Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061
IndUsTRy spOTlIghT Markham donates to sWs Charity of Choice T he Markham Vineyards "Mark of Distinction 2013" program incentivizes distributors and retailers to move Markham wines by offering donations to charities of their choice. This year, Southern Wine & Spirits of SoCal sales team earned a donation from Markham of $21,567 for their favored cause, the Scleroderma Foundation. In total, Markham has contributed more than $137,000 to SWS's charities of choice. Jerry Kapple, Director of Scleroderma Foundation; Steve King, Vice-President, Southern Division; Chris Pettit, Vice-President, Off-Sale National Accounts Convenience Stores; Lexi Pettit; Mike Hanskat, National Accounts OffPremise West; Ken Snyder, Director of Wine/ SWS; and James Bradney, VP-GM/SWS of SoCal. This Fall, It starts with "U" W ines of Chile member Viña Undurraga introduces "U"—a brand new extension to complement its well-established portfolio of wines. "U" boasts new packaging and value pricing at $9.99 SRP, targeted toward the social consumer. Undurraga "U" will offer four different wines—all estate-grown—from various regions in Chile: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from the Maipo Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon from Rapel and a white blend of Chardonnay and Riesling from the Central Valley. Advertising and promotional materials will feature taglines such as: "It's all about U!" and "It all starts with U!" "Undurraga created 'U' to begin a reinvigoration of its classic brand," says Debbie Lane, President of Testa Wine, importer of Undurraga wines. With a history dating back to 1885, Don Francisco Undurraga founded Viña Undurraga using plants he personally brought over in lead capsules from Germany and France. By 1903 Viña Undurraga became the first Chilean winery to export to the U.S. "U" will be targeted toward independent off-premise stores in the Northern region of the U.S., and to chain stores in the Southern U.S., with hopes of national distribution in the future. APPOInTMEnTs Precept Wine has announced the appointment of John Hadley as its Florida Regional Manager. He will report to Shane Owens, Southeast Divisional Vice President. Blue Nectar Spirits has appointed José Chao, a former VP of John Hadley. Bacardi Inc., as VP and National Sales Director, overseeing expansion and sales initiatives for the company's three award-winning tequila expressions: Silver, Reposado and Special Reserve. In his new role, Chao will be responsible for identifying, evaluating and driving Jose Chao. growth opportunities in national markets, as well as managing the Blue Nectar sales force, distribution partnerships and sales and marketing strategy. 10 / the tasting panel / october 2013 TP1013_001-33.indd 10 9/23/13 10:33 PM