PO Box 1124, Windsor, CA, United States of America, 95492
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Wine Industry Insiders with Drea Helfer
DH Wine Compliance Plans Expansion with Building Purchase
DH Wine Compliance plans to relocate from the Sonoma County airport area in mid-2025 to an office building it purchased in Windsor. The founder reflects on how the business has evolved with agency tech adoption and a recent industry slowdown.
DH Wine Compliance, which helps the wine business stay in line with federal, state and local regulations nationwide, will be getting a new home this year, its 15th in business.
An affiliate of the Sonoma County-based company purchased a 9,950-square-foot office building in Windsor on Dec. 30, 2024, for $2.2 million, according to public records.
Founded in 2010 by Drea Helfer, DH Wine Compliance has been operating out of 2,237 square feet at 5570 Skylane Blvd, Suite A, north of Santa Rosa. The move to the new building will provide the company with a permanent home and room for future growth, according to Helfer.
"It's a big step for the company," she said. "We've been renting for the past 15 years, and it just feels great to have a place that we can call our own. It's also exciting to be able to move the business into the town of Windsor, where I've lived since 2005."
The new building, located at 800 Edgewood Place, is currently occupied by Fidelity National Title on the first floor and Gallagher Insurance on the top floor. DH Wine Compliance plans to move into the upper floor once Gallagher’s lease expires in the middle of this year.
Illinois-based Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in 2018 acquired Rogers & Young Insurance Services, a brokerage founded in 1958 that occupied that building. A trust for Rogers & Young co-owner Jeff Young was the seller of 800 Edgewood.
DH Wine’s move to Windsor offers several advantages for the company and its employees over the current location in a business park near Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, Helfer said. The new site has easy access to local amenities such as the post office, bank branches, coffee shops and local eateries.
"The amenities of being able to walk across the street and go to Starbucks or grab a doughnut are certainly appealing," Helfer said. "We're hoping that by being near these conveniences, it might draw our hybrid workers back into the office a bit more."
DH Wine Compliance currently employs 32 people. The company has been able to leverage the shift to remote work, hiring talent from outside California Wine Country.
"The evolution of government agencies’ adopting online systems has allowed us to hire from outside the area," Helfer said. "We've been able to take advantage of the talent pool that's available, even if they're not located in wine country."
The wine industry as a whole has faced challenges in recent years, with a decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger generations. Helfer acknowledged the slower pace of new wine companies starting up, leading to fewer compliance applications. However, the increasing complexity of regulations has kept the company's workload steady.
"The volume of applications might be less, but the manpower required to file those items has increased," Helfer said. "We're managing with fewer clients, but the compliance process has become more challenging."
Despite the industry's ups and downs, Helfer remains optimistic about the future, hoping to see a resurgence of interest in the wine industry and the establishment of new wine companies in the years to come.
In the building sale, Dave Peterson and Kyle Nelson of Keegan & Coppin Co. Inc. represented the seller, Jeffrey S. and Karen A. Young Trust. Todd Schapmire of W Real Estate represented the buyer, DH Wine Holdings LLC.
Jeff Quackenbush covers wine, construction and real estate. Reach him at jquackenbush@busjrnl.com or 707-521-4256.
Lost in the Compliance Maze? Let DH Wine Compliance Guide You Through
DH Wine Compliance, founded by CEO and compliance consultant Drea Helfer in 2010, is valued by its clients for two key characteristics: expertly managing wine compliance for winery clients and a culture committed to exceptional customer service. Helfer’s dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture is a significant part of the company’s strong customer service reputation.
“I’m passionate about our culture,” she explains. An internal culture where employees are happy has a trickle-down effect. It means they will go the extra mile for our winery customers.” The company has continued to maintain the quality of its culture while it has grown over the years. Today, DHWC is one of the largest compliance firms in the US.
In recent years, DH Wine Compliance has embraced a more collaborative approach to customer service with wineries. This approach involves cross-functional teams composed of specialists from four distinct departments:
- Cal-Fed Operational Licensing: Handles California State ABC and Federal TTB licensing, COLA/FLA submission, trade name additions, and related matters.
- Cal-Fed Operational Reporting: Completes and files all TTB, CDTFA, CDFA, and ABC operational reports.
- Out-of-State Licensing: Assists wineries with licenses outside of California for three-tier and direct-to-consumer (DTC) operations, covering license applications, renewals, brand registrations, distributor appointments, research projects, and price posting.
- Out-of-State Reporting: Manages three-tier and DTC reporting for excise and sales tax, as well as working with their ShipCompliant accounts.
