Curtis is a 20-year veteran of the US wine industry. He started his career in hospitality at ZD Wines in the Napa Valley, where he first discovered his passion for wine. After graduating with an MBA (University of California, Davis), he worked as a brand manager for Trinchero Family Estates and then at Information Resources Inc. as director of wine and spirits insights. From 2013 to 2020, Curtis worked for Raley's, a 125-store speciality supermarket chain in California. As director of alcohol and beverage, he re-shaped the chain's wine offerings leading to a significant growth in sales over his time at the chain. Recently, he was appointed Group Vice President of Wine, Beer and Spirits for Albertsons Companies, one of the largest retailers of wine in the US. The wine press has noticed his efforts with awards such as the 2016 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for US retailer of the year and the 2018 Market Watch Leader Award. Curtis, his wife and two children currently reside in Davis, California.

Current employer: Albertsons Companies (Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel Osco, etc.)

Primary area(s) of work: Trade

Industry sector(s): Off trade, Buying, Wine judge

Wine styles: Sparkling wine, Champagne, Cremant, Cava, Port, Sherry, Madeira, Still white, Still red, Still rosé, Still wines

Wine region expertise: Australia, Germany, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand, Pfalz, South Australia, USA, France, Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Champagne, California

Market expertise: North America

Specialisms: Financial and commercial structures, Supplier/customer relationships, Supermarket and multiple retail, Wine laws and regulations, Branding, Wine judging