Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/844641
14 / the tasting panel / july 2017 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Tech Spreads East L iberation Distribution (LibDib) of San Jose, California, the first alcohol distributor and technol- ogy company to offer a three tier– compliant web-based platform, has launched in New York. As of last month, restaurants, bars and retailers in New York can purchase hundreds of boutique and craft products that previously were unavailable. Additionally, LibDib has created platform sales teams in both California and New York to increase the adoption of the platform by on- and off- premise accounts. "We are so happy that we are providing all makers access to distribution," says LibDib founder and CEO Cheryl Durzy. "Adoption in California has been tremendous, and as of today we now offer restaurants, bars and retailers in New York access to this new way of purchasing unique and craft products. We are also excited to welcome our new platform ambassador sales team, who round out our unique approach to alcohol distribution." PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBERATION DISTRIBUTION Cheryl Durzy, Liberation Distribution founder and CEO. Sipping at New Heights T he fourth annual Vine & Dine Festival, an adventurous event celebrating artisanal food and wine, runs August 17–20 at Big Sky Resort, located south of Bozeman, Montana, a short distance from Yellowstone National Park. The festival offers the chance to taste hundreds of obscure wines from boutique wineries in a dozen countries and listen to Master Sommeliers discuss topics such as Portuguese, orange and mineral wines. Google's culinary team will be on hand preparing exquisite delights. Back for the fourth year is Vine & Dine's signature event: Pinot on the Peak, in which Big Sky Resort combines Pinot tastings with its popular Lone Peak Expedition. The so-called "Biggest Tasting in America" includes a ride on the Swift Current chairlift, an alpine picnic and an aerial tram ride to the top of Lone Peak. Toast to good wine, new friends and big adventures at 11,166 feet. Wine pairing at Everett's 8800 at Big Sky Resort in Bozeman, MT, as part of the Vine & Dine Festival. PHOTO: BOB ALLEN Here's to the Max A ustralian winery Penfolds has announced the U.S. introduction of a new Penfolds tier called Max's. This major new line pays homage to Penfolds' legendary original winemaker, Max Schubert, who forever altered the course of the Australian wine industry with his creation of Grange, a multi-regional red blend. The first wines from the new line available in the U.S. market are Penfolds 2015 Max's Cabernet Sauvignon ($25) and Penfolds 2015 Max's Shiraz-Cabernet ($25). In crafting the wines, Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago looked to premium vineyards in such prized growing regions as McLaren Vale, the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and Upper Adelaide. Each sub-appellation contributes distinctive flavor and textural components to the harmonious final blends. The introductory vintages will be cloaked in a luxurious, bright-red, shrink-wrapped package. approach to alcohol distribution." PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBERATION DISTRIBUTION Cheryl Durzy, Liberation Distribution founder and CEO. U.S. This This original original course course of Grange, Grange, a U.S. U.S. Sauvignon Sauvignon ($25) In crafting crafting looked looked regions regions as and Upper Upper distinctive distinctive harmonious final final cloaked cloaked in a package. package.