With this innovative approach, the four departments collaborate closely to anticipate clients’ needs. For example, suppose a winery client tells a team member they are planning to change their address. In that case, they will go to the team and prepare a timeline for address changes to ensure the winery runs smoothly with state licenses during their next round of wine club shipments.
Another transformative change has been the introduction of DH Wine Compliance’s proprietary software. This tool puts each winery’s information at the team’s fingertips, making them more efficient in supporting the client with tasks and questions that only humans can manage. The software will also add value to winery clients’ experience when they launch the planned client portal. “We look forward to launching this one-of-a-kind software to the general public in the coming months,” says Helfer, who has been developing the software for a number of years with the help of her trusted staff members and developers.
The compliance industry’s transition to electronic filings and record keeping has been a leisurely one. “In theory, the online filings should be more efficient,” says Helfer, “but in many ways, it’s really more time-consuming to file reports and license renewals since the online system sometimes requires more information.” This change also complicates the already complex process for wineries managing wine compliance on their own.
Wineries of all sizes turn to DH Wine Compliance for the peace of mind that comes with expert guidance. Their team ensures that the winery’s licenses and reports are consistently on time and fully compliant with the latest state and federal regulations. By outsourcing these critical tasks to experts, like outsourcing tax preparation, wineries can focus on what they do best ― making and selling wine.
Visit DH Wine Compliance at WIN Expo booth 338 on December 5, 2024.
Drea Helfer Named One of the Women in Wine Awards Winners for 2024
DH Wine Compliances' very own Drea Helfer was named one of the “One of the Women in Wine Awards Winners for 2024"
2024 Women in Wine Awards: Heart of Community
She has licensed hundreds of West Coast wineries, importers, wholesalers and retailers, and her expertise extends to all aspects of compliance including federal label approvals, out-of-state licensing, direct-to-consumer licensing, brand registration, operational reporting and consulting. Helfer is regarded as one of the top alcohol compliance consultants in the nation.
Helfer is proud of her company’s culture, which she called “inclusive, compassionate, flexible and most importantly fun.”
She advises aspiring leaders to be curious, listen, inquire and do things that make you uncomfortable. She also advises to be human, be flawed and own your mistakes. Ask for help. Apologize. And, most importantly, always celebrate the wins.
Giving back to the community is important to Helfer, who believes that you should build a longer table, not a higher fence. Her dream is for her staff to share DH Wine Compliance's contributions and inspires others to do the same — be it now or 10 years from now. A small impact can have a generational effect.
Click here to see the full list of winners.
Lost in the Compliance Maze? Let DH Wine Compliance Guide You Through
DH Wine Compliance, founded by President and compliance consultant Drea Helfer in 2010, is valued by its clients for two key characteristics: expertly managing compliance for alcohol clients and a culture committed to exceptional customer service. Helfer’s dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture is a large part of why the company has such a strong customer service reputation.
“I’m passionate about our culture,” she explains. “Our employees are appreciative, so the company goes the extra mile for them. An internal culture where employees are happy has a trickle-down effect. It means they’ll go the extra mile for our winery customers.”
In recent years, DH Wine Compliance has embraced a more collaborative approach to customer service with wineries. This approach involves cross-functional teams composed of specialists from four distinct departments:
- Cal-Fed Operational Licensing: Handles California State ABC and Federal TTB licensing, COLA/FLA submission, trade name additions, and related matters.
- Cal-Fed Operational Reporting: Completes and files all TTB, CDTFA, CDFA, and ABC operational reports.
- Out-of-State Licensing: Assists wineries with licenses outside of California for both three-tier and direct-to-consumer (DTC) operations, covering license applications, renewals, brand registrations, distributor appointments, research projects, and price posting.
- Out-of-State Reporting: Manages three-tier and DTC reporting for excise and sales tax, as well as working with their ShipCompliant accounts.
This new approach means the four departments talk to each other more than ever, helping them anticipate clients’ needs. For example, suppose a winery client tells a team member they’re planning to change their address. In that case, she’ll go to the team, and they’ll prepare a timeline for address changes to ensure the winery doesn’t encounter any issues with state licenses during their next round of wine club shipments.
Another transformative change has been the introduction of DH Wine Compliance’s proprietary software. This tool puts each winery’s information at the team’s fingertips, making them more efficient in supporting the client. It will also add value to winery clients’ experience when they launch the planned client portal next year.
It also makes it easier for them to deal with a recent change at the California state level ― taking everything online. “In theory, this should be more efficient,” says Helfer, “but in many ways, it’s actually more time-consuming to file reports and license renewals since the online system sometimes requires more information.” This change also complicates the already complex process for wineries managing wine compliance independently.
