Phillip L. Hurst

With a winemaking degree from University of California-Davis, Mr. Hurst began his career in the wine industry in 1985 at Fetzer Vineyards when he was hired by Paul Dolan to help make premium wines and build the brand. Fetzer Vineyards was sold to the Brown-Forman Corporation in 1992, and he left in 1998 to run International Sales and Marketing for Golden State Vintners, Inc. which needed to bolster the senior management team for the launch of its initial public offering. During his time at Golden State Vintners, Inc. (1998-1999), Mr. Hurst met his future partners in what was to become one of the world’s largest private-label beer, wine and spirits companies, Winery Exchange Inc. As co-founder and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 1999 to 2007, he helped grow the company to over $100 million in sales in less than 10 years. Mr. Hurst sold his stake in the company to partner with his longtime friend and mentor, Paul Dolan, to follow their dream of buying and building Super-premium wineries and vineyards in California’s premier appellations. Mr. Hurst has served as a managing member of the LLC since 2007 and as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Truett-Hurst, Inc. from 2012 to 2018. Mr. Hurst was selected to serve on the board of directors due to his extensive knowledge of the operations, competitive challenges and opportunities gained through his position as the President and Chief Executive Officer as well as his extensive experience and education in winemaking.