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On April 5th, 2022, Empire Distributors, Inc. of Tennessee customers and wine trade members were invited to our annual Wine Trade Tasting for the Nashville area! The Wine Trade Tasting brought together many of Empire-distributed wineries and brands with retail & on-premise customers from across the metro Nashville area and allowed trade members to learn more about these items and taste before they bought. Read on to get a recap of some of the brands and suppliers that attended the event and are available in Nashville, Tennessee.
About Alexander Valley Vineyards: After purchasing the historic Cyrus Alexander homestead, Harry and Maggie Wetzel strived to create a thriving agricultural lifestyle on the property. Decades later, the fourth generation of their family is growing up amongst vineyards and next door to the working winery that is known around the world as “AVV”.
Products at Trade Tasting: Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus and Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Merlot; Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve School House; Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
About Chandon: Chandon was sparked into life in 1973 by the visionary spirit of Robert-Jean de Vogüé and California pioneer John Wright. As one of the first French-owned sparkling wine ventures in the U.S., Chandon carefully selected its vineyards and are now considered to be amongst the best for producing quality sparkling wines with a unique expression of the terroir, delighting senses with California brightness, vibrancy and intensity of flavors and aromas.
Products at Trade Tasting: Chandon Brut, Rosé, Garden Spritz and By The Bay Reserve Carneros Vineyard Cuvée P15 Blanc de Blancs.
About Amber Falls Winery: Located in the rolling hills of Hampshire, Tennessee, Judy and Tim purchased the Lewis County property in 2003 with the intention of building and opening a christian retreat center. While the retreat center did not come to fruition, a beautiful vineyard and winery developed. The first vines, Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, were planted in 2005 and for the next 3 years, several thousand more vines were planted as the vineyard expanded to what it is today. They are proud to be voted “Best Winery” and “Best Place to Buy Wine.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Amber Falls Chambourcin Unfiltered, Pinot Gris, Cajunfest, Peach Persuasion, Sweet Dreams Sherry, The People’s Choice Blackberry, and Peach WineTeaZer
About Oliver Winery: Dreaming big is what Oliver Winery does best. What started as a hobby back in the 1960s, has grown Oliver Winery into one of the largest wineries in the U.S. as well as a world-class destination, ranked among Travel + Leisure’s top 25 wineries to visit in the U.S. in 2017. As they have grown, their philosophy remains the same. They believe that all styles of wine deserve the highest craft and respect. They make their top-rated wines in the gentlest way possible, and each one of them share one common characteristic: fruit-forward taste.
Products at Trade Tasting: Oliver Blueberry, Cherry and Lemon Moscatos and Camelot Mead
About Lolea: Lolea is a craft gourmet sangria, 100% natural and unpasteurized. It is produced with the perfect combination of good wine, fruit, spices and an unmistakable sparkling touch. Lolea stands for fiesta and joy, the perfect drink to refresh our summer aperitif moments and afternoons with a stylish sophisticated touch. When Lolea appears, the fiesta gets going.
Products at Trade Tasting: Lolea No. 1 Red Sangria Frizzante, Red Sangria, No. 2 Sparkling White Sangria, No. 4 Garnacha Organic Sangria and Edic No. 5 Limit Rosé Sangria
About Bully Hill Vineyards: Founded in 1970 by Walter S. Taylor, Bully Hill Vineyards was one of the first small estate wineries established in New York State after Prohibition. Known as an innovative leader in the wine industry, Bully Hill pioneered the planting of French-American hybrid grapes in America, and true to our maverick roots, we continue to challenge the conventional with bold new wines and ideas. Join us in being good stewards to “this fragile earth our island home.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Bully Hill Sweet Walter Blackberry, Pineapple, Red Blend, Rosé and Strawberry; and Goat White and Red Blends.
About Bogle Vineyards: Bogle sources grapes from some of the best growing regions across the state of California. Combining these with over 1800 acres of our estate grapes, they are able to produce complex wines of character and distinction.
Products at Trade Tasting: Bogle Vineyards Pinot Grigio; Phantom Chardonnay and Red Blend; Twenty Acres Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay; and Juggernaut Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir
About Francis Ford Coppola Winery: Award-winning wines crafted uniquely for every wine occasion, highlighted by their popular Diamond Collection and sparkling Sofia wines, to their limited production Francis Coppola Reserve wines. For more than forty years, the Coppola family has searched for innovative ways to implement environmentally responsible practices into the vineyards and winemaking techniques and became 100% certified sustainable in 2019.