Wineries of all sizes turn to DH Wine Compliance for the peace of mind that comes with expert guidance. Their team ensures that the winery’s licenses and reports are consistently on time and fully compliant with the latest state and federal regulations. By outsourcing these critical tasks to experts, much like outsourcing tax preparation, wineries can focus on what they do best ― making and selling wine.
Visit DH Wine Compliance at WIN Expo booth 338 on November 30, 2023.
Join DH Wine Compliance at Win Expo 2022
DH Wine Compliance staff is trained on the intricate details of all areas of alcohol compliance. At DH Wine Compliance, we strive to create a partnership that will serve as an invaluable tool to your organization. Our expertise and dependability will allow you to focus on building your business.
We will be exhibiting at the WIN Expo on December 1 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
See us at booth 338 and use the code DHW338 for a free trade show pass. Register here: https://wineindustryexpo.com/registration
DH Wine Compliance Is Hiring: Compliance Assistant
DH Wine Compliance is a full-service compliance firm in Santa Rosa, CA specializing in licensing, reporting, and consulting. We currently provide services to over 400 clients. DH Wine Compliance has three main objectives: True customer service, top-notch compliance expertise, and a work environment that honors and appreciates its employees. We are regarded as one of the best compliance companies in the US. In addition, DH Wine Compliance was awarded the North Bay Business Journal's Best Places to Work in the 15-50 employee category multiple times.
Summary
Working under the supervision of the department lead, a Compliance Assistant/Specialist assists in the preparation, maintenance, submission and organization of client out-of-state licenses and registrations. This position will support our continually growing business and provide assistance in all aspects of the department. Duties will also include project-based work. There will also be exposure to clients, therefore this position should project a professional company image through all interactions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Maintain discretion and confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and agency information
- Assist with creation, submission, follow through and completion of compliance license applications, registrations, reports and various application forms online or hard copy. This includes monthly, quarterly and annual reports, renewals, changes and additions.
- Communication and interaction with clients
- Proactively communicate deadlines and ongoing prioritization of workload
- Prepare responses to correspondence containing routine inquiries.
- Meet and greet clients and visitors
- Follow written procedures for compliance processes
- Maintain and amend procedures documentation and/or manuals
- Create and modify documents using word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or other presentation software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat or other programs
- FedEx – create and receive shipments
- Maintain records via hard copy and/or electronic filing system
Additional Duties & Responsibilities
- May conduct research, compile data and prepare papers for consideration and presentation to the owner, clients or other staff members
- Support staff with assigned project-based work
- Other duties as assigned
Required Experience, Education, Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of the wine industry
- 3-5 years’ experience in a professional service-based business
- Excellent written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, planning, records management and general administration
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills with internal and external customers
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to, computers, telephone systems, copiers.
- Outstanding time management skills
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- At least 3 years’ experience with general office responsibilities and procedures
- Advanced level computer skills for standard programs including MS Office 365, Word, Excel and Outlook
- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills and professionalism
- Ability to work well independently or as a part of a team
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Computer and Software proficiency
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and/or fingers to handle or feel. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally life and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus for long periods of time.
Work Environment
- The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits Package
- 10 Paid Annual Holidays
- Monthly contribution toward mental and physical health activities
- Vacation and sick time accrual that increases with tenure
- Employer contribution toward benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401K with employer match after 1 year
- Employee Assistance Program
Please submit your resume to careers@dhwinecompliance.com.
DH Wine Compliance Is Hiring: Compliance Assistant
DH Wine Compliance is a full-service compliance firm in Santa Rosa, CA specializing in licensing, reporting, and consulting. We currently provide services to over 400 clients. DH Wine Compliance has three main objectives: True customer service, top-notch compliance expertise, and a work environment that honors and appreciates its employees. We are regarded as one of the best compliance companies in the US. In addition, DH Wine Compliance was awarded the North Bay Business Journal's Best Places to Work in the 15-50 employee category multiple times.
Summary
Working under the supervision of the department lead, a Compliance Assistant will aide in the preparation, maintenance, submission, and organization of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reporting for out of state clients as well as assigned project-based work. This role is best suited for an individual who has experience and enjoys an administrative role with recordkeeping, sorting, archiving, scanning, filing and other office related tasks. This job will include data entry with numbers such as gallonage, bottle counts, zip codes, etc. This role’s primary responsibility is to support the Specialists in the department. There will also be exposure to clients, therefore this position should project a professional company image through all interactions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Maintain discretion and confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and agency information
- Prepare and organize monthly reporting checklist packages
- Create, review, audit, and modify documents using word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or other presentation software such as power point, Adobe Acrobat, or other programs.
