley AVAs guided by winemaker David Forsyth.