The Vintner Group, Inc. and Winebow, Inc. today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to join forces as The Winebow Group.
The Winebow Group will offer a comprehensive import portfolio nationwide and a combined distribution network that includes the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington D.C.
Reaching nearly half of the wine consumption in the U.S., the company will combine its financial stability and resources with its core values of passion, knowledge and outstanding customer service to become a new kind of leader in fine wine and craft spirits.
The new entity unites two companies that have striking similarities in history, structure and core values: both were founded in 1980, have grown significantly in recent years, have approximately the same number of employees, and share a common culture based on a passion for fine wine and craft spirits, knowledge of the products and regions represented, and personalized service.
David Townsend, who led The Vintner Group through its recent years of rapid growth and has nearly 20 years of experience in fine wine distribution, will lead The Winebow Group as President and CEO. "We are thrilled to build upon our shared, long-term focus on family-owned, estate wineries and our knowledge-based, service-oriented sales culture," said Townsend. "Bringing together the best resources and the best practices of each company allows us to conduct our style of business on an unprecedented scale. Our financial strength, operational expertise, and extended reach will provide a level of service not seen before in the fine wine and craft spirits sector."
"I am extremely pleased that Winebow, which has meant so much to me for over three decades, has joined forces with such a complementary partner," says Leonardo LoCascio, Founder and Chairman Emeritus who created Winebow over 34 years ago. "Together, it will make for a compelling company that will exceed in its ability to meet the needs of the ever-changing wine and craft spirits landscape. Success in today's market place is all about execution, and The Winebow Group will have a unique platform from which to develop our brands and meet the needs of our suppliers and our customers," LoCascio added.
