Chris Williams met Jimi Brooks in 1997 by happenstance, selling Jimi motorcycle parts for an old Moto Guzzi. The two became fast friends, and Chris soon began working at the winery – first by working club events. Chris soon found himself helping Jimi in Brooks’ cellar, and went on to work alongside Jimi at WillaKenzie Estate and Maysara Winery.

When Jimi passed away suddenly in 2004, Chris was among the many friends and winemakers who stepped in and helped make Jimi’s wine that year.

Chris became Brooks’ full-time winemaker in 2005 and has brought continuity to Brooks wines, sharing Jimi’s philosophy and style, and continuously showcasing the elegance of small-production Riesling and Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley.