Cépage Direct to Consumer Strategies is a consulting firm offering a full suite of Direct-to-Consumer Management services for wineries. Leah McGlade and Tom Bassford are veterans of Direct-to-Consumer Sales, with 28 years of combined experience in the Oregon Wine Industry. Since 2009, they have worked together to develop consistent, measurable sales strategies to help wineries grow their DTC programs. Their differing skill sets perfectly complement each other, making them the complete package for Direct-to-Consumer.

Leah began her career in the wine industry directing an extensive wine program for a fine dining restaurant in Highlands, NC. Working night after night, she sold wine effortlessly to her guests by building relationships, a skill she brought to the Willamette Valley when she moved with her husband in 2008. Before devoting her work full-time to Cépage, Leah managed the Inside Sales program for wineries such as Domaine Serene and Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, helping them grow their Direct-to-Consumer sales programs and reach unprecedented success. With her positive attitude and approach to problem-solving, she believes anything is possible. Outside the office, Leah focuses her energy on her daughter Olivia, researching new baking recipes, road-tripping, volunteering as a Soroptimist, and lending her support as a McMinnville Swim Club board member. Pinot Noir is her favorite wine varietal, but Sancerre comes in a close second.

Tom’s wine career began quite differently than Leah’s. A former PGA Golf Professional, his interest in wine began on a trip to the Napa Valley in 2002. From that first trip to wine country, he knew he wanted to pursue wine as a career. A move to Oregon in 2007 set him on that path, and he hasn’t looked back. Since entering the luxury wine industry in Oregon, Tom has managed tasting rooms and wine clubs for Domaine Serene and Elizabeth Chambers Cellar, helping them reach new levels of sales and memberships. His analytical approach and critical thinking process mean that no stone will be left unturned. When not focusing on Cépage, you can find Tom playing golf, grilling, hiking, and walking his dog Auggie. Favorite wine varietal…Pinot Noir, of course – but he really likes Oregon Chardonnay too.