James E. Faber ~ wine industry veteran ~ passes away

Our dear friend and colleague, Jim Faber, passed away early on Saturday morning, April 16, 2011. Jim served as the Vice President of the San Francisco Wine Exchange for close to eighteen years. Jim distinguished himself as a dignified and passionate man and a true leader for all who knew him. He was one of the most generous, kind, and respected people in the wine industry.

Founded in 1975, SFWE is the oldest US-based, independent wine marketing company, headquartered in San Francisco.

Jim helped to handle the national sales of family owned, super premium California wineries from a variety of appellations in California. Over time, SFWE’s focus expanded to Washington State and three different appellations in New Zealand, three in Argentina, and all the wines of the Gonzalez Byass family in Spain.

Jim worked closely with SFWE’s President, Hugh Thacher and its National Sales Manager, Phil Nugent. He managed the support team in their local office as well as helped to oversee a sales and distribution network of nine regional employees, 20 regional brokers, and more than 150 wholesalers across the country.

Prior to working for SFWE, Jim served as a member of the subcommittee for International Programs at The Wine Institute of California from 1987-1994. Jim also served as the Marketing Director, Export Director and General Manager of Foppiano Vineyards from 1986-1994. From 1979-1986, Jim worked for the A.L. Romano Wine Company as its Marketing Brand Manager and Import Director. Jim started his career in the wine industry as a manager of several retail stores in Michigan and Nevada.

Jim was an avid golfer, a long standing member of the San Francisco Elks Club, a veteran Raiders tailgater, a connoisseur of fine champagne and a true lover of jokes, both good and bad.

A memorial service is being planned for in approximately a month. More details will be made available as they become finalized, both about the service as well as donations to be made in Jim’s name.