June 2013 - enter here

IndustryNEWSBaltimore Plays Host to Major Palm BayInternational Portfolio TastingBy TED DURGINPalm Bay International recentlybrought its Winemaker Tour 2013portfolio tasting to the BaltimoreMarriott. Everyone in attendance --from area industry professionals to storeowners to restaurant operators -- wassuitably impressed with the collectionof international wineries and spirits producerson display in one of the hotel’sbiggest ballrooms.Gary Schlem, General Manager– Wine & Spirits for Palm BayInternational, remarked, “As animporter, you’re traveling with dozens ofyour valued producers, winemakers, andBarry Cregan, SWS; Jessica Willey, Palm Bay; Chris Haroza, Terra Andina, and Andrew Gergel,all with SWS; are shown here showcasing Terra Andina Wines.Anne Poniatowski, representative forMas de la Dame.owners. You have to make sure you arecoming into the right town. You can’tafford a lackluster turnout. Everybodyhas been ecstatic with the kind of supportwe’ve had here in Baltimore.”For some, the Baltimore tastingwas an opportunity to educate. AnnePoniatowski of France’s Mas de la Damestated, “People tend to know moreabout grapes than about regions. Sothis is an opportunity to explain to themthe differences between Provence andBordeaux and Burgundy and so forth.”For others, the event was an opportunityto reach out to new clients and reconnectwith old friends and colleagues.Among those who expressed such sentimentswas Massimiliano Giacomini,Cavit’s export director for the USA,Canada, and South America. “You getto see a lot of people you know, a lotMassiniliano "Max" Giacomini, Export DirectorUSA, Canada & South America for Cavit.Gonzague De Luze of LD VINSBordeaux Chateau.Thibault Poisson, Export Manager forChateau de Montfort.Elin Mann, representative of the Arrogant Frogbrand created by winemaker Jean-Claude Mas.4 Beverage Journal June 2013 www.BeverageJournalInc.com