TRIPP DONELAN | DIRECTOR OF SALES - DONELAN WINES
If you’re able to catch a moment with Tripp Donelan in between his many travels checking in with buyer accounts and scouting new clients, it won’t take you long to notice that he shares his father’s passion for educating wine lovers about the story behind each glass of Donelan Family Wines. As Donelan‘s director of sales, Tripp is focused on educating novices and oenophiles alike on his family’s commitment to producing the best wines Sonoma County has to offer. Echoing his family’s dedication to exceptional customer service, Tripp ensures each bottle of wine is delivered with the same level of care that went into its production. Exposure early in his childhood to some of the world’s finest wines helped cultivate a growing interest in epicurean affairs, that today Tripp still fosters through scallop diving, fishing and his work at the winery. Tripp received a B.A. in Spanish language from Middlebury College. Prior to making the decision to join his family’s burgeoning winery, he worked in investment banking. He currently lives in Healdsburg, Calif., where he takes every opportunity to enjoy California’s beautiful terrain, when he’s not unpacking and packing his suitcase.

RYAN FADDIS | PRESIDENT - COMPRIS VINEYARD
A northwest native, Ryan joined the wine industry in 2016 but his wine story really began back in 2010 when he and his now wife, Siobhan, moved to Italy. It was there that Ryan discovered his passion for wine among the vines in Tuscany. He became more enthralled by the day with the history and techniques surrounding the wine making process and the culture of enjoying the final product of those labors that brings together family, friends and people from all walks of life.

After coming and spending a few tedious years in the corporate world, a trip back to Italy for his wedding in 2015 was the final nudge he needed to turn his continued infatuation with all things wine into a career and chase his dreams. Ryan spent the next 7 years working for Beaux Frères Winery in the neighboring Ribbon Ridge AVA.

After finishing the Global Wine Executive MBA program at Sonoma State University, Ryan was excited to join the Compris team. Being a part of a team where he could be around great wine and help create the inclusive environment that he had come to associate with wine in his travels is something that he just couldn't miss out on.

In his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling with his wife, who shares his penchant for Italian food and wine culture. When they aren't traveling, they reside in Portland, Oregon with their two dogs Brunello and Spritz.

TOM HITE | CHEF DE CUISINE OF FIN & FINO UPTOWN
Tom Hite was born and raised in upstate New York and received a degree in Culinary Arts Management from SUNY Delhi Culinary Academy. Looking for adventure and a new opportunity, Tom found his way to Charlotte and landed at Fin & Fino shortly after his arrival in the Queen City. Since joining the team in 2018, Tom has filled many roles and took on the title of Sous Chef just as the pandemic struck in 2020. Today, Tom - aka Silent Tom - is the Chef de Cuisine of Fin & Fino's Uptown location and continues to be an indispensable part of the Rare Roots family.