Thea Schlendorf serves as VP of Operations and Wine & Spirits for The Brand Leader, a brand strategy, creative, and marketing agency. Over Thea’s 20+ year career in the wine industry she has helped to increase sales or bring to market an array of both domestic and international wine and spirits brands and spirits. She is adept at developing strategies and campaigns to garner attention and accomplish objectives for a diverse client base. Thea is also a Certified Sommelier and a Certified Specialist of Wine.
As of 2023, Thea also serves as the Executive Director of Free the Grapes! The campaign seeks to expand consumer choice in wine by improving access to legal, regulated direct-to-consumer winery shipping. Free the Grape’s public awareness, engagement, and lobbying campaign has helped create a $4 billion sales channel for U.S. wineries.