Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
94 / the tasting panel / may 2018 Christine Wente; Chris Giudice; Jordan Wente; Kyle Leubke, General Manager of Vintage Division, Capitol-Husting; Karl Wente; Gerald Zavorka, Vice President of Sales, Capitol- Husting; Jamie Alevizos, Senior Vice President and Owner, Capitol-Husting; and Niki Wente. Jordan Wente; Karl Wente; Pam Schmidt, RNDC Area Manager, North Dakota; Samuel Spencer; Consulting Winemaker; and Niki Wente. Crystal McIntyre, Vice President of Sales, Western Division, Wente Family Estates; Jordan Wente; Karl Wente; Sharon Bantrup, President and Owner, BRJ; and Niki Wente. Tier 2 CAPITOL-HUSTING COMPANY A powerhouse distributor in Wisconsin, Capitol-Husting started out in 1877 as a soda water factory. It's managed to stay family- owned and -operated ever since. "They've been here three consecutive years and they're doing a great job," Hoopes said. Tier 3 REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, NORTH DAKOTA Although RNDC distributes nationally, the North Dakota branch has caught the attention of the Wente family for growth in not just one but all of their brands. "It's their first time here for the Legacy Awards. Another great success story where everything in the portfolio was grown—every single brand," Overton said. BRJ DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, IDAHO BRJ Distributing carries more than 1,300 wines, 200 imported craft beers, and 84 Riedel glass varieties, making this company one of the best resources for fine beer and wine in Idaho. "If you don't know Sharon Bantrup's story, she's kind of a female idol, with 15 years in sales and marketing in various Fortune 500 companies. In 2005, she moves to Idaho and buys BRJ!" Hoopes said. "This is her first Legacy Award, and there's been growth across our entire portfolio with BRJ, so I have a feeling it won't be her last."