Whole Foods national wine program was awarded Wine Enthusiast magazine’s “retailer of the year” award in 2008. Geof and Doug make it happen.

Geof Ryan: A California native, Geof has lived in Southern California most of his life. He developed a passion for wine early in life,and started working in wine stores before he was of legal drinking age (we hope the statute of limitations is up on that!), moving from box boy to manager within five years. Geof joined Whole Foods Market in 1996 and has held several positions, including wine buyer, specialty team leader, national all-star regional specialty coordinator, and is now global co-wine buyer with Doug Bell. Geof has two children and his hobbies include reading, music and late night television.

Doug Bell: Atlanta native Doug Bell is a graduate of University of Georgia. He got his start in the wine business while in college during summer and holiday breaks and continued in the biz, eventually becoming the corporate wine buyer for Harry’s Farmers Markets. When Harry’s became part of Whole Foods Market, Doug’s fate was sealed (and our fortunes enhanced!) when he became our global co-wine buyer with Geof Ryan. Doug and his life partner of 19 years reside on Fightingtown Creek, Blue Ridge, GA. His hobbies include cooking and EATING…reading, hiking, surfing the web and, when forced, home renovating.