CALICHE (n.) /kəˈlēCHē/
1) A hardened conglomeration of gravel, rock, and soil commonly found in arid and semiarid regions like the southwestern U.S.
2) A Texas wine distributor representing the best value wines from across the globe, with the combined knowledge and passion for hospitality of two Master Sommeliers.
Craig Collins discovered wine in the most Texas way possible: while studying Speech Communication at Texas A&M University and managing the tasting room at Messina Hof Winery. A semester in Tuscany deepened that interest into something more permanent. He traveled throughout the region, fell in love with Sangiovese—a loyalty that continues today—and returned home determined to build a career in wine.
Craig served on the Board of Directors of the Court of Master Sommeliers from 2015 through 2020 as board secretary and communications director. He has also spoken and served as a judge at leading industry events, including TEXSOM, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic and Pebble Beach Food & Wine.
At Caliche, Craig leads from the front of the house: shaping the vision, building winery and account relationships, developing the sales team and making sure the company keeps moving forward. He brings a supplier’s perspective, an operator’s practicality and more than two decades of relationships across the Texas market and the national wine community. Craig lives in Austin with his wife, April—who has also built her career in wine—and their two sons. Away from work, the family is happiest traveling, skiing and planning the next meal, trip or bottle to share.
JACK MASON, MS
Jack Mason has always wanted to understand how things work—and, once he understands them, find a way to make them better. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, and raised in College Station, Texas, Jack first developed an appreciation for hospitality while working in local restaurants. Wine entered the picture at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where a required class sparked a curiosity that quickly grew beyond the syllabus.
In 2015, Jack earned the title of Master Sommelier at age 27, becoming one of the youngest people to achieve the distinction. His journey was featured on the Esquire Network series Uncorked, and his early career earned recognition from Forbes, Zagat and Wine & Spirits.
At Caliche, Jack brings together the many sides of that experience: beverage-program leadership, supplier development, importing, distribution and fine-wine portfolio strategy. His curiosity naturally draws him toward the company’s engine room—building the operational structure, systems and logistics that allow great service to happen consistently. If Craig keeps the watch running, Jack is the one who wants to understand every gear and build it properly from the start. Jack and his wife are raising their family in Texas with three children and a Goldendoodle. When he is not thinking about wine—or how to improve the way something works—he is happiest cooking, tackling a project at home and spending time around the table with family and friends.
