Trinchero Family Estates Appoints Southern Wine & Spirits of Indiana as its Distributor in the State

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wayne E. Chaplin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., (Southern)—the country’s leading wine and spirits distributor—announced today that Trinchero Family Estates (Trinchero), St. Helena, California—one of the nation’s largest wine suppliers—has extended its national distribution alignment with Southern to Indiana. This brings the two companies’ alignment to nine U.S. markets—with Southern’s Prestige Division handling the Trinchero portfolio across the State of Indiana.

“Since our Prestige Division was launched more than two years ago, it has continued to grow and advance. The timing could not be better for Trinchero to join Southern in Indiana. We look forward to working closely with Bob and his team to steward the Trinchero brands for great success.”

Regarding the expanded relationship, Chaplin said, “We are excited to expand our relationship into Indiana with the Trinchero Family—their organization and their iconic Napa Valley and international brands. We are both strong, family-owned enterprises, and we share many synergies in our respective values, goals and operations.”

Bob Torkelson, Trinchero’s President & Chief Operating Officer, commented, “In extending our valued partnership with Southern to Indiana, we look forward to working closely with Art Salvi and the entire Southern team in Indiana to increase our profile and strengthen our brands’ growth and share now and into the future.”

Brad Vassar, Southern’s Executive Vice President, General Manager, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to expand our joint route to market with Trinchero’s brands to Indiana’s dynamic channels of trade.” Art Salvi, Southern’s Indiana Vice President, General Manager, added, “Since our Prestige Division was launched more than two years ago, it has continued to grow and advance. The timing could not be better for Trinchero to join Southern in Indiana. We look forward to working closely with Bob and his team to steward the Trinchero brands for great success.”

The exclusive statewide distribution agreement in Indiana was effective March 1, 2013.

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. is the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets. The multi-state distributor currently operates in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. In addition, Southern operates in Minnesota through a joint venture with J.J. Taylor Distributing Company. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs nearly 14,000 team members. Southern urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information about Southern and its responsible consumption program, see: http://www.southernwine.com

About Trinchero Family Estates

Trinchero Family Estates (“TFE”) is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. Today, the portfolio includes more than 30 brands such as Sutter Home, Trinchero Napa Valley, Napa Cellars, Terra d’Oro, SeaGlass, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Ménage à Trois, and the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre. TFE markets and sells Joel Gott Wines; Charles & Charles wines; and the Three Thieves group of wines: Bandit, Newman’s Own, and The SHOW. TFE’s import portfolio includes Angove Wines from Australia; Doña Paula wines from Argentina; Carmen Wines from Chile; Shatter Wines from France; and CRUZ and Tres Agaves Tequilas from Mexico. For more information, see: http://tfewines.com