Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/133302
potential in international markets. "It used to be that you couldn't sell much imported wine in Northern California because of our proximity to Napa and Sonoma," he said. But as the market has grown younger and more sophisticated, "they are willing to take chances" on what they buy, Gainza said. "Our challenge is to look at those emerging markets and decide where we want to be," Gainza said. With the World Cup and Olympics headed to Brazil, the ripple effect may have more people interested in wines from that region. "We have to always keep an eye on new appellations and varietal trends for the adventurous California consumer." One thing the top executives from Southern do know, however, is that their people will take them where they want to go. Just ask Jack Brennan, Executive VP and General Manager for Southern Wine & Spirits of California. "We have created a team for American Wine & Spirits who make sure that all the parts work, with great unity. We've come a long way in 20 years, the hard work has paid off and I am so proud of the people who built it. People are our most important asset." "I'm very proud of the culture we have," adds Gainza. "It's centered on our employees"—which helps explain why people who are with Southern tend to stay there. Like Allen, Gainza is a long-term Southern man, having joined the firm in 1999, and he has been in his current position since 2003. It doesn't seem that anyone is resting on their laurels, though. "We regularly seek out and hire new professional talent as well," Gainza said. "This approach to talent management infuses skills and energy into our team—they have that 'eye of the tiger' that we are looking for. And I think that attitude is infectious across the company." American Wine & Spirits Welcomes Maisons, Marques & Domaines PHOTO: JOHN CURLEY Jack Brennan, Jim Allen and Jon Newlon welcome Maisons, Marques & Domaines (MMD) to the American Wine family: MMD VP/Director of Marketing Xavier Barlier and MMD President/CEO Gregory Balogh. In what stands as one of American Wine & Spirits' largest alignments to date, the portfolio of Maisons, Marques and Domaines recently joined the distributor's ranks in California. "It's a great day!" said Jon Newlon at the launch party, held in Newport Beach at the Balboa Bay Club in early May. "We thank MMD for trusting in us . . . and we assure you that you will feel the stewardship, care and professionalism of AWS!" Jack Brennan toasted the group with a bottle of Roederer Cristal Champagne, and Jim Allen referred to the magnificent global portfolio as a "treasure trove of gems. " june 2013 / the tasting panel / 55 TP0613_042-79.indd 55 5/23/13 4:33 PM