An alumnus of Georgia Tech, Jay grew up in Atlanta, Georgia dreaming about playing guitar in a rock band (which he did), flying jets (which he did not), and got into the wine business by accident - just like almost everyone else. Following his early career posts in Atlanta and earning the Master Sommelier Diploma in 1997, Jay joined the opening team of the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas as Director of Wine in 1998. The launch of Bellagio represented a quantum leap in both scope and quality of Las Vegas wine programs. When he departed, Bellagio was recognized as the most successful single hotel wine program in the world.
After eight years with Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada as Vice President of Fine Wine, Jay entered a new chapter with a move to Napa Valley in 2013, taking on the role of Director of Sales for Chappellet Winery, where he led sales efforts in all channels and guided marketing endeavors. Senior-level posts with Larkmead Vineyard, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, and Springboard Wine Company followed, before Jay joined Benchmark Wine Group as President in 2023.
Education has remained a priority throughout Jay's career, from speaking at top wine and food events, writing for various national publications about wine and beverages, to teaching and examining for the Court of Master Sommeliers and other organizations. Jay is a co-founder of SommFoundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to further beverage education, elevate the sommelier profession, and provide relevant scholarships and educational opportunities, where he currently serves as Chairman Emeritus.
