Jeff Zappelli is a seasoned veteran in the wine industry. After dedicating eight+ years in restaurants, including Morton’s Steakhouse in San Francisco, Jeff made a career shift in 2006 and joined HALL Wines, based in Napa Valley, CA. There Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping one of Napa Valley’s most successful Direct-to-Consumer programs. In 2012 owners Craig & Kathryn Walt Hall introduced WALT, a new Pinot Noir and Chardonnay brand. This new wine brand broadened Jeff’s responsibilities to encompass a myriad of day-to-day efforts for both HALL and WALT Wines.
Fast forward to 2016, Jeff assumed the role of General Manager at WALT, with a goal to grow the brand with responsibilities involving winery development, sales planning, execution, distribution and vineyard acquisitions. In 2022 Jeff’s role expanded again, adding the title of Vice President of Sales to his resume. In this broad capacity, he leads a robust wholesale program and export sales for HALL, WALT and the company’s newest brand, BACA, continuing to serve as WALT General Manager.
Originally from Seattle, WA, Jeff pursued his education at the University of Santa Barbara, earning a Bachelors degree in Biopsychology. Jeff resides in Marin County, CA, with his wife and their three daughters.

 

Erin, a distinguished graduate with honors from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, embarked on her journey in the world of luxury fine wines in 2006. Her initial foray was with Breakthru Beverage in Washington, D.C., where she represented HALL Family Wines and played a pivotal role in the launch of inaugural vintages of WALT Pinot Noir. Over the course of eight years, Erin effectively managed a territory encompassing the finest dining establishments in the nation’s capital, eventually earning a well-deserved promotion to the position of Fine Wine Division Manager. In 2014, she transitioned to Duckhorn Portfolio, assuming the role of Mid-Atlantic District Manager, and in 2016, she returned to her roots in San Diego to serve as Regional CA Sales Manager. In 2019, Erin’s professional journey came full circle as she connected with Vintner Kathryn Hall and her family’s esteemed wines as HALL Family Wines Regional Sales Manager – West. Her territory includes all of California and now the Southwestern United States. Erin is a seasoned professional and a recognized expert within the wine industry as well as vast distribution networks. She holds the prestigious title of Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) from the Society of Wine Educators and has achieved Level III Certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). Erin resides in San Diego with her husband and their three children.

 

Ryan Williams is a hospitality veteran. He began his career with his own catering business, Williams & Wynn beginning in April of 2003. He went on to enroll in the wine program at The Professional Culinary Institute in January 2007, led by Master Sommelier David Glancy. He completed the course in March 2007 as a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Masters Sommeliers. Ryan began a position as Assistant Wine Director in December 2007 at Ana Mandara Restaurant, San Francisco, transitioning to Wine Director in June 2008 until it’s closing in November 2011. Ryan was the Assistant General Manager/Wine Director of Dixie Restaurant in the Presidio from May 2013 through October 2013. Ryan arrived at HALL Family Wines as a Wine Educator in October 2013. He also served as the winery sommelier and trade host. He moved into the Visitor Center Manager role in 2015. Ryan is currently the Northern California District Manager for the wholesale team.

 

James joined HALL in 2017, bringing with him 14 years of invaluable experience acquired at Round Pond Estate, Constellation Brands, and Southern Wine & Spirits. His professional journey has encompassed both small, family-owned wineries as well as large corporate brands, shaping his career trajectory significantly. With a profound connection to wines that tell a story and evoke a sense of place, James helps to foster and environment where retailers and consumers feel part of an extended family. His wealth of experience, knowledge and established relationships now contribute significantly to the Atlantic Region. A graduate of University of Hartford with a double major in Communications and Marketing, James was also a member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team during his time at Hartford. James resides in New York with his wife and two children.

 

Chad Nuzum joined HALL Family Wines in August 2012 as our Central Regional Sales Manager. Prior to joining the team, Chad worked for four years on the distributor side. During his time there he had experience selling Diageo, Constellation, LVMH, and Gallo to retail accounts.  Chad joined the fine wine division and became a key account representative handling high profile restaurant and retail accounts.  He moved to Dallas in 2012 and continued working within the fine wine division before joining HALL Family Wines. Chad received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an entrepreneur focus from Louisiana State University. His territory includes nine states within the central region.

 

Tony Gatti is a 12-year industry veteran with an eclectic background. He began his wine career managing an all-Italian wine importer on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands before moving to the Chicago area in 2013. Since arriving to the Midwest, he has managed regional business for Codorníu and Quintessential Wines, respectively; has become a certified sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers; and holds a Diploma (Level 4) from WSET. He also teaches both the French Wine Scholar and WSET curriculums for the American Wine School. He joined HALL Family Wines in April of 2019 and manages their business across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Prior to the wine industry, he spent over a decade in the adventure tourism industry living and traveling abroad for most of that time. He graduated with honors from the University of Arizona, served in the U.S. Army on the Arctic Circle, is a PADI - certified rescue diver; and once won a Scovie Award (think Academy Award for Hot Sauce). Tony resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his children and his doggie.