MATTAWA - Ryan Patrick Vineyards has hired Clay Kriss as National Brand Manager with a goal of increasing sales and distribution of the brand.

Kriss joins Ryan Patrick Vineyards after 18 years with Beringer Wine Estates and 30 years in the wine industry. He began his career in Napa and Sonoma Counties in the mid-1980s and moved to Seattle in 1989 to develop Northwest markets for Beringer.

Kriss has held multi-state supplier positions with domestic and import wine companies, most recently as NW Region Manager at TGIC Importers in Seattle.

"We are thrilled with the experience Clay brings to Ryan Patrick Vineyards and look forward to seeing what he can do for us," said Terry Flanagan, founder of Ryan Patrick Vineyards.

Kriss will be responsible for increasing distribution and brand awareness of Ryan Patrick Vineyards. He will work in existing markets and develop new markets across the nation. His focus will be upper management, establishing goals with distributors as well as individual accounts and chain buyers.

Kriss was born and raised in Ohio and attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. He resides in Issaquah with his wife Linda.

"I'm excited to join the Ryan Patrick Vineyards team and be involved in the Washington Wine Industry." he said.