Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
Lauber Selections of New Jersey showed a 41% increase in Wente portfolio sales—that's a 2,000- case increase over the prior year, with 500 new points of distribution for entwine. "This is the second year in a row that we have awarded Lauber," Carolyn announced. Left to right: Eric Wente, Chris Giudice (VP Sales Eastern Region for WFE), Bill Swenarton of Lauber Selections, Amy Hoopes of Wente Family Estates, Karl Wente, John Bengivenni of Lauber and Carolyn Wente. A fitting location for the celebration for New England Wine & Spirits, which received the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Sales Performance for Murrieta's Well. Pictured left to right, Mike O'Hara from NE W&S; Carolyn and Karl Wente; Daniel Hogan of NE W&S, Meridith May, Publisher/Executive Editor of THE TASTING PANEL; and Wente's Chris Giudice. Olinger Distributing-Glazer's of Indiana were above goal in double-digit growth, both on- and off-premise. Left to right: Dan Novack of Olinger-Glazer's, Karl Wente, Bridget Epp of Wente Family Estates, Jim Calvert of Olinger-Glazer's and Carolyn Wente. Lipman Brothers of Tennessee—a fourth-generation family business—is one of the oldest distributors in the nation, estab- lished in 1939. Wente Family Estates has been a brand in their portfolio for over 50 years. "They exceed our goals every year," commented Carolyn Wente. Back row: Pat Kerrigan of Lipman Brothers with Karl Wente. Front row: Carolyn Wente, Todd Sneed of Lipman with Wente's Bridget Epp. The Capitol-Husting Company of Wisconsin was up a whopping 111% on core brands and according to Carolyn Wente, "completely knocked it out of the park for our new brand, entwine." Left to right, back row: Gino Mantuano of Capitol-Husting with Karl Wente. Front row: Carolyn Wente, Bridget Epp (VP Sales Midwest Region, Wente Family Estates) with Tim Kyte of Capitol-Husting. april 2012 / the tasting panel / 75