New Director of Retail Operations Enjoys Sharing an Appreciation for Virginia Wine - The Williamsburg Winery

New Director of Retail Operations Enjoys Sharing an Appreciation for Virginia Wine


A new world opened up to Jen Allen when she moved to Williamsburg last year with her husband, Brenden, who is stationed at Fort Eustis.

Williamsburg Winery portrait of Jennifer Allen

Back in her hometown in Findlay, Ohio, Allen worked in upscale dining at The Hancock Hotel, where she educated herself about wine. Relocating to Virginia, she was hired as a tasting room associate at the Williamsburg Winery, where she discovered all there is to love about Virginia wine.

As the winery’s new Director of Retail Operations, Allen says, “I love educating tourists, guests and Wine Club members about Virginia wine. People underestimate it. When they try it, they’re impressed when they taste how good it really is.”

In her new role, Allen juggles multiple responsibilities that include festival planning, assisting with the Williamsburg Winery Wine Club and overseeing retail. She’s excited about upcoming changes to Susan Constant Hall, which will offer tasting again this spring in addition to flights. New merchandise will also be added to the retail shop.

Among all the picturesque spots at Wessex Hundred, Allen most enjoys the view of the vineyards from the top deck of the 1619 Wine Pavilion. She favors the winery’s red wines from 2019 and after tasting several reds from 2021, she looks forward to their release.

Allen is a mother to five, including two adults children, David and Dru, in addition to Sienna, 17, Jaelon, 12, and Quentin, 8. She’s invested in the many sports all of them compete in — volleyball, track, football, wrestling, rugby and cross country — and enjoys hikes and history. The Allens are expecting their first grandchild in March.


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