Thomas Held graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science. Before receiving his degree, he also studied Enology and Viticulture at California State University, Fresno. Upon graduation, Thomas was employed by Dr. Justin Morris and the University of Arkansas as the university s first Research Enologist. While working with Dr. Morris, Thomas began a master s project studying the growing and training practices of the Norton grape variety. His studies were cut short after only one year, however, when his family winery expanded and his services were needed in Branson, Missouri. In 1986, Thomas became manager of Stone Hill Winery s Branson facility, where he remained for 11 years. During that time, Stone Hill s Branson winery grew to be Missouri s leading wine retail location with visitation of more than 600,000 people per year. In 1997, Thomas returned to Stone Hill Winery s corporate headquarters in Hermann, Missouri. As Director of Sales and Advertising, he currently oversees tourism and sales at all three of Stone Hill s locations. Thomas is actively involved in both industry and community organizations. He has served on the Wine America Board of Directors, headquartered in Washington, D.C., for 17 years and the Missouri Grape and Wine Advisory Board for six years. Thomas has been active in the Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Boards in both Branson and Hermann.