Fred Reno founded Thomas Jefferson Wine Company in 1999 while he was President of The Henry Wine Group. After being solicited regularly for advice by his suppliers about their brand plans and market strategies, he realized he could provide more than just distribution services. The company continues today utilizing Fred's 45 years of experience as he has enjoyed success in all three tiers of the fine wine business.
Fred began his career in Washington, DC retail in 1979. He went on to be instrumental in building two fine wine brands. First, at William Hill Winery in 1984 and then Sonoma-Cutrer in 1988, which became recognized as the number one most requested Chardonnay in top restaurants throughout the U.S.
In 1995, Fred took control of The Henry Wine Group, a struggling wine distribution company in California at that time. Through his leadership they established themselves as the leading independent fine wine distribution company in the country. In 2008, they were voted: "Best Wine Wholesaler in America" by the Meininger report.
Fred moved to Virginia in 2019 to champion Virginia Wine. In November of 2023 the Virginia Wineries Association gave him the Award as the Virginia Wine Person of the Year 2023. Fred also launched a Podcast that focuses on the dramatic growth in the quality of winegrowing in Virginia. Check it out at www.finewineconfidential.com
Fred has been a champion for the independent wine producer and a vocal advocate for their right to sell wine directly to the consumer. Including being featured in a segment of the documentary film America's Wine: The Legacy of Prohibition which is part of the Bancroft Library series and was shown in 2013 as a centerpiece of the Smithsonian Institute's California Food & Wine History Month.
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