Richard Betts

Richard is the master craftsman behind everything CKBG produces. Richard has extensive international experience in developing established and emerging brands in high growth markets. He previously founded, created, and exited spirits brands Sombra Mezcal and Astral Tequila, and the wine companies Betts & Scholl and Scarpetta. In the spring of 2003, Richard passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Masters Exam on the first attempt, the ninth person ever to do so. He recently Resigned From The Court Of Master Sommeliers.

Richard started his journey in food and wine as the wine director at The Little Nell in Aspen from 2000-2008, after receiving both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Science. Richard is the New York Times best-selling author of “The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert” and “The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Whiskey Know-It-All.” In addition to CKBG, he is co-developing a wine project with his wife Carla Rza Betts called “An Approach to Relaxation”.