LODI, CALIF., Oct. 12, 2021 – In a major move demonstrating its commitment to significant brand growth, Hook Or Crook Cellars has hired wine industry veteran Marc Lohnes as director of sales and marketing. A Thomas Allen Wine Estates brand, Hook Or Crook Cellars – based in Lodi, Calif. – has made a name for itself producing impressive yet affordable wine.
Lohnes has 42 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry almost solely on the producer side. As a result, he has developed long-lasting relationships with distributors, large chains and independent retailers across the world.
“Marc has spent the past 20 years of his career building small to mid-size wine brands into major players,” said Allen Lombardi, founder and president of Hook Or Crook Cellars. “Marc is a one-of-a-kind leader who understands the interesting dynamics between production, distribution and promotion. I believe Hook Or Crook Cellars is on the cusp of tremendous growth, and with Marc at the helm, I’m confident in what we will accomplish in the short and long term.”
“All jokes aside, I can honestly say my beverage career started in college as an Anheuser-Busch campus representative at the University of South Carolina,” Lohnes said. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business. And I’ve learned that what I most enjoy is working alongside ownership, talented winemakers and strong sales teams to grow companies into cornerstone brands. Hook Or Crook Cellars has an impressive footprint and is well positioned for rapid growth.”
After college, Lohnes worked for 24 years with E. & J. Gallo Winery where he rose through the ranks from field sales to regional manager of fine wine and on-premise sales. From there, he spent time with Golden State Vintners and ten years with Oak Ridge Winery, rising to general manager and growing the OZV brand into a top Zinfandel in the U.S.
Marc and his wife, Jill, reside in Dallas.
About Hook Or Crook Cellars
Based in Lodi, Calif., Hook Or Crook Cellars is a wine producer known for its impressive and consistent profiles at an affordable price. A Thomas Allen Wine Estates brand, Hook Or Crook Cellars was founded in 2019 and lives up to its name with a daring and creative determination to make highly-rated, California-appellated wines that are easy to drink and under $12/bottle. For more, follow @HookOrCrookCellars on Facebook and Instagram, and visit HookOrCrookCellars.com.
