Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/488317
april 2015 / the tasting panel / 109 Southern Wine & Spirits of California "I've been in the business for 30 years. In the beginning of my career it wasn't as important [the legacy of their family] but now it is more than ever. They've been willing to change and able to keep the continuity of the winery in the family," explains Steven Slater, Executive Vice President/ General Manager of Wine Division, Southern Wine and Spirits of America when asked how the Wente brand drives sales. "This team created the Platinum category given their strength of distribution, dedication to the brand and understanding that there was still work to do. They do not rest on their laurels," validates Carolyn Wente. Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida "We truly love our relationship with Wente, and we're working harder than ever before. It's wonderful to work with families, and it's unexpected in this world of wine of ours," says Mel Dick, Senior Vice President and President of Wine Division, Southern Wine & Spirits of America. This is SWS of Florida's first time in the Platinum tier. In 2012, they made Wente's wine brand, entwine, the number-one wine brand in Florida in its price segment, and it remains the leading market for entwine sales. (Left to right) Mel Dick, SWS; James Bradney, SWS; Carolyn Wente; Jim Andrus, SWS; Eric Wente; Karl Wente; Amy Hoopes, Wente Family Estates; Steven Slater, SWS; and Steve Harden, SWS. (Front) Larry DiPietro, Wente Family Estates. The platinum tier starts at over 100,000 cases, which they exceeded. This is their fourth Legacy Award. Bob Baranski, SWS; Bobby Goodman, Wente Family Estates; Carolyn Wente; Mel Dick; Eric Wente; John Keigher, SWS; Amy Hoopes, Wente Family Estates; Steve Slater, SWS; and Karl Wente. Platinum Tier