Products at Trade Tasting: Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles and Chardonnay Monterey County; Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma and Cinema Red Blend; and Sofia Rosé
About Inglenook: Inglenook is a historical winery in the heart of Napa Valley founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum. Owned by Francis Coppola and managed by the talented winemaker Philippe Bascaules, former Chateau Margaux’s Estate Director, Inglenook produces one ultra-premium estate wine: Rubicon.
Products at Trade Tasting: Inglenook Rubicon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Edizione Pennino and 1882 Cabernet Sauvignon
About Dry Creek: Dry Creek Vineyard was founded in 1972 by David S. Stare. The family winery is known for producing some of California’s finest Fumé Blancs and Zinfandels, as well as for excellent Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Products at Trade Tasting: Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Heritage Vines Zinfandel and Old Vine Zinfandel
About King Estate Winery: Founded in 1991 by the King family with a deep commitment to sustainable farming, King Estate is the largest Biodynamic certified vineyard in North America. Discover how their uniquely integrated ecosystem, located in Oregon’s prestigious Willamette Valley, is great for making remarkable wines.
Products at Trade Tasting: King Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Brut Cuvée; Next Wines Red Blend; and The Soldier Cabernet Sauvignon
About J Lohr: Founded five decades ago and still family-owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has established itself as one of the industry’s most respected wine brands. Jerry Lohr’s remarkable career continues in close, hands-on partnership with his children and co-owners Steve, Cynthia, and Lawrence. J. Lohr crafts wines showcasing bold, concentrated flavors and a vibrant sense of place, offering six tiers of award-winning wines.
Products at Trade Tasting: J. Lohr Vineyards Chardonnay Arroyo Vista, White Riesling Bay Mist, Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir, Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc, Los Osos Merlot, Riverstone Chardonnay, Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine, Tower Road Petite Sirah and Hilltop Rest Cuvée
About Rancho La Gloria: As legend has it, we have Marjorie King to thank, for her namesake margarita cocktail was fortuitously conceived at Tijuana’s own Rancho La Gloria Hotel in 1938. Now Rancho La Gloria aims to embody the essence of the original cocktail with fresh lime and premium, 100% Blue Weber Agave in every bottle.
Products at Trade Tasting: Rancho La Gloria Original, Strawberry, Watermelon and Peach Margaritas
About Scandi Beverages: Scandi Beverages hopes to bridge the import gap between the United States and European market. Combining cutting edge technology with ancient European traditions of winemaking, brewing, and distillation to bring new choices to the American consumer. Scandi is an assortment of sparkling, sangria and spritz wines created to delight consumers!
Products at Trade Tasting: Scandi Wild Sangria
About Twisted Sistuhs: Twisted Sistuhs is a female, black and veteran owned wine brand created by Ogechi, Shayla, Kristi, and LaKenya in Nashville, TN. Twisted Sistuhs mission is more evident than ever to change the narrative in this wine industry, to be inspirational, and to cultivate a society of wine lovers, new and old, one sip at a time.
Products at Trade Tasting: Twisted Sistuhs Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Blend
About McPrice Myers: McPrice ‘Mac’ Myers has been crafting high-expression wines of balance, value, and place since 2002. A lifelong, self-proclaimed “food and wine geek,” Mac was a quick study and almost immediately had the press lauding his wines from near and far. His passion for unique sites in Paso Robles and California’s Central Coast, combined with his meticulous attention to detail in the cellar, result in stunning wines that more than live up to the hype.
Products at Trade Tasting: McPrice Myers Bull by the Horns Cabernet Sauvignon, High on the Hog Red and Pound for Pound Zinfandel
About Backyard Bev Co: Backyard Bev Co was started in Denver as Backyard Soda Co in 2018. They began in farmers markets and events around the city serving all natural, hand crafted sodas and snow cones until Covid and they decided to pivot to the mixer category. Their Colorado-sourced, full-spectrum CBD cocktail syrups and CBD mixers create sophisticated craft cocktails allowing you to have good times and good tomorrows!
Products at Trade Tasting: Backyard Bev Co Ginger Lime, Lavender Lemon and Mango Jalapeño canned CBD drinks; and Ginger Lime, Lavender Lemon, Mango Jalapeño and Pomegranate Orange Cocktail Syrups
About Avenue Terroir Wines: Since 2012 Avenue Terroir has imported French wines to the US. Thanks to their great knowledge of the French wine industry, they are on a mission to import wines that over-deliver and preserve margin.
