SEATTLE-June 26, 2012-In a move that underscores its growth in the Great Lakes states, James Collins III has been promoted to Precept Wine’s newly created role of Great Lakes Regional Manager. Collins will represent the Seattle-based company’s wineries, including such national brands as Waterbrook, HOUSE, Canoe Ridge, Chocolate Shop and Washington Hills. Collins will be based in Chicago when the promotion takes effect July 1. “Jim has done an outstanding job growing our visibility in Texas and we’re delighted he’s taken on the Great Lakes as demand for our wines there has grown substantially; through this promotion we are able to better serve our customers in the region,” said Chad Lapp, Senior Vice President of Sales for Precept Wine. “Jim’s energy, tenacity and follow-through are a testament to this well-deserved promotion.”
From July 2010 to now, Collins served as Precept Wine’s Texas Market Specialist, managing sales and establishing new key accounts and activities for the region, both on- and off-premise; he reported to Midwest Divisional Vice President Deborah Bowles. Collins will now cover sales, support, new accounts and activities throughout Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin; he will report directly to Lapp in his new Great Lakes role.
About Precept Wine: Founded in 2003 by Andrew Browne, Precept Wine is the largest privately held wine company in the Pacific Northwest and the 19th largest wine producer in North America. Precept Wine is an integrated wine company that owns more than 3,700 vineyard acres, employs a team of winemakers and operational staff at eight production facilities and operates nine tasting rooms. Its quality driven portfolio has garnered more than 250 Best Buy ratings and 90+ point scores from leading wine publications including Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, The Wine Advocate, and Wine & Spirits. More at www.preceptwine.com.