Our Staff

Dan Lech, Wine Manager

We were lucky to snag Dan from our wine world competitors in 2008 to fill the role of Wine Manager. Did you know this unassuming gentleman brings 20 years of wine expertise to the table ? (Yep, he was pretty much formulating a wine career plan before he was born....) Dan is happily dedicated to selecting only the finest wines worthy of the BSFW’s community – at every price point. Of course, don’t let Dan’s more subdued nature fool you! When he’s not helping customers find their next adventure, tracking down their favorite bottle, or making recommendations for trips to wine country, he can be found playing the drums at some of Boston’s most noteworthy music venues. Yeah, bet you didn’t see that one coming!

Rebecca Rethore, Business Development/Wine Dept.

We first met Rebecca as a customer back in 2004. Her bountiful energy and passion for wine preceded her so much so that soon enough we had convinced her to switch careers and join the BSFW team. Today she’s our Director of Business Development and also Dan’s partner in crime in the Wine Department. She also happens to write Wicked Local’s weekly wine column and has her own private wine tasting event company, Pour Favor. When she’s not talking at the speed of light about wine (which we all know isn’t often), you can find Rebecca whipping something up in the kitchen, out on her road bike, or kicking back watching the game.

Jonathan Vargas, Beer Manager

Jonathan is as much our go-to everything guy as he is our ever-loved Beer Manager (aka Beer Buff). Jonathan is always abreast of the latest microbrews to hit our market and is quick to ensure Ball Square has a shot at some of the most highly allocated (and highly sought) brews! What’s more, he knows the inside and out of our full operation and always goes out of his way to make sure customers find what they so desire. You’ll often find Jonathan at the shop “holding court” with some of his avid beer followers, talking the talking. (We’ve learned beer geeks can put wine nerds to shame.) On days off, Jonathan can be found working his mojo on the (salsa) dance floor. Watch out!

Joe Ferraro, Cheese Buyer

Joe is Ball Square Fine Wines' newest addition to the buying staff. He is the man behind the magic of our gorgeous, new and over-flowing cheese case and expanded gourmet selection. Joe is a long-time Somervillian who has plied his trade at some of the finest gourmet shops in the Boston area. Each week he assembles a fantastic assortment of the finest cheeses, patés and caviar available anywhere. He is single-handedly transforming our cheese case into its own destination location. Catch him in person from 4pm-11pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. He's sure to help you make the perfect selection (and for those in the market, might also be called upon to impart some of his own highly-sought men's fashion expertise)!

Chris Lianos, Spirits/Greek Wines Buyer

Ball Square Fine Wines’ ever-present, jovial, if not salt-n-peppahd personality, Chris, is also the shop Spirits Buyer and Greek wines guru. (Yes, if you didn’t know it yet, Ball Square boasts Massachusetts largest, most comprehensive portfolio of Greek wines; and it’s all Chris’ doing!) Chris has over 25 years experience in the retail and wine industry and has been humbly running a good portion of the show at Ball Square Fine Wines since 2001. He’s kind of like our resident "Sam", you know, from “Cheers”? But most exciting for staff and customers alike, it's Chris’ vision that's responsible for the shop’s impressive 2009 expansion and renovation. Stop on by! He’ll know your name soon enough.