Products at Trade Tasting: Château Les Granges Bordeaux; Domaine Girault Sancerre Le Grand Moulin Rouge and Sancerre Blanc; and Promesses de France Côtes du Rhône
About More Labs: Clinically-proven & designed so you can maximise every moment & get more out of life. Their science-backed products help you feel good, do more & live better.
Products at Trade Tasting: Morning Recovery Lemon and Lemon Sugar-free, Liquid Focus Berry and Dream Well Guava Sugar-free.
About Trefethen Vineyards: One of Napa Valley’s pioneering wineries, Trefethen Vineyards have long championed estate grown wines that express the unique spirit of the land, vines, and people. Now in their third generation, the dedication of their family is manifest in every aspect of their operation, from the soil to the table, including sustainable farming, thoughtful winemaking, and gracious hospitality.
Products at Trade Tasting: Trefethen Vineyards Eshcol Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Dragon’s Tooth Red Blend and The Cowgirl And The Pilot Merlot
About Le Grand Courtâge: Le Grand Courtâge sparkling wines express the convergence of old and new world styles, as well as the French and Americans working together. Produced in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, with grapes sourced from top French regions including Burgundy, Beaujolais and the Loire Valley, the wines are crisp, light and refreshing.
Products at Trade Tasting: Le Grand Courtâge Brut Blanc de Blancs Grande Cuvée and Brut Grande Cuvée Rosé
About Rombauer Vineyards: Founded in 1980, by Koerner and Joan Rombauer, Rombauer Vineyards has been producing acclaimed wines from Napa Valley and the Sierra Foothills ever since. Still family owned and operated, the winery is known for its high-quality wines, exceptional vineyard sites, and family-style hospitality.
Products at Trade Tasting: Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Merlot Carneros and Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
About Klinker Brick Winery: Six Generations of Winemaking with one goal…produce world-class wine. The Felten Family own and manage fifteen individual vineyard blocks of “Old Vine” Zinfandel that range in age from 40 to 120 years old. In 2000, Steve and Lori produced their first vintage of Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel. They continue to produce wine from all of the vineyard blocks, culling only the very best lots for bottling Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel and designated vineyard wines.
Products at Trade Tasting: Klinker Brick Winery Albariño, BrickMason Red Blend, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vine Zinfandel and Syrah Farráh; and Old Ghost Old Vine Zinfandel
About Martin Ray: At Martin Ray Wines, variety is the spice of life. They take advantage of the extraordinary wine-growing regions that surround every side of their home in the middle of the Russian River Valley, from dry-farmed, old-vine Chardonnay from the heart of the Green Valley, all the way to burley, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon from the high summits of Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley.
Products at Trade Tasting: Martin Ray Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Pinot Noir; and Angeline Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Reserve
About Chateau Souverain: From the beginning, Chateau Souverain has had a presence in the finest appellations of Northern California’s wine country. Their wines are from some of the world’s best growing regions and are a testament to the careful execution of their process.
Products at Trade Tasting: Chateau Souverain Sauvignon Blanc
About J Vineyards: For over 30 years, J Vineyards & Winery has elevated the standard for California sparkling and varietal winemakers. Situated in the vine-friendly Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, their vineyards offer the ideal climate for growing distinctive, world-class wines.
Products at Trade Tasting: J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Brut, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and California Cuvée
About Louis M Martini: Since 1933, the Martini family has played an integral role in establishing Napa Valley as one of the world’s premier wine growing regions. Today, their internationally acclaimed portfolio of wines reflects their enduring commitment to excellence in winemaking.
Products at Trade Tasting: Louis M Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
About Maison No. 9: Maison No. 9 French rosé wine is straight from the sun-drenched shores of the Méditerranée in Provence, France. It is a crisp, refreshing and explosive rose with a light pink color and notes of sweet peaches.
Products at Trade Tasting: Maison No. 9, Méditerranée Rosé
About La Marca: La Marca Prosecco elevates the everyday with a crisp, refreshing style and a delicate, floral palate. Made from the expressive Glera grape — found in the hillside vineyards of Italy’s Prosecco capital, Treviso — La Marca Prosecco is an elegant, luxurious sparkling wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods.
