Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
Kari Carlos, Vice President of Business Development for Pacific Highway, and Mark Giordano, President of Pacific Highway. A ll roads lead to wine for Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits. The company is the product of a freshly forged partnership between Robert Oatley Vineyards USA and WineSource International. Based in Atlanta, Pacific Highway's President, Mark Giordano, makes no bones about the fact that the new company is all about strong partnerships. During a recent interview, the passionate and detail-driven Giordano quickly pointed out today's current challenges and why this new company is positioned to meet them. "I've heard there are about 150,000 different wines for sale in the U.S. That's a good bit of noise to compete with, but we are in a good position to do so: Our footprint is national, we have very strong brand partnerships and we are very precise in channel management, making sure our wines are suited to varying needs in the marketplace, from grocery to upscale restaurant." Pacific Highway places high value on long-term partnerships with solid brands. Giordano notes that the company "hopes to represent every major region around the world and create a relevant portfolio for wholesalers and consumers." He also adds that they aren't in a hurry— the partnerships "have to be good fit." Wines and companies with history and tenure in the market are most appealing. Indeed, Pacific Highway's current partners—Australia's eponymous Robert Oatley Vineyards, South Africa's Douglas Green Bellingham (DGB), Argentina's Bodega de la Piedra, Italy's Castelfeder Winery in Alto Adige, California's Foppiano Vineyards and LangeTwins Winery and Vineyard, as well as North Carolina–based spirits producer Troy & Sons—boast decades of history between them. The partners also share what Giordano likes to call a "nice linear connectivity. Even though the wineries are located all over the globe, they all produce wines with texture, body and proper balance in alcohol." Giordano also points out what you won't find in Pacific Highway's portfolio: competing wines from the same region. "We have one wine that best represents each region. This helps us stay focused with our partners." Right now the company is seeking partnerships with regions they don't currently represent such as Napa Valley, Oregon and Washington. Just like a proud parent, Giordano loves to showcase the talent, taste and value his portfolio possesses. With partners such as Robert Oatley and WineSource International he has an enviable range of bounty to offer the marketplace. During a gathering at famed Atlanta steakhouse Chops, Giordano popped the cork on some of Pacific Highway's tasty offerings. april 2013 / the tasting panel / 75