Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
38 / the tasting panel / july 2009 Welcome to The Terlato Family Guild "As in all the wines we partner with and/or represent, we believe it's the best grapes at the best vineyard sites that are the major infl uences in greatness. That's our philosophy behind our own label, Terlato Family Vineyards," Bill Terlato tells THE TASTING PANEL. With emphasis on enduring quality, family values and great- ness, the Terlatos have motivated their own distribution family by means of a sales incentive pro- gram with the Terlato Family Vineyards wine brand. "In this environment of changing corporate values and the diminish- ing of family businesses, we have decided to herald and celebrate fam- ily in a big way." Distributors from all over the country were incentivized to enjoy a four day wine, food and cul- tural adventure with the Terlatos. Distributors from nine states made the cut and were fl own to Chicago with their spouses for this third annual event (the Guild's year four incentive program is in progress as of press time). The following photos depict some of the pleasurable family moments that show the Terlatos' appreciation to business associates, who are wel- comed as friends . . . and family. E ach varietal and blend for the Terlato Family Vineyards label is developed by carefully selecting vineyards from the most esteemed viticultural area of California and insisting on limited production of handcrafted wines. These wines are authentic expressions of their regions and are created with the intention of serving gastronomy. Terlato Family Vineyards found perfect Syrah conditions, for instance, in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, which shares important charac- teristics with France's Rhône Valley. As a nod to Terlato being the fi rst to bring classifi ed Bordeaux into the county, Terlato Family Vineyards' top Bordeaux varietal comes from the Stags Leap District, universally hailed as the best Cabernet Sauvignon terroir in California. The line-up also boasts three stylish Bordeaux-style blends—Angel's Peak, Devil's Peak and Cardinals' Peak—which mirror Pomerol, St. Emilion and Margaux, respectively. Tony Terlato put Pinot Grigio on the map of U.S. consumer consciousness with Santa Margherita 30 years ago. It's a fi tting connection to their history that Terlato Family Vineyards selected a Pinot Grigio for their own portfolio. The fruit comes from two vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Inspiration in a Bottle After 50 years in the wine business, it was about time that the Terlato name became a brand in and of itself Opening Night dinner at Sixteen in Trump Int'l Tower, Chicago Bill Terlato greets Matt and Lisa Munn, SW&S Nevada. Tony Terlato with Bob Catalani, Beverage Distributors, Colorado. Terlato Wines Int'l V.P. Laura Jensen greets Will Conniff and wife Pamela, SWS, Ill. Ron & Cindy Weathers, United Liquors, MA.