Products at Trade Tasting: La Marca Prosecco Rosé
About William Hill: Founded in 1976 by visionary vineyard developer William Hill, William Hill Estate is located at the foot of Atlas Peak on the Silverado Bench. With nearly 40 years of experience growing wine here, William Hill uses their expertise, knowledge and instinct to deliver extraordinary fruit that showcases the distinctive characteristics of their site.
Products at Trade Tasting: William Hill Estate Napa Valley Collection Cabernet Sauvignon and Coastal Collection Chardonnay
About Fleur de Mer: In French, Fleur de Mer means “Flower of the Sea,” and their wines celebrates the Provence region’s famed fields of flowers and vines that bask in the warm summer sun. An elegant Provençal Rosé, Fleur de Mer honors the region’s 2,600-year-old historical tradition of crafting incredible Rosé wines.
Delicate and approachable, Fleur de Mer Rosé captures the serene artistry of the idyllic, sun-washed coastal shores of Provence, the world’s best-known region for Rosé.
Products at Trade Tasting: Fleur de Mer Rosé
About Nobilo: Nobilo Wines believes in the simple pleasures of life, enjoying all the best that nature has to offer, clean air, pristine waters, and generous amounts of sunshine that make relaxing moments with friends all the more memorable. Their wines are distinctive, crisp, fresh and bursting with flavor. Enjoyable on their own or with a variety of cuisines, these award-winning wines are sure to please.
Products at Trade Tasting: Nobilo Icon Collection Sauvignon Blanc
About Orin Swift Cellars: David Swift Phinney founded Orin Swift Cellars in 1998 using Orin from his father’s middle name and Swift from his mother’s maiden name. With two tons of zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others as well as himself and grew the brand to what it is today.
Products at Trade Tasting: Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert and Abstract Red Blend
About Talbott: The renowned Talbott Vineyards crafts estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir inspired by the traditions of Burgundy. With two estate vineyards located in Monterey County, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard and Diamond T Vineyard, Talbott offers a portfolio of exceptional wines to enjoy.
Products at Trade Tasting: Talbott Vineyards Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
About Kim Crawford Wines: Two Words,New Zealand. Kim Crawford is one of New Zealand’s most exciting and innovative wine producers. The winery started out in a small cottage in Auckland, New Zealand and since its launch in 1996, the label has gained critical acclaim around the globe. They aim to “do things unconventionally, take risks, start things, and welcome different.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Kim Crawford Prosecco, Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc and Iced Tea Wine Spritz in Lemon and Peach flavors
About Ruffino: Ruffino embodies the fine Italian art of good giving—the zest for life and shared spirit is in every wine we produce. Embrace every moment—the Italian way.
Product at Trade Tasting: Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale
About Unshackled: A fine wine experience for all, “liberating” California’s best in the form of Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rosé
Products at Trade Tasting: Unshackled Red Blend and Sauvignon Blanc
About 10,000 Hours: 10,000 Hours believes that there are no shortcuts to making memorable wine. Countless hours of focus, dedication and craftsmanship are combined with the finest Red Mountain, Washington grapes to produce their sophisticated and delicious red wines.
Product at Trade Tasting: 10,000 Hours Cabernet Sauvignon
About Aquilini Wines: Aquilini is led by the belief that they “have yet to make our best bottle of wine.” Their wines are nurtured by hand and designed exclusively with Red Mountain, Washington fruit.
Product at Trade Tasting: Aquilini Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
About Chasing Rain: These elegant wines reflect the ideal climate of Red Mountain, Washington, where scant rainfall is controlled by our winemakers to blend red wines that are vibrant and delicious.
Product at Trade Tasting: Chasing Rain Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
About Pacific Rim: Home to the Pacific Rim, Washington’s Columbia Valley provides the ideal soils and climate for growing world class Riesling. As part of Pacific Rim’s winemaking philosophy to promote purity in the winemaking process, stainless steel tanks are used exclusively to produce wines that are fresh, vivid and elegant with delicate yet complex aromas.
Products at Trade Tasting: Pacific Rim Riesling Sweet and Thick Skinned Red Mountain Red Blend
About Rainstorm: Rainstorm Oregon Pinot is on a mission to bring all of Oregon’s vibrant character to life. Sourced from the Willamette Valley, Rainstorm produces balanced and approachable, yet complex Pinot Noir.
