Hello dear friends! The year is almost over and for The Wine Chaser, this has a special significance. We will always remember 2021 fondly since it was the year in which our company was officially founded. Of course, we have had various challenges from the very beginning and along the way, however, we have persisted and kept ourselves on our path. Working on what we love so much is truly fulfilling and rewarding. Among friends and customers, we often talk about how special wine is! Think about it… Each bottle has a story to tell, each represents a way of making that is directly related to years of tradition, to the elements of a region or a grape variety. How much work and detail enrich that bottle of wine on your table! That is why, unlike liqueurs and other spirits, wine is always perfect for sharing, in celebration or simply as an act of both curiosity and pleasure. That is our passion, to maximize that experience through our brands and knowledge.
'Bring it on 2022'. CEO and founder, Idania Gonzalez.
Let’s recap on those unforgettable moments that made this year such a productive one!
Our beginnings, back in February, were marked by a pairing dinner at the amazing Gran Inka of Dolphin Mall. For the occasion, in which Mexcor International was introduced as our first regional distributor, Vinicola Real - our prestigious winery from Rioja - was featured with a pristine Lorinon wine selection.
One of our most effective strategies to quickly support our brands, and at the same time, to accelerate product rotation in many establishments this year, was to conduct professional tasting experiences. Clementine's Wine Gourmet was one of the first local businesses that collaborated with us along with Grove Liquors. Today, our professional tastings represent a remarkable advantage for partners such as Descorche, Xixon, Jensen Liquors, Price Choice, and many others whose sales have significantly improved. This, coupled with education, has created a path that we will surely continue developing during 2022. Our first educational experience in 2021 was ‘Women and Wine, The Perfect Pairing’ led by Master Sommelier Yamir Pellegrino back in March. This workshop, considered ‘enriching and necessary’ among participants, was oriented to women in the gastronomy industry aiming to enhance their knowledge about wine and wine etiquette.
Having organized dozens of tastings and wine dinners with different restaurants and businesses has given us the insight to deliver a flawless experience.
Wine dinners are always fun, creative, and educational experiences. This year we conducted many of them! It has been delightful to see many of you, wine lovers and enthusiasts, develop a broader taste for pairings. 100x35 Kitchen with Roots, Gran Inka Restaurants, La Cucheria Sports Cafe, the amazing Jamon Iberico Pata Negra, Montecatini, Ceviche Bar by Mixtura were some of the restaurants that explored this sales alternative with us! As a result, some alliances have become stronger so that we collaborated in other projects. That is the case of Aromas Del Peru, the Peruvian restaurant chain we partnered with in support of Smile Train and Sembrando Sonrisas En Los Niños. Both organizations support children who live in extreme poverty in different corners of the world. Back in May, Marita Astete, owner of the chain and director of the Aromas Foundation, asked us to join forces again for these philanthropic organizations. The then Miss Universe Colombia, Laura Oliscuaga, attended the fundraiser in support of the cause. Throughout the year we collaborated with other Aromas Foundation charity events as well as four wine dinners for different chain franchises. These truly represents some of the highlights of 2021.
We conducted many tastings at supermarkets, liquor stores, hotels and restaurants in the Miami area.
Creativity comes first in our wine dinners. We work closely with chefs and service personnel to deliver amazing gastronomic experiences.
Back in May, The Wine Chaser became the brand ambassador of Simone International in Dominican Republic. Immediately afterwards we took part in UNwineD, Panama City’s biggest wine event and one of the most important in Florida State. Winning Best Stand and Best Wine categories (awarded to Anecoop Bodegas) instantly became one of our year’s most remarkable achievements.
UNwineD was definitely one of the highlights of 2021 for The Wine Chaser team.
A big opportunity to showcase our expertise and portfolio came up mid-year when TV personality Yossie Galindo, invited Idania Gonzalez for a special segment on local television. The show, aired in Miami, had excellent ratings and feedback. More recently, and probably because of that ‘original’ program, we were offered a permanent section in Univista TV’s best-rated El Show De Carlucho.
The Wine Chaser is now conducting a regular segment about the wonderful world of wines for Univista TV in which we talk about wine, varietals and terroirs.
Memories from our first VIP Wine Lunch at Montecatini Restaurant, a gastronomic gem.
Our first VIP pairing lunch at the iconic Montecatini Restaurant, attended by the owners of Monte Quieto Bodega de Familia, deserves a special mention. The lunch, which acted as a precursor to the later The Chaser Wine Club, was a total gastronomic success. Soon after, an official winery presentation took place at the legendary Smith & Wollensky American Steakhouse.
October 12th marked another important ‘first’ for The Wine Chaser. That is when our 2021 exclusive trade show took place. Without a doubt, this was an event that demanded a great effort and coordination not only from us but from the wineries we represent and our importer as well. Persistence pays off, they say. And indeed, so it was! We couldn’t think of a better way to start the high season for the wine industry, which in Florida regularly spans from mid-October to the beginning of summer. Numerous sales, new clients and a more comprehensive portfolio were some of the best results of the trade show.
Marita Astete and Idania Gonzalez, partnered in business this year and also supported several organizations on a mission to help children in need.
Memories of our 2021 Trade Show at the legendary Steakhouse Smith and Wollensky.
Although covered here very recently, this year’s Miami Wine Fair also represented a great opportunity for our wines. More than 700 participants came to Coconut Grove Woman’s Club, home of this fair that promotes wine, chocolate, and other gourmet specialties.
Started last August, the International Sommelier Courses (Level I and II) led by Yamir Pellegrino –from Iberoamerican Gourmet Academy–, will be one of our biggest ambitions for the upcoming year. For that purpose, we have created the TWC Learning Center so that we can continue offering instruction and different trainings for restaurant personnel in general and for those more career-oriented. This will benefit many restaurants that have been severely affected by the pandemic and today lack a skilled workforce. Stay tuned with our blog and find out which courses will be open starting in January. Apart from that we have just opened new offices in West Flagler Street and will soon incorporate new brands to our portfolio. We look forward to a year of new goals! Follow us on social media and get daily updates on our numerous initiatives.
Our long time collaborator Yamir Pellegrino and Sales Manager Elizabeth Campos at the graduation of our International Sommelier Course Level I graduation.
We want to end today’s post with a big thank you to all the friends, business owners and supporters in general who have contributed to our rapid establishment and success. Special thanks to Classic Wines Global Logistics team for the unconditional guidance, work ethics and professionalism they have shown since day one. Thanks to Mexcor’s on- and off-premises teams for the sustained work growing our brands through their network. And thanks to our readers too!
May 2022 bring us closer! Let's raise our glasses and toast to a year full of love, health and good wines! Happy new year friends!
Dominic Rodriguez, leader of Classic Wines Global Logistics and The Wine Chaser team.
This is some recap!! How incredibly well you managed your first year in business. Most start-up businesses take years to break even, yet here you are with your extraordinary talent and passion that made this first year a tremendous success, despite significant challenges!! By that measure you are right, "bring it on 2022" and I am looking forward to support and see the outstanding successes that await in your path ahead. Happy New Year!!!