ERIC J. SWINDLE
DALLAS
Summary
Experienced fine wine sales expert with over 21 years in the industry. Proven track record in supplier representation and effective management of wholesale partners across various states. Cultivated strong relationships with key accounts, including major national and regional chains. Proficient in wholesale operations, logistics, viticulture, enology, and high-impact presentations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Sales Manager
EHLERS ESTATE WINERY
St. Helena
06.2023 - 08.2025
- Led wholesale sales operations across a 19-state region for a luxury, boutique winery, overseeing distributor relationships and driving brand growth in key markets.
- Partnered closely with distributor sales teams to educate, train, and support in-market efforts including key account presentations, customer relationship management, and new account acquisition.
- Collaborated with distributor leadership on sales planning, forecasting, and execution, with a focus on pricing strategy, incentive programming, and inventory control to optimize market performance.
- Successfully launched the brand in three new markets, coordinating all aspects of market entry including distribution strategy, sales training, and initial account targeting.
- Managed strategic changes to sales division alignment with primary wholesale partner to enhance focus and improve sales results.
- Drove sales growth by fostering strong partnerships, enhancing brand visibility, and executing effective sales strategies across diverse markets.
Trade Development Manager – Signature and D&E Divisions
SOUTHERN GLAZER’S WINE & SPIRITS
Dallas
07.2021 - 05.2023
- Served as the primary liaison between the selling divisions of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits - TX and 35 fine wine suppliers.
- Lead supplier planning initiatives including chain programming, sales incentives, and business reviews.
- Collaborate with suppliers on pricing strategy and implementation for all channels.
- Manage purchasing, supply chain and statewide inventory for assigned supplier portfolios.
Mid-South Region Manager
CRIMSON WINE GROUP
Napa
11.2013 - 06.2020
- Responsible for the sales performance of eight luxury wine brands across a multistate territory generating an annual sales volume of 30,000+ cases and annual net revenue of $3.5 million.
- Developed strong relationships and working knowledge of the wholesale network and key accounts across the region.
- Managed, trained and motivated one direct report responsible for growing market presence in Texas.
Regional Sales Director/Crimson Wine Group Specialist
CRAWFORD MALONE FINE WINE & SPIRITS
New Orleans
07.2012 - 10.2013
- Managed, directed and educated the Crimson Wine Group distributor network across a multi-state region.
- Collaborated with the Crawford Malone sales team on executing sales growth through strategic planning, effective reporting and programming.
- Enhanced customer relations and promoted brand awareness and success across all trade channels.
North Texas Sales Manager
SERENDIPITY WINE IMPORTS
Dallas
10.2010 - 06.2012
- Trained, motivated, and supervised a six-person sales force across North Texas.
- Expanded relationships and sales with both on- and off-premise accounts, including national and local chains.
- Executed new brand kick-offs through highly effective planning and implementation with strong results.
- Achieved consistent sales growth of 10-15% within the region.
Sales Representative
PRESTIGE WINE CELLARS
Dallas
07.2009 - 09.2010
Sales Representative, Domaines & Estates Division
GLAZER’S WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS
Dallas
09.2004 - 06.2009
Education
WSET Diploma Candidate -
Wine & Spirits Education Trust
London, England01.2019
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines -
Wine & Spirits Education Trust
London, England01.2016
Certified Specialist of Wine -
Society of Wine Educators
Washington, DC01.2007
Bachelor of Arts -
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN01.2002
Skills
- Wine expertise
- Customer relationship management
- Negotiation techniques
- Market analysis and strategy
- Inventory oversight
- Brand development
- Communication proficiency
- Sales strategies
- Pricing optimization
- Distributor management
- Sales presentations and delivery
- Profit and loss management
- Supply chain oversight
Certification
- Certified Specialist of Wine, 01/01/07
- WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, 01/01/16
- WSET Diploma Candidate - Units D1 & D2 completed, 01/01/19
Philanthropic Experience
- Encore Park Dallas, Voting Board Member, 01/01/23 - Present
- The Stewpot, 2024 Co-Chair of the Soup’s On Luncheon, 01/01/24
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
National Sales Manager
EHLERS ESTATE WINERY
06.2023 - 08.2025
Trade Development Manager – Signature and D&E Divisions
SOUTHERN GLAZER’S WINE & SPIRITS
07.2021 - 05.2023
Mid-South Region Manager
CRIMSON WINE GROUP
11.2013 - 06.2020
Regional Sales Director/Crimson Wine Group Specialist
CRAWFORD MALONE FINE WINE & SPIRITS
07.2012 - 10.2013
North Texas Sales Manager
SERENDIPITY WINE IMPORTS
10.2010 - 06.2012
Sales Representative
PRESTIGE WINE CELLARS
07.2009 - 09.2010
Sales Representative, Domaines & Estates Division
GLAZER’S WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS
09.2004 - 06.2009
WSET Diploma Candidate -
Wine & Spirits Education Trust
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines -
Wine & Spirits Education Trust
Certified Specialist of Wine -
Society of Wine Educators
Bachelor of Arts -
Rhodes College
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