THE PRESENT COMPANY STORY
Chris’ journey to winemaking began in beer. He spent a decade in the brewing industry, working at some of the world’s most respected breweries, including Russian River Brewing in Sonoma County, California. While in California, Chris and Hailey were surrounded by incredible wineries and discovered natural wines made with native yeast and minimal intervention. These wines were lively, soulful, and exciting—they felt like a bridge between the wild-fermented beers Chris brewed and loved, and the more traditional wines they were used to. The seed had been planted.
Chris went on to co-found Resident Culture Brewing in Charlotte, NC, where he spent seven years as Director of Brewing Operations, helping build the brand into one of the most celebrated breweries in the country. Throughout that time, his fascination with wine and winemaking continued to grow. In the summer of 2024, the call of wine led Chris and his young family to Charlottesville, Virginia—a place known for some of the best wine on the East Coast and a place where they could build something new. Here, Chris worked under Matthieu Finot at King Family Vineyards while planning his own project. Present Company is the culmination of everything Chris and Hailey have learned and loved from these experiences.
OUR BRAND AND FAMILY STORY
Present Company exists because of our family table. Growing up, we gathered there every night. My mother regularly cooked elaborate multi-course meals and instilled in me a love of food and beverage at an early age. My Italian grandparents hosted Sundays—pasta and Nonna’s meatballs (the world’s best, of course), fried squash blossoms (when they were in season), chicken cutlets made with care. I have fond memories of Pop Pop dropping peaches into his Chianti and then letting us kids eat the wine-soaked slices when he finished his glass, which always felt special (and a bit naughty). In summer, the whole family helped Nonna process and can tomato sauce, made from scratch, that lasted us all year. Our table was always full.
We started Present Company to honor these moments of connection that happen when people come together over food and wine. Wine matters less for what's in the glass and more for what happens around it. We want to make something that brings people back to the table, back to each other.
Our logo is a tribute to these family memories—the peaches Pop Pop shared, the zucchini blossoms, the tomato can—symbols of the start of every meal and every gathering. It also honors our Italian roots, where relatives tended lemon, orange, and olive trees. The design evokes a centerpiece bouquet, a reminder of people coming together around the table. To us, wine is never just what’s in the glass—it’s about the moments, conversations, and connections that unfold alongside it.
OUR WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
We make wine that is unfined and unfiltered, using native yeast fermentations and as few inputs as possible. Virginia’s cooler climate lends itself to fresh, light wines that are naturally lower in alcohol, and we aim to let these qualities shine—mostly by doing very little. Our wines are approachable, Easy to Be With, and meant to be enjoyed without pretense or expertise.
Our wines are crafted at the Virginia Wine Collective in Charlottesville, VA, where we share space with a talented and supportive community of winemakers. The collective embraces collaboration at every step, and we are honored to be part of it. We hope you’ll join us at the collective, or at your own table, to enjoy wine that celebrates connection, community, and the joy of gathering.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!