Mattawa, WA — Ryan Patrick Vineyards has hired Clay Kriss to be the winery’s National Brand Manager. He joins Ryan Patrick Vineyards after 18 years with Beringer Wine Estates and 30 years in the wine industry.
Photo: Clay Kriss joins Ryan Patrick Vineyards as National Brand Manager
Kriss began his career in Napa and Sonoma Counties in the mid-eighties and moved to Seattle in 1989 to develop Northwest markets for Beringer. Kriss has held multi-state supplier positions with both domestic and import wine companies, most recently as Northwest Region Manager at TGIC Importers in Seattle.
“We are thrilled with the experience Clay brings to Ryan Patrick Vineyards and look forward to seeing what he can do for us,” says Terry Flanagan, founder of Ryan Patrick Vineyards.
Kriss’ responsibilities include increasing sales and distribution, as well as raising brand awareness of Ryan Patrick Vineyards. He will work in existing markets as well as develop new markets across the nation. His focus will be upper management, establishing goals with distributors as well as individual accounts and chain buyers.
“I’m excited to join the Ryan Patrick Vineyards team and be involved in the Washington wine industry,” says Kriss. He was born and raised in Ohio and attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. He resides in Issaquah with his wife, Linda and their two Corgis. Kriss can be reached by phone at (206) 369-5861 or email at clay@ryanpatrickvineyards.com.