Rudd Winery Selects Master Sommelier Drew Hendricks To Serve As Vice President Of Marketing And Sales

Rudd Winery, Leslie Rudd's esteemed vineyards set in Oakville, Napa Valley, announced today that it has selected Master Sommelier Drew Hendricks as Vice President of Marketing and Sales. In this new role, Hendricks will serve as the company's brand ambassador, sharing the Rudd story with fellow sommeliers at top restaurants and wine bars across the country, distributors, retailers and other industry partners.

"Drew embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and Midwestern values that are at the core of everything we do at Rudd," said Leslie Rudd. "He's a humble, down-to-earth guy with a passion for, and deep knowledge of wine. We are excited to have Drew on our team, playing a critical role in our continued efforts to build a world-class, multi-generational, estate winery."

One of the most well-respected sommeliers in the country, Hendricks has been one of the wine industry's rising stars and brings with him a rich and diverse set of experiences. A Master Sommelier since 2008, he most recently was the Wine Director at Pappas Restaurants, where his efforts in their flagship steakhouses in Houston and Dallas earned two Wine Spectator Grand Awards. Hendricks also served as Wine Director at Charlie Palmer in Dallas. In addition to his experience as sommelier, he worked on the distributor side for several years with Glazer's and Prestige Wine Cellars of Texas.

"With its classic structure and sense of place, Rudd Wines are among the most beautiful I've tasted and a true representation of the Oakville appellation," said Drew Hendricks. "I am honored to be joining this extraordinary team of people led by Leslie Rudd, a visionary whose support of the sommelier community and dedication to wine education has been second to none."

Hendricks has amassed an impressive list of accolades in a short time, including second place at the National Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Sommelier Finals competition, and first place at the 2007 International Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Sommelier Competition. In 2005, Wine and Spirits magazine named Hendricks a "Best New Sommelier." Recognizing the challenges facing young people interested in wine, he is also the co-founder and a board member of the Texas Sommelier Association, which hosts the annual Texas Sommelier Conference to promote wine education throughout the South. Hendricks also currently serves on the board of Directors for both the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Guild of Sommeliers.

Rudd Winery is founded upon a deep respect for the land, love of great wines and the desire to build a multi-generational winery with a legacy of excellence for present and future generations. From vineyard to glass, Rudd is driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence in every detail of its winemaking. The 55-acre estate is nestled on an appellation known for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends; the red, rocky soils are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. A 12-acre Mt. Veeder property at 1600 ft elevation complements the valley floor estate and is planted to white varietals including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Vert. Over the years, Rudd wines have received critical acclaim from the industry's most renowned critics, including 99 Pts from Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, and 94 Pts from Wine Spectator for the Rudd Oakville Estate Red 2008.