Chris Blanchard MS, Sommelier

Chris Blanchard, MS is the Northwest States Manager for Opus One Winery. Chris works directly with Opus One's wholesale partners by supporting accounts and events throughout his territory. Chris Blanchard is one of approximately 200 Master Sommeliers worldwide. In 2020, during the global pandemic, Chris was part of the team that created the non-profit, United Sommelier Foundation, to assist unemployed sommeliers affected by the large-scale restaurant closures. To date, the organization has awarded over a million dollars in grants to those in the industry. With over 30 years market experience, Chris has developed wine programs for numerous Michelin rated restaurants and resorts throughout the United States. During his time as Wine Director at REDD, Forbes Magazine named his wine list at REDD as one of the "Top Wine Lists in the World". Additionally, San Francisco Magazine named Chris the "Critic's Choice Best Wine Director". In his free time, Chris also serves as the Executive Chef and operator of Savage & Cooke Distillery in Vallejo, California, which specializes in southern comfort food. Chris and his wife Lauren, along with their family, are based in St. Helena.