Eric Swikard
Sales and Marketing Manager
Eric joined the Matthews Estate family in 2011 and is responsible for Matthews and Tenor wine sales to wholesale and distribution accounts nationally.
Born and raised in San Diego, CA- Eric grew to appreciate a taste for California-fresh cuisine and Napa style wines. With a food and wine backbone- Eric decided to attend New England Culinary Institute’s (N.E.C.I.’s) Hospitality & Restaurant Management program in Burlington, Vermont. Graduating from the accelerated Bachelors program with nine other graduates. Eric honed his skills in food and beverage and began to appreciate wines outside of Napa Valley. Eric had the rare opportunity to study under Dellie Rex, co-author of the acclaimed book "About Wine", who was the first to introduce him to the true potential of Washington wines.
After completing the N.E.C.I. program, Eric moved back to California to help open Decanter Restaurant & Wine Lounge in Rancho Santa Fe. Here he worked under owner/sommelier Jayson Knack who encouraged Eric to pursue his passion for wine by attending the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory program, which he did.
In the fall of 2009, Eric moved to Seattle to work for one of Seattle’s top restaurateurs- Eric Banh of Monsoon Restaurants. Here he worked as the Wine Director and received recognition for his wine program from the Washington Wine Commission.
