Jane Lopes Joins Thatcher’s Wine as Managing Director

Thatcher’s Wine has named award-winning sommelier Jane Lopes as Managing Director, effective today. Widely respected for her thoughtful approach to hospitality and deep commitment to producer-driven wines, she arrives at Thatcher’s Wine at a pivotal moment for the company as it continues expanding its operations nationwide and further establishes itself as a leading voice for terroir-driven and environmentally conscious winemaking. In her new role, she will oversee retail, imports, and distribution as the company grows its presence across California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and beyond.

“There’s an incredible level of thoughtfulness behind the portfolio and relationships Thatcher has built,” said Lopes. “I’m excited to help grow the business in a way that supports producers, restaurants, and consumers alike, especially through his distinctive model, which connects importing, distribution, retail, and hospitality so directly.”

A California native who grew up in Tiburon, Lopes graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in English Literature before making an impact on some of the country’s most respected hospitality programs, including The Violet Hour in Chicago, The Catbird Seat in Nashville, and three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park in New York. She headed to Melbourne in 2017 to become the Beverage Director at Attica, a regular on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, which introduced her to a generation of Australian producers whose wines rarely made it to American tables. The restaurant’s ethos and approach to farming also sharpened her thinking about terroir, sustainability, and what it means for a wine to honestly express where it comes from.

When Lopes and her husband, master sommelier Jonathan Ross, returned to the United States in 2020, they launched Legend Imports to bring those producers to a wider audience. Legend continues under Ross’s leadership as Lopes steps into her new role at Thatcher’s Wine, a transition that both view as an expansion of their shared mission.

Lopes passed the master sommelier examination through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2018. She is also the author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles and co-author of How to Drink Australian, both of which use storytelling and cultural geography to reframe how readers think about wine and the people behind it. She has been named Best New Sommelier by Wine & Spirits Magazine, and in 2025, the University of Chicago recognized her with its Early Career Achievement Award. She also serves on the board of The Vinguard, a nonprofit dedicated to equity and sustainability in the wine industry.

“Jane built her own import portfolio from scratch with producers she genuinely believes in, and has grown the company in a smart, sustainable way,” said Thatcher Baker-Briggs, founder of Thatcher’s Wine. “She’s worked at the highest level on the floor as well as on the business side, and deeply understands the wines we carry and the winemakers we work with. I’m excited to bring her expertise and fresh perspective into the fold at Thatcher’s Wine and see what she builds here.”

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About Thatcher’s Wine

Thatcher’s Wine is a bottle shop and importer based in the Bay Area & Brentwood, LA, featuring wines from some of the world’s most dynamic domaines and emerging winemakers. Founded by award-winning sommelier Thatcher Baker-Briggs, the highly curated cellar focuses on honest expressions of climate and terroir from across Europe, featuring everything from exceptional everyday bottles to rarified finds.

Thatcher’s import portfolio reflects his vision for the evolution of the industry, focusing on progressive—and often young—winemakers who share his passion for environmentally and regionally sustainable practices that will help both advance the industry and ensure the future of terroir-driven wines. Beyond online and in-store, Thatcher’s selections are available on wine lists at some of the best restaurants in the country, and can be sourced independently for private clients through Thatcher’s Wine Consulting.