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Chris Seithel
Vice President, Southwest Region

Chris joined Rodney Strong Vineyards in January 2006. He is responsible for managing the distributor network and sales team in the Southwestern United States. Chris brought with him over fourteen years of experience in the beverage industry, having enjoyed much success working in both the distributor and supplier channels. He spent the past five and a half years managing various regions and divisions for Beringer Blass Wine Estates. Throughout his distinguished career, Chris has received awards and recognition including National Sales Manager of the year in 2004 for Beringer Blass Wine Estates. Chris has earned his first level certification in the Court of Sommeliers.

Born in St. Louis, MO, Chris also lived in NY, TX, MA, and KS before the age of eighteen. He attended University of Kansas where he received a B.S. in Communications. Today, Chris lives in Scottsdale, AZ with his wife Trish and two children, Chandler and Sophia. In his spare time he enjoys golf, and travel. His personal philosophies include "It's not about making the right decision, it's about making a decision and making it right!"

Rodney Strong Vineyards is dedicated to crafting world-class wines with complexity and varietal expression that capture the essence of Sonoma County. Rodney Strong Vineyards grows and produces wines exclusively from four of Sonoma County's finest appellations---Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley and Sonoma Coast. The winery's twelve unique estate vineyards represent the perfect marriage of varietal selection and terroir. The winery was founded in 1959 by Sonoma County wine pioneer Rodney D. Strong as the 13th bonded winery in the county. Today, the winery is privately owned by the Klein family; a fourth generation California agricultural family.

Winemaking team, Rick Sayre and Gary Patzwald are crafting fine Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and a meritage wine, Symmetry.

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