Redmond’s DrinkSpace announced it has appointed Chris Zehner as national sales manager for the organization.

The agency for boutique alcohol beverage producers was founded by industry veteran Thomas Vogele, formerly of Michael Mondavi’s FOLIO Fine Wine Partners, and marketing/advertising veteran Steve Reed. DrinkSpace provides much needed sales and marketing expertise to producers, helping them navigate the myriad hurdles small wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries encounter in the U.S. alcohol beverage industry.

“Hiring Chris is a major step in the evolution and growth of our company,” said Vogele. “The demands of our portfolio with regard to wholesale and key account sales can be further met through a strategically built sales force of industry professionals and experts. Chris will be at the point of that sales force and is an example of the highly respected, cross-trained, entrenched sales team we will develop.”

“Every sales person we hire adds additional value to our company in the eyes of our partner producers and our distributors,” Reed said. “As the industry consolidates in both the supplier and distributor arenas, having a team of sales experts takes our messaging and our best practices and applies them at the gatekeeper level — both with wholesalers and accounts—across the USA.”

Zehner is a 27-year industry veteran, beginning his career with the E. & J. Gallo Winery, and having held various regional and national sales positions with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Robert Mondavi Winery and most recently, more than 10 years with Delicato Family Vineyards. He will be based in the Napa Valley.