- Complete, submit and follow-through of various forms and reports
- Data entry assignments, mostly consisting of numbers
- Communicate with clients, various states, and federal agencies to obtain information and navigate compliance regulations.
- Conduct research, compile data, and prepare papers for consideration and presentation to the President, clients, or other staff members.
- File and retrieve organizational documents, records, and reports.
- Maintain hard copy and electronic filing systems.
- Projects as assigned by department team leads.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities
- Support staff in assigned project-based work
- Other duties as assigned
Required Experience, Education, Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of the wine industry
- 3-5 years’ experience in a professional service-based business
- Excellent written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in math
- Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, planning, records management, and general administration
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers, phone systems, copiers, printers
- Superior attention to detail
- Outstanding time management skills
- Proactively looks for ways to optimize
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Experience working with and supporting cross functional teams
- Self-Starter with efficient time management and organizational skills
- Experience directly or indirectly managing a range of experience levels, capabilities, and working styles
- Strong relationship building skills with the ability to listen, evaluate, advise, and influence
- Computer and Software proficiency
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and/or fingers to handle or feel. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus for long periods of time.
Work Environment
- This position is a hybrid, work from home/professional office environment and will require some tasks be completed at the office
- Occasional travel by car; must have a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation
- Ability to work a flexible work schedule with extended hours as required during peak season demand
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Please submit your resume to careers@dhwinecompliance.com.
Sonoma County executives hope to put COVID business challenges in the past in 2022
Drea Helfer
President, DH Wine Compliance
An alcohol compliance firm with 26 employees based in Santa Rosa.
How has COVID-19 impacted your business in the past 18 months?
Most of our clients fared well and were able to pivot their sales to keep the business going. Some clients did dissolve their businesses, but surprisingly, this number was very low. As a result, our business continued to flourish and grow.
We saw many new wine start-ups, most of whom were focused on the direct-to-consumer and online sales. Existing clients, who have winery sites, quickly submitted applications to extend their licensed boundaries to include new outdoor areas for wine tastings and events. We also saw a few new wine-tasting venues open their doors, which is exciting as it encourages more and more consumers to physically visit and consume.
What is your outlook for 2022?
Our company, and other compliance firms, have project waiting lists. It’s actually an odd position to be in. So many businesses (and people) are struggling to stay afloat while we are just struggling to keep up with demand.
DH Wine Compliance Named One of the Top 500 North Bay Companies
DH Wine Compliance was just named one of the “The Top 500 North Bay Companies” for 2021 by Northbaybiz.
Click here to see the full list of winners.
About
DH Wine Compliance is a full-service compliance firm specializing in licensing, reporting and consulting. Our company focuses on providing a high level of customer service and expertise. With over 198 years of combined experience, the DH Wine Compliance staff is experienced in all areas of alcohol compliance. We will assist your organization in obtaining and maintaining the permits and licenses needed to produce, sell, market and distribute your product. Our services encompass three-tier and direct-to-consumer shipping, COLAs, operational reporting, TTB and ABC licensing along with trade names and consulting services.
DH Wine Compliance was formed in January of 2010 with the goal of achieving three main directives: True customer service, top notch compliance expertise and a work environment which honors and appreciates its employees. Fast forward to present day, DH Wine Compliance services over 500 clients and is regarded as one of the best compliance companies in California. In addition, DH Wine Compliance has been awarded the North Bay Business Journals Best Places to Work in the 15-50 employee category since 2014.
Because of our team and superior services, our company is sought after by organizations of various sizes and complexities. We take pride in the quality of our work while continually exploring options to improve efficiency and excellence. Our staff is trained on the intricate details of all areas of alcohol compliance. At DH Wine Compliance, we strive to create a partnership that will serve as an invaluable tool to your organization. Our expertise and dependability will allow you to focus on building your business.
Contact
Contact List
| Title | Name | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President/Compliance Consultant | Drea Helfer | drea@dhwinecompliance.com | 707-528-8500 | 401 |
| OOS Senior Compliance Specialist | Alissa De La Riva | alissa@dhwinecompliance.com | 707-528-8500 | 404 |
| OOS Compliance Director | Lisa Salling | lisa@dhwinecompliance.com | 707-528-8500 | 409 |
| Operational Reporting Specialist | Milli Conover | milli@dhwinecompliance.com | 707-528-8500 | 405 |
| OOS Senior Reporting Specialist | Liz Sullivan | liz@dhwinecompliance.com | 707-528-8500 | 408 |
Location List
| Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DH Wine Compliance | PO Box 1124, Windsor | CA | United States of America | 95492 |
List of Locations
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