Product at Trade Tasting: Rainstorm Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir
About Natura: Natura, as its names suggests, is one of the top organic wines, and inspired purely by nature. Natura is among the top organic wines that are produced from the purest, healthiest and highest quality, organically-grown grapes.
Products at Trade Tasting: Natura Pinot Noir and Rosé
About Placido: Placido offers classic Italian varietals from well-respected regions. A brand rooted in nobility, Placido is a nod to the heritage and legacy of 13th century nobleman Placido dei Placidi.
Products at Trade Tasting: Placido, Moscato d’Asti
About Castello Banfi: Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery located in the Brunello region of Tuscany. This award-winning estate was founded on the philosophy of blending tradition with innovation, and is recognized as a pioneer in elevating the standards of Italian winemaking.
Products at Trade Tasting: Castello Banfi Chianti Riserva, Toscana Centine Pinot Grigio, Toscana Pinot Grigio San Angelo and Toscana Centine Red Blend
About Rosa Regale: Since the times of Cleopatra, this sparkling red wine made from Brachetto d’Acqui has been love at first sip. Legend has it that both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony presented Cleopatra with several wine skins filled with Rosa Regale, Cleopatra’s favorite. The empress then had her lovers drink the wine in order to unleash their passion, and the rest is history.
Products at Trade Tasting:Rosa Regale Asti Sparkling White
About Ca’ Montini: Sourced from grapes coming from an area called Valfredda, located in Ala di Trento, Ca’ Montini has set out to “create a premium Pinot Grigio that truly showcases the quality and winemaking history of Trentino.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Ca Montini Pinot Grigio
About Gemma Di Luna: Gemma di Luna aims to embody “the artistry and ingenuity of Italian winemaking” to create their sparkling wines and “turn everyday experiences into moments of luxury.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Gemma Di Luna Prosecco and Sparkling Moscato
About Living Coral: Living Coral is not just a wine with a cause. Living Coral is a wine that exists because of a cause – to educate wine lovers about the importance of coral reefs, to create awareness of the threats they are facing, and most importantly, to take action to ensure these valuable, vibrant undersea ecosystems that we depend upon do not vanish from our planet. For every bottle sold, the Living Coral Foundation will make a contribution to an organization dedicated to saving our coral reefs.
Product at Trade Tasting: Living Coral Sparkling Rosé
About VOGA: A fusion of form, function, and taste, VOGA Italia is “the epitome of Italian style.” VOGA prides itself in creating new innovations, like a cork with re-sealable cap closures, and in meticulously crafting their products “to capture the best of Italy in every sip.”
Product at Trade Tasting: VOGA Pinot Grigio
About Farmers of Wine: In an industrialized world where family farming is disappearing, Farmers of Wine is a visionary project created to sustain local farming, family viticulture and wines with a local identify. he project follows each farmer through the grape growing process and leverages our relationships, partnerships and economies of scale to ensure these farmers can deliver a high-quality product with authentic taste while receiving fair compensation, which may otherwise be unachievable for these small growers.
Products at Trade Tasting: Farmers of Wine Organic Red Blend
About Argiano: The Argiano estate was founded in 1580 and has served as a bastion of winemaking through the centuries, as well as home to noble families and popes. Since then, Aragiano has become the first Montalcino plastic-free company, eliminating all disposable plastics.
Product at Trade Tasting: Argiano Solengo and Rosso Toscano NC Non Confunditur
About Poggio al Tesoro: Located in Bolgheri, the birthplace of the internationally-revered reds known as Super Tuscans, Poggio al Tesoro produces wines “with a distinctive personality, expressing power and complexity as well as elegance and depth.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Poggio al Tesoro Toscana Vermentino Solosole
About Tornator: Located in the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna, the Tornatores trace their Etna grape growing back to 1865. That heritage is showcased in wines, capturing “the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Tornatore Etna Bianco
About Saint Clair Family Estate: Saint Clair Family Estate is owned by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, viticulture pioneers in Marlborough, New Zealand since 1978. The company’s mission is to create world-class wines that exceed their customers’ every expectation.
Products at Trade Tasting: Saint Clair Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc
About Renato Ratti: Located in Barolo in northwestern Italy, “Quality, research, passion, respect for our history and our land, with a window ever open” is the philosophy and the expression of Renato Ratti.
