Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate is thrilled to announce the addition of Chris Wiseman to our team as the Director of Sales, starting January 2024. While we have a long-standing tradition of welcoming guests to visit our breathtaking estate here in Healdsburg, California, Chris will be tasked with expanding our footprint to bring Michel-Schlumberger wines to consumers across the country.
With a rich tapestry of experience woven through nearly two decades in the wine industry, Chris brings a depth of knowledge, a spirit of innovation, and a proven track record of achieving remarkable sales growth.
“Michel-Schlumberger is entering an exciting period of reflection, reinvigoration, and renewal,” remarks Skip Karabian, General Manager. “As we seek to reach new customers through new channels across the country, Chris brings expertise that has propelled brands to the forefront of the industry.”
A Journey of Excellence: From Brown-Forman to Michel-Schlumberger
Before joining us at Michel-Schlumberger, Chris honed his skills at Brown-Forman, where he left a lasting legacy of success. As National Account Manager, Chris led initiatives that drove $108 million in sales, collaborating with teams to align pricing, programming, and product allocations, notably for Herradura Ultra and Woodford Double Oaked, which became top-profit spirit SKUs at Costco. His strategies and insights led to a 5-year CAGR of over 18%, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.
Chris’s journey also included impactful roles as Territory Manager in Florida, where he managed a gross profit of $71 million and spearheaded a team that achieved 15% more business in its first year. His leadership as Director of the Northwest was pivotal, driving over $35 million in gross profit and fostering strong distributor and state relationships across the Northwest region.
Embracing the Future: Chris’s Vision for Michel-Schlumberger
As the Director of Sales, Chris is set to lead our national sales strategy, focusing on building and strengthening relationships with brokers, distributors, and customers. His approach to sales planning, P&L management, and business planning is not just about hitting targets — it’s about creating sustainable growth through strategic relationship building and innovative sales execution.
In a recent sit-down with Chris, we delved into his vision and plans for his new role:
What excites you most about joining the Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate?
“The opportunity to blend tradition with innovation. Michel-Schlumberger has a rich history, and I’m excited to write the next chapter by expanding our reach and deepening our relationships in the B2B space. After managing large brand portfolios for so much of my career, it’s an enticing new challenge to focus on a local, Dry Creek Valley winery and build a sustainable business for the future.”
How do you plan to approach your role in leading our wholesale wine strategy?
“My approach is threefold: understand our partners’ needs, leverage our exceptional wine portfolio, and build a team culture focused on exceeding our sales and profit goals through strategic planning and execution.”
What is your vision for expanding Michel-Schlumberger’s presence in our targeted markets?
“The first priority is to establish a solid distribution network in key retailers and restaurants, focusing on markets where we can make the most impact, such as Florida, Colorado, and Arizona. By increasing exposure to our incredible wines and driving brand awareness in these target areas, we lay the foundation for further growth.”
With your extensive background, how do you see the landscape of wine sales and distribution evolving?
“The wine industry is at a pivotal point, with digital transformation and sustainability taking center stage. I see a future where we can lead not just in sales, but in creating value-driven partnerships that reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability.”
Expanding Our Community
Chris Wiseman’s arrival marks a significant milestone in our journey at Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate. His leadership, vision, and proven track record are set to propel us into a future where our wines reach more tables, and our partnerships grow stronger. We invite our community of wine lovers, partners, and distributors to join us in welcoming Chris to the Michel-Schlumberger family.
Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on LinkedIn for updates on our journey with Chris and the exciting developments in our expansion.
Welcome aboard, Chris! Here’s to a future filled with growth, innovation, and exceptional wine.
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