Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
y The Wente family gathered to celebrate the Legacy V Awards. Left to right: Carolyn Wente, Philip Wente, Christine Wente, Karl Wente and Eric Wente. Wente's Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, extends a warm welcome to Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida's Steve Slater, President, GM Wine Division, and Barry Zeidwig, Executive VP, GM of North FL. G athered at Wente Family Estates' beautiful Murrieta's Well winery, distributors from around the world happily mingled in an intimate setting, greeting each other like old friends and talking shop. Peppered throughout the room, members of the Wente family welcomed each guest warmly. The air in the room was more family reunion than stuffy sales meeting, and there was good reason for all the love: In conjunction with the winery's 130th anniversary, this distinguished crowd had gathered to celebrate excellence in sales, honoring the nation's top distributors and international importers' impressive and record-breaking sales from across the world. "We are one of the luckiest families in the wine industry," said emcee Carolyn Wente, Fifth Generation Winegrower and CEO of the familyowned and operated business. "We really appreciate the share of mind you've given us," she said, "and felt that it was important to connect with the top performers and get to spend time with you as family. It's a great chance to get to know you better, and for you to get to know us better." Sales leader Southern Wine & Spirits of California was represented by iconic industry leader Jack Brennan, EVP. "I want you to take a look at how many Wente's are in this room," he said, gesturing to third generation family member Jean Wente, whom Brennan has known for years. "We represent a lot of folks," he said, "and when we're out in the market next week, think about that. Think about this family." While the award-winners were grateful for the relationship, no one seemed more pleased than the Wente clan. "We are so lucky to know each and every one of you," she said. "We couldn't do it without you." april 2013 / the tasting panel / 97