Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
44 / the tasting panel / november 2017 EVENT EDUCATION I n celebration of its distribution agreement with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Delicato Family Vineyards and V2 Wine Group recently hosted launch events in California—the 17th U.S. market to sell the company's products. More than 400 sales representatives from American Wines & Spirits of California and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits attended the launch, held at the Newport Beach Country Club in September. The sales force had the opportunity to taste the new brands they'll be representing while receiving education on key labels. Southern Glazers' leadership team discussed the strong partnership between the two growing companies while Delicato CEO and President Chris Indelicato and Jim Russell, Vice President of National Sales, spoke about the company's history and opportunities for growth. "As two family-owned companies, Delicato has a long-standing relationship with Southern Glazer's and they have played a large role in helping Delicato become a top-ten wine com- pany," Indelicato said. "We greatly value all of our relationships with their team throughout the country, and expanding our relationship into California has helped us effectively manage the continuing growth of our portfolio." Leanne Chau is the Marketing Director for Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits. Delicato's top-selling, nationally-distributed portfolio includes Bota Box, Gnarly Head, the Noble Vines Collection, and Z. Alexander Brown. From left to right: Brian vanBaggen, National Account Manager– National Sales, Delicato; Jim Russell, VP of Sales–West, Delicato; James Bradney, Senior Vice President–General Manager, SGWS of Southern California; Chris Indelicato, President and CEO, Delicato; Steve Harden, Executive Vice President of Sales, SGWS of California; Ken Snyder, Vice President–General Wine Manager, SGWS of Southern California; Frank Santangelo, Vice President–Director of Chains, SGWS of Southern California; and Adrian Ruiz, Vice President–Director of Merchandising, SGWS of Southern California. From left to right: Sean Walsh, Western Region Director of Sales, Merryvale Family of Wines; Alex Dessouky, Vice President of Marketing, V2 Wine Group; Andy McVay, Assistant Winemaker, Dobbes Family Estates; Scott Ericson, Senior Vice President/National Sales Manager, V2 Wine Group; Jon Newlon, Vice President/General Manager, American Wine & Spirits of California; Brian Rogers, Vice President/General Manager of AWS, Southern California; and Cindy Bock, California Region Manager, V2 Wine Group. A Greater Stake in the Sunshine State DELICATO CELEBRATES ITS LAUNCH IN THE CALIFORNIA WINE MARKET by Leanne Chau / photos by Margaret Soss