John Ireland, 1963-2022
23 March – Santa Monica, CA – Pali Wine Co. is saddened to share that our East Coast Sales Director, John Ireland, has passed away. He was 58 years old.
John joined the Pali family over ten years ago, spearheading the winery’s distribution along the eastern seaboard, Caribbean Islands, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and select southern states. For over three decades, John worked with top distributors and specialized in small-production, family-owned and operated, artisan wineries and distilleries.
“John was a passionate person who cared deeply about his Pali co-workers, his wine-industry partners, and especially about his family,” says Tim Perr, Pali Wine Co. Founder. “John had strong opinions about wine and food and was always ready to express them respectfully and in an entertaining way. I will miss sharing Ideas with him and listening to stories of his experiences.”
Before his time with Pali, John owned and operated Ireland Wine, Spirits & Fine Fare. Additionally, his vast experience working with top distributors throughout Florida included prior positions as area sales manager at Southern Wine & Spirits (1998-2006), as well as sales positions with Seagram Chateau & Estates, Palace Brands, and Peerless-Mohwak in New York.
“Working with John was an amazing and rewarding experience. He was my right-hand man and he helped me build a solid distribution channel for Pali over the years,” adds Gary White, Pali’s National Sales Director. “We had some epic times at events, festivals, and dinners, which I will cherish forever. I’m grateful for the time that we shared together as friends and colleagues, he was the best!”
“Whenever John walked into the room, you knew you were eventually going to be smiling and laughing at something he said,” shared Steve Grass, Pali’s Central Regional Manager.
John’s deep love for the culinary world led him to pursue an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and Gastronomy from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. John worked in the culinary and marketing worlds of restaurant groups such as Chart House and Stouffer Restaurant Company.
“To say that John was larger than life would be an understatement. Though not a large man in stature, he was giant in our industry,” comments Aaron Walker, Pali Wine Co. Winemaker. “I had the immense pleasure of knowing and working with John for over a decade, time that I will cherish forever. He truly and genuinely loved everyone in his life – and it was clear that there was no one more important to him than his family.”
John is survived by his wife, Cathy, and their three children Claira, Lindsay, and Raymond. He will be deeply missed by the Pali Wine Co. family.
About Pali Wine Co.
Pali Wine Co. is a family-run winery that highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California Central Coast wine-growing area. Our deep love for the region propels three unique brands with three distinct winemaking focuses. The desire to share our wines inspires our passion to operate a growing number of neighborhood outposts dedicated to bringing California’s Central Coast vineyard and winemaking experience to local wine drinkers, pursue retail partners with like minded practices, and create a community of loyal wine club members.
