William M. Swayne (Bill) is the majority owner and sole manager of WMS Consultants, LLC, a business consulting, real estate development funding, and marketing company.  WMS Consultants is the majority owner of Chelan Ridge Holdings LLC, dba Chelan Ridge Winery. Mr. Swayne has 42 years of experience as a Registered Investment Advisor and Securities Representative.   He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 from the University of Washington and after spending four years as a Romanian Linguist in the United States Air Force Security Service during the Vietnam conflict, returned, and spent 7 years in the insurance industry running a major General Agency for Mutual Benefit Life in Seattle. During this time, he earned his MBA degree in Finance from City University and achieved his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations.  Then he and his wife, Candace founded and established a private Investment Advisor business and ran that together from 1980 through 2015 when he retired and moved permanently to Lake Chelan.  Bill’s son and wife continue to run their RIA business.  After his retirement, Bill worked as the Regional Marketing Director for Mellisoni Vineyards before acquiring Chelan Ridge Winery in September of 2021. Bill and his wife Candace believe that raising their five children and grandparenting their 14 grandchildren is their biggest accomplishment and blessing in life. 

Chef Greg Kurtz received his initial training at the Art Institute of Los Angeles - Santa Monica Culinary School. After attending Culinary School, Greg began working at Westside Bistro on Ventura, CA where he eventually became head Chef.  In Ventura he also served as executive Chef opening three successful restaurants: Watermark Restaurant & W20 Lounge, both in 2008, and Root 246 in 2009 alongside Chef Bradley Ogden. In 2009 Greg was recruited by Hyatt Hotels and moved to Seattle. With Hyatt, Greg served as Chef de Cuisine at the 800 room Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, bringing his flair for in-season cooking to Whisk 425 for 4 years. Then, Hyatt moved Greg to Dallas where he served as executive Sous Chef from 2012 thru 2016 for the 1300 room Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Dallas.  As part of his responsibilities, Greg managed the entire culinary program for the hotel which included the banquet/events department, that would do plated dinners for over 2000 people, large volume convention business, and oversaw the Centennial Cafe with over 180 seats, Parrino’s Italian Restaurant with 65 seats, Module's Bar with over 500 seats and all room service food for 1200 rooms. Greg’s role in the company in addition to being a partner and common equity investor, will be to serve as Executive Chef and Restaurant Manager for the planned “Ridge” Restaurant.  

Jeff is a graduate of WSU with a degree in Viticulture & Enology.  He owns Radiance Winery and has been honing his craft and making extraordinary wines for over a decade.  Jeff joins the CRW team as a integral partner and winemaking visionary.  

Enrique and his family planted and have managed Chelan Ridge Winery's 11 acres of grapes for the last 15 years.  Their knowledge and dedication to growing quality grapes is known and respected throughout the Lake Chelan AVA. Enrique’s role as Vineyard Manager will be to assist our winemakers by producing and maintaining the highest quality of grapes possible for our wines. His job includes the day to day management and oversight of all farming activities,  Pruning, irrigation, fertilizing, pest control, picking and assistance in all crushing activities. Enrique and his family have also participated in bottling, labeling and storage of all bonded wines. Enrique manages all personnel required to perform the above duties and is a trusted and respected part of the new Chelan Ridge team.

Brad, retired from Scandinavian Airliness after being stationed in Seattle for 25 years as a marketing and Sales Agent working with Travel Agents, Corporations and special interest accounts, booking them for travel on SAS into Europe.  Brad's extensive experience in marketing and selling groups and companies will be ideal for his new position with Chelan Ridge Holdings, LLC. Brads role in Chelan Ridge in addition to being a partner and common equity investor, will be to market, book and sell our new event facility to individuals and corporations for special events. 

Our greeters Leo and Willie are always happy to see you and make you feel welcome along with your Canine family.