09/07/2026
The man. The legend. Our beloved Tom Rinaldi. It is with a heavy heart that we share his passing over the weekend.
Born on August 8, 1949, Tom lived a remarkable life, one that was cut far too short, yet filled with more passion, purpose, friendship, and laughter than most could ever hope to know.
It is impossible to put into words what Tom meant to me and the Patent W**es team, and equally impossible to measure the mark he leaves on the w**e industry to which he devoted so much of his life.
Tom was a remarkable w**emaker, a mentor, a storyteller, and a treasured friend. More than five decades of experience lived within him, yet he carried that extraordinary knowledge with humility, generosity, and an unmistakable sense of joy.
We will remember the Hawaiian shirts, the ready smile, and the laughter that was always dancing in his eyes. We will remember his stories, his wisdom, his warmth, and the little bit of magic he brought to every bottle we made together and every life he touched.
I am profoundly grateful to have known him, learned from him, laughed with him, and called him family.
He will be missed beyond words. Beyond measure.
Raise a glass to Tom. There will never be another quite like him.
Eric
