Meet the grapestompers Gang

"Crazy" Tom Burgiss

"Crazy" Tom didn't originally plan to be a winemaker, but his training and 40-year career as a pharmacist certainly helped prepare him for his current position as "Doctor Wine" of both grapestompers and Thistle Meadow Winery. Tom's skills as a wine mixologist are legendary in the hills of North Carolina.

Tom first began making wine in 1996 after a visit to Victoria, British Columbia where he discovered the art of making wine at home in small quantities. Over the years, Tom has made over a hundred batches of wine, and he's an expert at tweaking a wine to fit the most discriminating palate. His favorite wine to drink is Beaujolais, because he says it's good for the heart. Tom lives next door to the grapestompers warehouse and adjoining winery in Laurel Springs with his wife Nancy, in an old family farmhouse that has been converted to a mountaintop bed and breakfast.

Jimmy Benge

Jimmy first began helping grapestompers.com on a part time basis, but it wasn't long before Burgiss brought him on full time. "Jimmy can do practically anything, from wielding a hammer and saw and filling orders, to cooking great tasting meals and entering and tracking orders in our computer system. He even helps out with tastings at the winery when we get shorthanded," Burgiss bragged.

Benge is a hard worker, and his dedication to his position as warehouse manager is impressive. He returned to work less than a week following surgery to repair damage to his rotator cuff, but he gives all the credit to his doctors and physical therapists.

We think his rapid recovery has something to do with his strict exercise regimen of elbow flexes (otherwise known as drinking wine)!

Pam Wyatt and Paul Kovacich

Pam and Paul are the newest members of the grapestompers gang. Pam (shown on the left) tries her best to keep Tom and Jimmy in line, but it doesn't always work! She answers the phone, takes orders, photographs new products for our web site, and creates personalized wine labels for our customers.

Paul Kovacich (shown on the right) is a Sparta, NC native who recently returned to Alleghany County following his graduation from college up North (we forgive you, Paul). He's a whiz with computers, bottling (and sampling) wine, and helps Jimmy in the warehouse. Paul enjoys all kinds of music, and sometimes he'll break out the guitar and start playing. Wine and live music... what more could you possibly want out of life?

The Delivery Boys

Even though they are not directly paid a salary by grapestompers, the drivers who pick up your boxes and packages at our dock each day are an important part of our team. The whole process of ensuring a package's safe arrival begins right here.

Bill is our UPS driver. He has been servicing our account for a number of years. Our dog Lucky looks forward to his arrival each day, because Bill always gives him a dog biscuit.

Tim is our Federal Express driver. He's always sharing the latest joke and makes everyone laugh.