Kert Platner, co-owner of Times Ten Cellars in Lakewood, was honored with the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce 2015 “Pete Sessions Chairman’s Award” at a luncheon on January 23 at the Lakewood Country Club.

 The award is given annually to an individual for their significant contributions to the Chamber through their professional experience, community engagement, and leadership. It was presented by Congressman Pete Sessions, who also presented Platner with a Congressional Plate.

In 2005, Kert and business partner Rob Wilson founded Times Ten Cellars winery in the original Lakewood Post Office building.  Times Ten Cellars now has 2 locations and employs over 50 Texans.  The winery has grown to be amongst the top 10 wineries in terms of production in the State of Texas.  Times Ten Cellars was recently listed as one of the Top 10 Urban wineries in the United States.  The winery has been featured in National publications such as USA Today and Southern Living Magazine.  

Times Ten Cellars is fortunate to have space for hosting events and since the beginning has been donating space for neighborhood association meetings, local charities, schools and churches to host their events.  The winery has helped hundreds of charities earn hundreds of thousands of dollars for their respective groups.  The winery also donates to thousands of local silent auction fundraisers all over the metroplex. 

For over 10 years Kert has served on the board of the two neighborhood associations where he has lived in East Dallas as well as chaired the Home Tour committee for three years.  He is currently the District 4 representative for the Lakewood Neighborhood Association and continues to serve on the board.  He also serves on the Board of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce.  

Photo by Deborah Brown