Our 3 Keys: Passion, Quality, Connection
Passion: We love wine and are dedicated to sharing that passion with our clients.
Quality: We source only the best wines from trusted, family-owned vineyards.
Connection: We foster deep relationships with wineries and customers to ensure a personalized experience.
We are lucky enough to represent some iconic wineries as well as up coming start-ups worth noticing. We work diligently to introduce our customers to wines that work for their businesses. We value each of our customers as friends as well as clients.
discover excellence in wine distribution
Marcy Scott
Ben Eiden
Megan Gadwah
meet the North carolina wine reps
Jami Farris
Woody French
Gwen Bell
Gayle White-Schiffer
Paula Horton
Andrew Wood
Mike Bostic
Ben Eiden
meet the south carolina wine reps
Woody French
Melinda Clark
Gwen Bell
Andrew Wood
Pat Grimes
Ciara Klein
Julia Knudsen
Juanita Greenwalt
Holly White
Cole Schulz
Jessica Greene
meet the home base team
Jami farris
NC
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
I actually grew up in a dry household. My big brother moved to California after college and fell in love with the wines. Of course, I wanted to do everything my big brother did, so I followed his lead and took any opportunity I could to expand my knowledge.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
My fondest memory is when Woody, Bryan, and I rented a house in Sonoma in 2016 for a week to meet with various wineries to develop the 3 Keys portfolio. That was when our dream began to feel real!
Years in the wine industry: 8 years
What is your favorite wine?
It depends on the day, the weather, and my mood!
jami@3keysdist.com
I was a commercial litigator partner in a large Southeast region law firm for 24 years. I had always enjoyed wine as a consumer and sought to educate myself. We discovered there were many smaller vineyards that did not have representation in the Carolinas, so we saw the opportunity to create 3 Keys.
next
Bryan farris
Partner
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
Community, I love being involved in a business that brings people together. The idea started when my wife and I were in Napa at a large table of friends. We were drinking great wine and I said to her, wouldn’t it be great to be in the wine business? After a few more discussions and a lot more wine the decision was made to go forward. We were then introduced to Woody French and the rest is history!
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
The first company meeting I attended with all of our associates. It was great to see how everyone was engaged and how we had grown.
Years in the wine industry: 8 years
What is your favorite wine?
My favorite grape is Pinot Noir. It’s just so versatile, and goes along with about anything. Like me!
bryan@3keysdist.com
How did you get to where you are professionally?
I love business, and I’ve spent my whole life working/investing to build great companies.
next
woody french
NC & SC
woody@3keysdist.com
Woody started as a restaurant kid, but caught the wine bug young. His career in the wine industry really started after tasting a Côte-Rôtie in lineup when he was 18 years old. It is still his favorite wine. Woody’s experience spans all aspects of the industry. He has been a consumer, a supplier, a retailer, and a distributor.
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
Tasting a Côte-Rôtie in lineup when I was 18 years old.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
Loading up my truck with 22 cases to take our first order to the Triangle...and then collecting the check.
Years in the wine industry: 23 years
What is your favorite wine?
1990 Chapoutier Côte-Rôtie
next
Melinda Clark
SC
melinda@3keysdist.com
Melinda's hustle and hard work mentality began with her experience with competitive swimming during her college years at The University of North Carolina. This winning attitude has translated to a successful career in the wine industry. Melinda prides herself on relationship building with wine suppliers and winemakers.
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
I love selling and being a professionally trained chef, I have a keen interest in everything related to food and
wine.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
I won an incentive trip to South Africa, namely Babylonstoren, and was by far the most exciting trip I have ever taken. It was life-changing, and something I will remember for a lifetime.
Years in the wine industry: 2 years
What is your favorite wine?
Pinot Noir
next
marcy scott
NC
marcy@3keysdist.com
Marcy's family is the reason she found the wine industry. Her mother was very plugged into the food and wine scene in NYC and that translated to an education in culture as well as her first job in wine. She has turned a family passion into a 25-year career.
Serving: The Triangle
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
My mother. When I returned to NYC after living abroad, I lived with her. She brought me out to all the great
restaurants and cool wine tastings in the area. The rest is history.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
My most memorable moment at 3 Keys was during my first month with the company hosting my first ride with. I
discovered a mistake I made on an order I put in the day before and was horrified. I called my manager to
apologize and he was so forgiving. I’ve worked with really good people my whole career and feel lucky to be with a company that not only has fabulous product but cares for its employees.
