Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
94 / the tasting panel / april 2014 TIER ONE Heidelberg Distributing Company – Ohio "Heidelberg Distributing has been family-owned and -operated since 1938. I made my first call to Heidelberg in the mid 1980s, when Russ Wiles and Vail Miller agreed to take on our brands in the Dayton/Cincinnati area," Carolyn Wente points out. "They now represent our brands throughout the state of Ohio and in Kentucky. This Legacy Award year marks the third time that Heidelberg has been recognized as a top distributor with Wente Family Estates. In 2013 their team grew depletions 21% over 2012, on a strong base of the right accounts. Within the WFE portfolio, Wente Vineyards grew 40%! Total accounts for all brands sold increased by 286 in 2013 which was an 18% growth." Brad and Ed Johnston of Tryon Distributing with WFE's Bobby Goodman. Wente Vineyards is up 30% and 113% of goal. The Core brands grew 21% over last year. Bobby Goodman and Amy Hoopes of WFE with Bob Baranski of Brittany Sales; Brad Vassar/SWS, Eric and Carolyn Wente with Patrick Cassidy of SWS/FL. This is the sixth straight year of double-digit growth for Wente at 14% and 104% of goal. Core wines cases were up 14% for the year over 2012. After a stellar year of entwine in 2012, they grew the brand 24%! Tryon Distributing, North Carolina "Last year Tryon grew 32% across the board and was a legacy winner. One week after accepting the award, Brad Johnston insisted, "One Legacy Award is not good enough; let's go for a repeat. I would like to bring my son next year!" I am already hearing that this year's motto around Tryon is, "Let's go for the threepeat!" Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida "What do you do for an encore when you accomplish double-digit growth five years in a row and become the country's number one entwine distributor? Well, if you're SWS of FL you follow in the foot- steps of this year's national football champions, the FSU Seminoles," cheers Carolyn. "Apparently, you either go big or go home! A special thanks to our brokers, Brittany Sales' team, who plays a large part in our day to day success." TP0414_072-101.indd 94 3/21/14 2:53 PM