Christopher Hoel

Christopher Hoel is the Founder & CEO of a private wine advisory firm in Napa Valley called Harper’s Club where he helps shape some of the world’s most amazing collections. He works hand in hand with clients to develop strategies specifically tailored to each individuals’ needs and lifestyle. He travels all over the U.S. meeting with clients and abroad to discover new wines, restaurants and up and coming winemakers and neogicants. Previously his career was almost entirely seated in restaurants with his last stop at The French
Laundry, a world-renown Michelin 3 start restaurant in Yountville, CA where he spent 4 years helping to run the 3,000+ selection wine list and staff.
Throughout his 20+ year wine career, Chris has been recognized with some of the industry's highest accolades, including top honors in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier Competition. Mr. Hoel is also a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators and is also currently pursuing the last stage of the Master Sommelier Diploma with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to joining the French Laundry, Chris shared his passion for fine and rare wines as a sommelier and wine educator in the Midwest at a company he founded called the St. Louis Wine Clinic. He has worked on some of the best beverage programs in the country and has lead Grand Award winning wine programs in several locations.
Mr. Hoel has also been featured in several magazine and news articles as well charting his experiences and successes throughout his career. He’s been featured in GQ Magazine, The Riverfront Times, St. Louis Magazine, Feast Magazine, 1000corks.com, Sauce Magazine, drinkwiththewench.com and Browns Best. Chris also writes a monthly column for St. Louis magazine called “Liquid Assets” covering all things alcohol in wine and spirits.
Presently Chris lives in Hollywood, CA when he’s not traveling and loves to hike in Griffith Park, surf in Malibu and trying as many new restaurants as possible all the while discovering new found beverages in all forms everywhere.