Years in the wine industry: 25 years
What is your favorite wine?
That’s like asking who’s your favorite child but I would say:
GIRAUD Blanc de Blanc
GIRAULT Sancerre
And Barolo makes life better.
next
ben eiden
NC & SC
ben@3keysdist.com
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
A good friend of mine (Gary Mullis) opened a bottle of 1997 Flora Spring Trilogy at 2:30 A.M. one night, and it changed the way I looked at wine. It was like nothing I had ever smelled or tasted. I was hooked.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
Traveling to Crete to visit Lyrarakis
Years in the wine industry: 22 years
What is your favorite wine?
Red Burgundy. From our portfolio specifically: Gaelle & Jerome Meunier 1er Cru Mercurey Rouge
next
I worked my way up through the ranks in the restaurant world, caught the wine bug while working with Gary Mullis at the Cajun Queen. I got hired through Gary at the Dean & Deluca Wine Room and eventually became the Wine Director. When I had kids, I decided to take my talents to the other side of the table to sell wine wholesale, and I never looked back!
Serving: Charlotte Area and Upstate South Carolina
Megan Gadwah
NC
megan@3keysdist.com
I got to where I am professionally with a combination of hard work and luck. I am a quick study, hard worker, and a big planner. However, I think luck/fate has helped me make the connections I needed to be able to work for a company as respected as 3 Keys.
Serving: Charlotte Area
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
Like most, I fell in love with wine through drinking it. I studied environmental science, so I am a nerd when it comes to nature, climate impact, and sustainability. I also love to learn, so the wine industry is able to keep me on my toes, as there is always more to study.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
My first day working for 3 Keys was not only a warehouse sale day but also the solar eclipse. A memorable moment in itself, I got to peek at the eclipse outside with Cole’s special eclipse glasses.
Years in the wine industry: 2 years
What is your favorite wine?
Picking a favorite wine is difficult. I have loved experimenting with fun natural wines and wines that are made in more of a ‘hands off’ style. However, I do always love a Vinho Verde.
next
gwen bell
NC & SC
gwen@3keysdist.com
Gwen, known as the Queen if Bubbles, began her professional journey with a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales. This created an easy transition to the wine industry with hard work, self drive, and love of the job. Gwen believes the foundation of success is found in relationships, both old and new.
Serving: Asheville, Highlands, Greenville, SC
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
Culinary school. I have a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales Charleston campus.
Years in the wine industry: 25 years
What is your favorite wine?
Champagne is my favorite wine, my area of expertise and my passion.
next
Gayle White-Schiffer
NC
gayle@3keysdist.com
Gayle started her professional career in the health care industry at Rhode Island Hospital. After meeting her husband, she transitioned into the restaurant industry and opened four restaurants in The Triangle. This taught her dedication, perseverance, hard work, and passion, which led her to where she is now.
Serving: The Triangle, Southern Pines, Greenville, NC, Wilmington
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
I was the owner of four restaurants in the Triangle (not at the same time). I was in charge of the front of the house, including their wine programs. I developed over 20 years of award winning wine lists.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?When I first worked with Woody in Southern
Pines, we were at an account introducing ourselves. As we were discussing our portfolio, a five case delivery from my former employee / distributor arrived. At that moment I was
sickened, knowing that I was in competition with myself; knowing that this was going to be harder than before;
almost believing that this was not achievable. Woody knew and said, "Well, that must hurt." I really don't know what
he said after that because I was trying so hard not to fall apart, but his calm demeanor and professionalism made
me be able to believe in myself.
Years in the wine industry: 10 years
What is your favorite wine?
Depends on the company and scene.
next
Paula horton
NC
paula@3keysdist.com
With over three decades of experience in the wine industry, Paula has established a distinguished career specializing in on-premise wine distribution. Her deep understanding of the market, combined with a passion for fine wines, has made her a trusted partner for restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality venues. Throughout her career, Paula has cultivated strong relationships with both producers and clients, ensuring that each bottle delivered meets the highest standards of quality and taste. Her dedication to the craft and commitment to excellence has earned her a reputation as a leader in the industry.
