Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/661678
94 / the tasting panel / april 2016 GOLD TIER With international distributor partners flying in to be recognized for their achievements, Carolyn Wente had plenty to cheer for: At the Bronze level, Gosling Brothers Limited, based out of Bermuda, is another family business with a rich history and legacy, beyond even their famous Gosling's Black Seal Rum and Gosling's Dark Ginger Beer. "Goslings has been representing our wines, sharing them with islanders, tourists, cruise ships, growing the aware- ness of our brands through taste trials in Bermuda, touching many wine consumers internationally," said Carolyn. Silver Legacy Export winner Ferrer y Asociados has been rep- resenting Wente Family Estates wines in Mexico for a decade, and was a first-time Legacy award winner, having grown the portfo- lio 93% in 2015 over prior year. "A bit of trivia about Ferrer," chimed Carolyn: "All of the key people at Ferrer are French! French people living in Mexico, selling American wine! Say what?" Carolyn turned to Ralph Waldo Emerson for inspiration when speaking about Gold Legacy Award winners International Cellars, in Western Canada. "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail," quoted Carolyn. "Since 2008, International Cellars has left the path and excelled in making their own trail." Tryon Distributing, North Carolina "Ed has won four Legacy awards in four consecutive years," commented Carolyn Wente. "What he and Tryon Distributing are doing is an amazing example of execution across our entire portfolio." Phil Wente; Carolyn Wente; Tyson Overton, Wente Family Estates; Ed Johnston, Tryon; Karl Wente; Eric Wente; Amy Hoopes, Wente Family Estates. Southern Wine & Spirits of New York "If I were to do the math, Southern Wine & Spirits of New York will have achieved this milestone three times in the 11 years of their starting business in the state. That's 27% better than the New York Yankees," ribbed Carolyn Wente. Gentle jokes aside, Carolyn was quick to point out high visibility and key placements, such as the Wente Family Estates Riva Ranch Chardonnay at the Ralph Lauren Polo Bar, as big wins. Eric Niccolls, SWS; Matt Munn, SWS; Carolyn Wente; Karl Wente; Chris Giudice, Wente Family Estates; Steve Slater, SWS; Tyson Overton, Wente Family Estates; Amy Hoopes, Wente Family Estates; Jason Schweriner, SWS; Larry O'Rourke, SWS. Heidelberg Distributing, Ohio Third-time Legacy Award winners Heidelberg Distributing in Ohio are a perfect match with the Wente's family-driven business model: Heidelberg Distributing in Ohio was started by Vail Miller's grandfather-in-law, and the company is family-owned and -operated to this day. Phil Wente; Tyson Overton, Wente Family Estates; Karl Wente; Carolyn Wente; Vail Miller, Heidelberg Distributing; Bridget Epp, Wente Family Estates; Eric Wente; Amy Hoopes, Wente Family Estates. An International Family Affair