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Richard Childress

Richard Childress is one of the most respected car owners in NASCAR racing. His winning experience in NASCAR and business acumen has put him on the short list of top owners in the sport. In 2004, Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is celebrating its 35th anniversary in NASCAR with more than 125 victories, including the first organization to win championships in the Cup, Busch and Truck Series.

Richard's newest venture, Childress Vineyards, is located just five miles from the RCR headquarters complex, but his passion for wine stems back to the camaraderie he experienced when NASCAR began racing in California.

Richard began his career as a driver in 1969 with the No. 3 car, but after eight seasons, he decided to concentrate on the management and operations of the team and put a young Dale Earnhardt behind the wheel of the now famous black Chevrolet. Together, Richard and Dale made racing history with six NASCAR Winston Cup Championships.

Richard purchased his first car, a 1937 Plymouth, at age of 17 for $20 and built his racing empire from a one-car garage into today's RCR operation which fields three full-time and one multi-race NEXTEL Cup Series teams; two full-time Busch Series cars and a multi-race All-Star line-up of drivers for the Employee Support of Guard and Reserve program.

RCR employs 300 people at it's headquarters in Welcome, NC, that includes corporate offices and a "Fan Walk" that offers the public a free glimpse of the race shop operations plus the 47,000 square-foot RCR Racing Museum, featuring nearly 50 race vehicles, the original race shop, memorabilia, trophies, and an entire section devoted to Richard's interest in wildlife and outdoor conservation.

Like the RCR operation, Richard's vision for his signature winery is nothing less than the best. He wants to produce world-class wine and provide a distinct tourist experience in his native North Carolina for all who come to visit.

 

Greg Johns

Greg is Richard's partner who has been influential in constructing Childress Vineyards from an idea to reality. The two became friends through their mutual interest in big game hunting, wildlife and outdoor conservation and many trips visiting wineries.

Greg comes from an Italian family where winemaking has been passed from one generation to another. His family name, Gianni, is the moniker for the vineyards at his farm in Summerfield, NC, that produce Sangiovese grapes for Childress Vineyards.

When he's not at the winery, Greg runs Johns Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, a company he founded 30 years ago in Greensboro, NC, which now employees 53 people to service residential and industrial clients in the Piedmont Triad.

 

Mark Friszolowksi

Mark is General Manager and Winemaker of Childress Vineyards, overseeing the 35,000 square-foot winery operations and 65 acres of vineyards.

One of the most award-winning winemakers in America today, Mark has received hundreds of medals and his wines have been twice named to the 50 Best Wines of the World.

A native of Long Island, Mark has been making wine commercially since 1986. He came to Childress Vineyards from the East Coast wine making region of Long Island, an area he helped establish. There, he rose from cellarmaster to winemaker/general manager and director of vineyard operations at Pindar Vineyards for 650 acres of vines and production of over 100,000 cases annually while simultaneously running it's sister winery with production of 30,000 cases.

At the age of 45, Mark is qualified in all aspects of wine production from grape growing to winemaking as well as marketing. He has consulted worldwide with various wineries, barrel cooperages, producers and importers.

Mark holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in biology from State University of New York, plus degrees in Classical Literature from Hofstra University and International Relations from Columbia University. He is frequently called to judge wine competitions, participate in industry symposiums, and teach winemaking and viticulture.

 

Matt Chobanian

Matt is Vineyard Manager at Childress Vineyards. He directs the planting of nine varieties of premium European Vitus Vinifera cultivars spread over three vineyards on 65 acres and works closely with growers throughout the state to provide high quality grapes for Childress Vineyards wines.

Matt is recognized as a viticultural expert on the East Coast. He has been growing grapes commercially since 1982. Matt came to North Carolina from a post as vineyard manager at Ingleside Plantation Vineyards in Oak Grove, VA. He has raised grapes and a host of fruit crops for several high profile clients and was production manager at Westmoreland Berry Farm before Richard and Greg asked Matt to come to Childress Vineyards. The move delighted Matt who was happy to stay on the East Coast as a hands-on vineyard manager.

A native of Pennsylvania, Matt has a degree in plant and soil science from West Virginia University.

 

 

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