Product at Trade Tasting: Renato Ratti Langhe Nebbiolo doc Ochetti
About Pahlmeyer Vineyards: 35 years after it’s founding, Pahlmeyer Vineyards remains defined by Northern California mountain fruit, possessing the soulful character born of demanding terroir and exacting fieldwork. Their mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested at night to deliver naturally cooled grapes to the winery.
Products at Trade Tasting: Pahlmeyer Vineyards Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
About Pieropan: The Pieropan winery was founded in 1880 in the heart of the medieval village of Soave. The Pieropans are both the founding family of the Soave zone and the benchmark for producers of Soave Classico. With winemaking led by fourth generation winemaker Dario Pieropan, Pieropan Soave wines are in every conversation worldwide about the best white wines of Italy
Products at Trade Tasting: Pieropan Soave Classico
About Browne Family Vineyards: A family-owned winery located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington, Browne Family Vineyards is “dedicated to building meaningful relationships with our customers and partners through innovative new wines, exciting collaborations, and customer nirvana.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon
About Callaway Cellars: Founded by Ely Callaway, legend and pioneer in viticulture and golf alike, Callaway Cellar Selection enjoys a pedigree of more than 40 years of California winemaking. Callaway harnesses classic California coastal varieties to craft fruit forward, full-bodied wines for everyday enjoyment, honoring the founder’s passion for precision, in every glass.
Products at Trade Tasting: Callaway Cellars Ely Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
About Gruet Winery: Debuting in 1989, Gruet uses the Méthode Champenoise they brought from their family’s vineyard in France to New Mexico to make their sparkling wine.
Products at Trade Tasting: Gruet Brut, Brut Rose and Sauvage Rose.
About Day Drinking: Crafted by the Grammy-winning country music band Little Big Town, Day Drinking Canned Wines offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy wine anywhere and anytime.
Products at Trade Tasting: Day Drinking Watermelon Rosé and Rosé Bubbles Wine Spritzers
About Cantine Povero: Four generations of Povero family wisdom unite to create a beautifully unstoppable force in the heart of Piedmont, Italy. Grandfather Tumlin planted the first vines in the ’40s and it feels as though he still lives through them today. His children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren feel his wisdom, traditions, and lessons every day, even as Cantine Povero adopts modern technologies in their winemaking.
Products at Trade Tasting: Cantine Povero Barbera d’Asti
About Castelfeder: To enter into the world of Castelfeder is to soar across an unspoken threshold into the lush valleys of the high Adige River. The generational devotion of the Giovanett family is deeply Italian–the winery is run by the third generation of grape growers, producing wines that are lean and light with texture and depth as an added dimension.
Product at Trade Tasting: Castelfeder Pertico Vigneti delle Dolomiti Pinot Grigio
About Tenuta Argentiera: Tenuta Argentiera stands in a magnificent patch of land in the Maremma that blends countryside and sea, suspended between woods and Mediterranean scrub. Argentiera has five main vineyard sites and each plot is harvested and vinified separately, exclusively in stainless steel, to preserve the character and fruity complexity lent by terroir variations.
Product at Trade Tasting: Tenuta Argentiera Villa Donoratico Bolgheri and Bolgheri Poggio Ai Ginepri Rosso
About Arrogant Frog: Château Arrogant Frog is located in Grand Cru Limoux with wines are made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah, while the white wines are made from Mauzac and Chardonnay The grapes are hand-harvested whilst the vines are pruned using the Guyot simple and Cordon de Royat methods.
Products at Trade Tasting: Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir
About Col Solivo: Col Solivo is a custom-blended prosecco created by Charles Lazzara (President of Volio) in partnership with the Fattoria Il Palagio winery in Veneto. They were looking for a prosecco to meet the high quality standards of the Denver brunch crowd while resting at a palatable price point. A long period of blending and tasting ensued, from which emerged a balanced, creamy final blend that boasts delicate bubbles and enticing aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and spring flowers.
Products at Trade Tasting: Col Solivo Extra Dry Prosecco
About Domenico Clerico: Domenico Clerico has been one of the greatest innovators in the Italian wine world, a long and constant task, everything focused on enhancing the qualities of Barolo with the philosophy and passion that has always guided him and moreover he has been able to skillfully convey this to those who have followed in his footsteps.
Products at Trade Tasting: Domenico Clerico Barolo
About JUSTIN: JUSTIN wines were first planted back in 1981 with a mission to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends. They combine traditional Old World methods—like hand-harvesting and small-barrel aging in French oak—with New World technology. For example, the “Air Knife”, an ingenious New World process invented by JUSTIN winemakers, boosts grape quality and efficiency.
