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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Tequila Avión Takes Flight in Texas T equila Avión is landing in Texas, announces Jenna Fagnan, President of Tequila Avión LLC. Texas is the fi fth state in which the tequila brand has launched. Since its initial introduc- tion in New York and California in July, it is now also available in Florida and New Jersey with additional markets coming soon. “RNDC is excited to represent Tequila Avión,” says Jay B. Johnson, President of Republic National Distributing Company, Texas. “The early demand and high volume of requests from retailers and restau- rateurs is extremely unusual for a new spirit launch and, I believe, is a strong indication of the brand’s bright future in the state of Texas.” ZAP ‘11 T A Massimo Move for DFV he 20th Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) Zinfandel Festival will take place January 27–29, 2011, in San Francisco. The festival consists of four events in three days, showcasing approximately 250 wineries pouring barrel samples and new releases, together with educational seminars, culinary demonstrations and Zin-friendly food pairings. The ZAP Festival is the most comprehensive showing of Zinfandel wines in the world. ZAP has selected the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as its 2011 charity of choice; portion of the proceeds of festival ticket sales and auctions will benefi t these organizations. Go to www.zinfandel.org for more Designer Surfboard H amily-owned California win- ery DFV Wines has launched Massimo, a line of wines that showcase grape varieties from some of the world’s most sought- after viticultural areas. Massimo literally means “big” and includes a Malbec from Argentina and a Rioja from Spain. “My family has been deeply ingrained in the California wine industry for nearly a century, but we’ve always enjoyed wine from other parts of the world,” says Chris Indelicato, President and CEO of DFV Wines. “Although we import several wines from Europe already, the Massimo project is a fi rst for us.” Both wines offer a suggested retail price of $12.99. F otel California Tequila has partnered with world renowned California surfboard designer Mike Walker to create a customized surfboard that will be utilized in event marketing and on- and off- premise promotions. President Brian Whitney says, “We intend to use these surfboards for select events, promotions and incentives for key accounts. It’s an extension of the legend and part of the lifestyle behind the brand.” Hotel California Tequila USA has signed with Southern Wine & Spirits in Southern California to distribute its ultra-premium brand throughout the entire state of California. Suggested retails for Hotel California Tequila expressions range from $49.99 to $59.99. For more information go to www.hotelcaliforniatequila.com. 12 / the tasting panel / november 2010 Glazer’s and Prestige agreement to acquire substan- tially all of the assets of Prestige Wine Cellars, Inc., a distributor of fi ne wine throughout the state of Texas. Key leadership who will remain in place includes Bill Stowe, who will be Vice President, Chad Butler, General Manager, and Ryan Hamby, State Market Manager. G lazer’s Distributors has entered into a defi nitive