Serving: The B's, Hickory, The Triad, and surrounding areas
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
As a fine dining restaurant manager and wine buyer, I felt like my passion for the wine industry and close relationships to the hospitality industry drew me in.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
I have loved experiencing the amazing portfolio of wines, each and every wine punching above its price point, and the strong
winery relationships that 3 Keys has formed. The passion and commitment to excellence really shows!
Years in the wine industry: 24 years
What is your favorite wine?
A well crafted one!
next
andrew wood
SC & NC
andrew@3keysdist.com
I started as a chef actually. I graduated from Johnson and Wales in Charleston and spent another decade in fine dining kitchens around the low country. In 2007 I moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where I continued cooking for another 2 years. In 2009 I left the kitchen and went into food sales with a small local company.
Serving: Greenville, Clemson, N.C. Foothills
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
When I decided to leave Chapel Hill and return to my home in Clemson, I was lucky enough to land a job as a wine representative. I had not really searched for a job in the wine business, I guess I kind of feel into it. I was that company’s first South Carolina employee and spent 10 years with them before coming to 3 Keys. I fell in love with the wine world, especially the Italian wine world.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
The first sales meeting was memorable when I met everyone and realized that I had been lucky enough to land in another great company full of awesome people.
Years in the wine industry: 12 years
What is your favorite wine?
This is like asking which is your favorite child. I am definitely an Italy first guy and if forced to pick it would probably be 'Avvoltore' from Moris farms in the Marrema of coastal Tuscany. It is a super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, and Syrah. It is so damn good.
next
Pat Grimes
SC
pat@3keysdist.com
Pat entered the wine industry simply because of the allure of wine. He has built a career in this field through hard work and professionalism. With opportunities such as finding a new varietal, including Fiano from Australia and Xinomavro from Greece, he continues to stay at the forefront of the wine industry.
Serving: Hilton Head, Beaufort
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
The allure of wine.
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
Dinners with Keenan and Venge.
Years in the wine industry: 10 years
What is your favorite wine?
I have many favorites, but I especially enjoy a Burgundy or a Barbaresco.
next
MIKE BOSTIC
NC
mike@3keysdist.com
After serving and learning about wine for a number of years in high end restaurants, I went on to work with one of North Carolina's largest independent wine retailers. Several years working in fine wine retail led to roles in distribution and sales in and outside of North Carolina. After getting the opportunity to direct the wine program at one of Durham, North Carolina's premier restaurants, I was honored to be offered a role with 3 Keys.
Serving: The Triangle Area
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
I began appreciating wine while working for a fine dining establishment in Chapel Hill, N.C. in my mid-twenties. The chef-owner had a fabulous knowledge of, appreciation for, and passion about wine which he worked to instill in his staff. After many days and nights in his cellar, both I and many of my colleagues went on to make wine our lives vocations. Thank you and cheers, Chef!
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
As one of the newest members to the 3 Keys team, every day seems new and memorable in a different way. I'm very proud to be able to work with and for such a great team and to represent the many incredible producers who trust us with their products.
Years in the wine industry: 20 years
What is your favorite wine?
I always say that question is akin to "What's your favorite piece of art?" How could I possibly pick just one?! With that said, anyone who knows me well knows that my favorite REGION for wine is certainly Champagne. Having the opportunity to be back on the same team as Gwen Bell, the Queen of Bubbles, is yet another great thing about my job!
next
Ciara Klein
SC
ciara@3keysdist.com
I have a pretty eclectic background in sales and ended up stumbling into the wonderful world of wine through the recommendation of a restaurant owner in Atlanta. She saw something in me that she believed would be a good fit for the industry. It was the relationships I created and being at the right place at the right time that got me here, and I love it!
Serving: Charleston and Columbia
Fun facts
What got you interested in the wine industry?
I have been a huge foodie since I was a little girl. It became a little father/daughter tradition to try all the new restaurants that would open in Atlanta, Georgia, where I grew up. Now I get to spend my days popping into restaurants here in Charleston, tasting fantastic wines and meeting the most incredible people. When your "office" is the restaurant scene here in CHS, everyday is a good day!
What is your most memorable moment with 3 Keys?
I haven't been here long, but I could tell on day one that 3 Keys has something special. The team is so friendly and helpful!
Years in the wine industry: 3 years
What is your favorite wine?
I'm such a sucker for South African wine. I have always wanted to go! It looks like such a beautiful place!
next
Copyright 2025 © 3 Keys, Inc All Rights Reserved