Products at Trade Tasting: JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Justification and Isosceles Red Blends
About Landmark: Landmark is dedicated to producing handcrafted, ultra-premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from some of California’s finest vineyards.
Products at Trade Tasting: Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
About JNSQ: The phrase “je ne sais quoi” was the inspiration for JNSQ, a superlative new wine made from select California grapes and crafted in the style of the best French Rosés. The result is a taste so unique and surprising that you’ll be at a loss for words to capture what elevates these wines into a class by themselves.
Product at Trade Tasting: JNSQ Rosé Cru
About Art of Earth: Art of Earth is the result of our global search for the finest organic vineyards making wines within classic appellations and their traditional varietals for a pure expression of the region. Our wines are true to their origins and winemaking traditions without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Products at Trade Tasting: Art of Earth Malbec, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Pinot Grigio and Prosecco
About Boxsmith: Boxsmith elevates the everyday experience with quality varietal wines from across the world in an effortlessly potable style that show incredible value.
Products at Trade Tasting: Boxsmith Merlot and Pinot Grigio
About Ca’ Di Prata: Ca di Prata is born in the historic Village of Prata di Pordenone of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the heart of the Proseccco Valdobbiadene DOCG. Wines of distinct quality are made by careful selections of Glera and other grapes, such as Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero, blended and vinified using the traditional Martinotti method to make our unique styles of Prosecco.
Products at Trade Tasting: Ca di Prata Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé
About El Tractor: El Trator celebrates the old fashioned winefarming methods that date back over a century in Argentina. Our El Tractor Malbec epitomizes the tradition founded by French ex-pats after the plight of Phyloxera devestated Europe’s vineyards in the late 19th century and brought the Malbec grape to new heights in Argentina.
Product at Trade Tasting: El Tractor Malbec
About Gekkeikan Sake: In 1637, Gekkeikan’s founder, Jiemon Okura established his sake brewery in the town of Fushimi, a location just south of Kyoto, well-known for its abundant and high-quality water. Access to the ideal ingredients combined with a convenient location enabled Okura and his successors’ business to thrive in the years that followed. In 1905, the brand name GEKKEIKAN (meaning “crown of laurel”) was adopted as the company’s formal pledge to excellence.
Products at Trade Tasting: Gekkeikan Black & Gold Junmai, Traditional Junmai, Haiku Tokubetsu Junmai and Zipang Sparkling Sake
About Sartori di Verona: The heart of the Sartori family’s innovation has always been its tradition with the authentic essence of Veronese wine culture.
Family Sartori has a lasting bond with the history and beauty of Verona and its wine culture. Third-generation winemaker Andrea Sartori is dedicated to the classic Veronese grape varieties and styles to make authentic regional wines are elegantly reinterpreted and personalized to meet the tastes of consumers, first locally and now around the world.
Products at Trade Tasting: Sartori di Verona Estate Collection Amarone della Valpolicella
About Sacha Lichine:Named after its transparent, pink color, The Pale by Sacha Lichine embodies all the characteristics of an authentic Rosé from Provence. It is expressive both inside and out and bears great aromatic freshness on the nose followed by more subtle, fruity notes on the palate. Its elegant palate pairs nicely with its colorful and playful label. Let The Pale by Sacha Lichine transport you to the roaring twenties.
Products at Trade Tasting: Sacha Lichine The Pale Rosé
About Longevity: Longevity Wines is a family-owned, urban winery and certified minority-owned business based in the Livermore Valley wine region of Northern California. Founders Debra and Phil Long opened Longevity in 2008 when their winemaking hobby outgrew their garage. By that time, they had spent years visiting tasting rooms and saw a need for inclusive wine experiences. Their love of warm, welcoming spaces is evident in the cozy, barn-themed tasting room they designed together.
Products at Trade Tasting: Longevity Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Rosé; and Phil Long Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
About Big Red: Winemaking goes to the dogs! Our beloved Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier Ty, also know as “Big Guy”, spent many faithful years welcoming guests to the winery. As a tribute to his memory, Big Guy Wine has playful flavors and is ever constant, just like Ty.
Products at Trade Tasting: Big Red California Red
Reach out with any questions you may have to see just how responsive, knowledgeable and downright friendly an Empire Representative can be.
