Our History

Tom Halby’s wine career began in 1967, at Inglenook, California’s first great wine estate. Later, he became Vice President of National Sales at Parrot Company, the marketing organization for California’s famed Wente Bros. and Louis Martini wineries.

In 1983, Tom started his own venture, Halby Marketing, Inc., just off the Square in the town of Sonoma. One of the investors was Jess Jackson and the company’s first client was a small, then unknown, Lake County winery called Kendall-Jackson. Tom utilized his sales skills and industry knowledge to develop a national distribution network for Kendall-Jackson and the incredible success of the winery is still unrivaled in the industry.

After Kendall-Jackson assumed its own marketing, Tom played a key role in the success of many other important California wineries, Clos Pegase, Robert Pepi, Steele and Hanna, to name just a few.

Tom also began importing carefully selected wines and spirits and the Halby Marketing portfolio now includes an impressive collection of products from around the globe, including France, Chile, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the United States.

After more than forty years in the wine business Tom Halby puts his own name on the label. He has personally selected premium California and international wines that he is proud to call his own. From the elegant packaging, to the rich tasting wines inside, the quality is evident throughout. No matter which wine you choose, Halby Marketing Inc. always represents great value wines and spirits. Tom is enjoying his retirement away from day-to-day operations with his wife Pam Halby and still getting in a card game any chance he can get.

Brett and Debra

Brett Halby and his wife, Debra, are the next generation of Halby Marketing, Inc. They are passionate about continuing the legacy created by Tom Halby and bring with them a combined experience of more than 37 years in the wine and spirit beverage industry.

In an industry dominated by corporations, the Halbys take pride in being a family-owned company. Brett believes in face-to-face connections and a hands-on approach – the principles on which his father built the business – and he travels nationally, meeting with clients and promoting Halby Marketing’s extensive portfolio. Debra is the creative force of the Halby team, managing day-to-day operations and supporting the business wherever needed.

In 2014, Brett and Debra moved Halby Marketing from the city of Sonoma to the charming wine country village of Glen Ellen, supported by their solid team of office staff.

The Halbys live in Sonoma Valley with their daughter. In their spare time, you’ll find them caring for their one-acre “hobby farm,” which includes a small orchard and vineyard, their three dachshunds, one cat and a flock of chickens.