08/07/2024

The bulk wine industry plays a crucial role in the American wine market. Bulk wine, shipped in large containers and bottled at its destination, is a cost-effective and sustainable solution that caters to a wide range of consumer needs. From private-label wines at major retailers to high-quality table wines, bulk wine serves diverse market demands. Let’s talk about the important companies and key figures driving the bulk wine industry in the USA, providing insights into their contributions and the overall significance of bulk wine in the market.

Background of Bulk Wine in the USA

Bulk wine, often misunderstood as low-quality, actually plays a critical role in the wine industry. Defined as wine shipped in large containers and bottled at the destination, bulk wine is used in many consumer products, including private-label wines at major retailers like Costco and Trader Joe’s. In 2023, the U.S. imported approximately 400 million liters of bulk wine, reflecting a 65% increase over the past decade. Bulk wine production in the U.S. now accounts for about 70% of exported wine by volume, underscoring its critical role in both domestic and international markets (source: VinePair).

How Bulk Wine is Sourced

Bulk wine sourcing involves large-scale production and distribution strategies, often supported by wine brokers and importers who connect producers with buyers. The process is favored for its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility in serving various market needs. Bulk wine is often imported from countries like Spain, South Africa, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Leading Bulk Wine Companies in the USA

The Incredible Bulk Wine Company: Specializes in managing bulk wine sales for Pacific Northwest wineries, with over a million gallons of inventory and a large buyer database.

Image: The Incredible Bulk Wine Company exhibiting at IBWSS US 2018.

Ciatti Company: The world’s largest broker of bulk wine, offering comprehensive supply solutions and maintaining extensive inventories of bulk wine globally.

Image: Ciatti Company exhibited at IBWSS 2022 & 2023 and will be exhibiting in 2024. (Right Side) Todd Azevedo, speaker at IBWSS US 2024.

At the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS) 2024, Todd Azevedo, Wine & Grape Broker and Partner at Ciatti will present on "Global Bulk Trends and Opportunities." Azevedo will highlight current trends in the bulk wine market, identifying key regions and varieties that are in demand. He will discuss the factors driving these trends, such as climate change and consumer preferences. Azevedo will also explore opportunities for producers and brokers to capitalize on these trends, offering strategic insights into navigating the global market. The presentation aims to equip attendees with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the bulk wine industry.

Turrentine Brokerage: A California-based firm with over 40 years of experience, helping clients manage inventory and market fluctuations through bulk wine transactions.

Image: Turrentine Brokerage exhibiting at IBWSS 2017.

O'Neill Vintners & Distillers: One of California’s premier bulk wine producers, offering a wide range of varietals and wine styles to meet diverse customer needs.

Image: O'Neill Vintners & Distillers exhibiting at IBWSS US 2023.

Delicato Family Vineyards: A wine company that sources grapes from Napa, Lodi, Monterey, and Sonoma to produce high-quality bulk wines.

Image: Delicato Family Vineyards will be exhibiting at IBWSS US 2024.

Rack & Riddle: Known for its custom crush facility, producing both still and sparkling wines, and ensuring quality through meticulous production processes.

Image: Rack & Riddle exhibiting at IBWSS 2018.

Peltier Winery: An innovative winery and custom crush facility, offering sustainably farmed, estate-grown wines for domestic and global markets.

Image: Peltier Winery is exhibiting at IBWSS 2017.

Agajanian Vineyards and Wine Co.: A full-service wine grape merchant providing premium bulk wine and grape juice, focusing on California varieties like Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Image: Agajanian Vineyards and Wine Co. exhibiting at IBWSS 2021

A W Direct: A wine branding company operating in all US markets, specializing in sourcing, bottling, and logistics for wines from California and around the world.

Image: A W Direct exhibiting at IBWSS US 2017.

Northwest Wine Company: An Oregon-based custom winegrowing facility known for its attention to grape quality and state-of-the-art winemaking tools.

Image: Northwest Wine Company will be exhibiting at IBWSS US 2024.

Key People in the Bulk Wine Industry

Tony Leonardini: Director of Import Bulk Purchasing at Delicato Family Wines, known for his expertise in sourcing and managing bulk wine imports. 

Cathy Ference: Senior Manager of Bulk Wine Supply at Constellation Brands, overseeing bulk wine procurement and supply chain management.

Noël Schaff: B2B Sales Manager at O'Neill Vintners and Distillers, responsible for business-to-business sales of bulk wine products.

Manveer Sandhu: Director of Winemaking at Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services, known for his innovative winemaking techniques and quality control. 

Image: (L-R) Tony Leonardini, Cathy Ference, Noël Schaff and Manveer Sandhu.

Cathy, Noël, and Manveer will take the stage at the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show 2024 at the Bottlers Panel: What Bottlers are Looking for in Bulk Buying. This discussion will provide valuable insights from these prominent figures in the bottling industry on their criteria and considerations when purchasing bulk wine. 

Major Bulk Wine Brokers in the USA

Ciatti Company: Provides global bulk wine brokerage services, connecting growers, suppliers, and end-users with reliable market information and extensive inventories.

Turrentine Brokerage: Offers expert negotiation and documentation services for buying and selling bulk wine, leveraging decades of industry experience.

Case By Case Wine and Grape Brokers, Inc.: Specializes in sourcing ultra-premium wine grapes and bulk wines, focusing on customer service and competitive pricing.

Eagle America Consulting Services: A consulting and brokerage firm assisting boutique wineries and commercial grape growers in marketing and production.

Wine Brokers International: Provides comprehensive wine and spirits importing, clearing, and logistical services, facilitating seamless delivery to the U.S. market.

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Conclusion

The bulk wine industry in the USA is supported by a robust network of producers, brokers, and importers who ensure a steady supply of high-quality wines to meet diverse market demands. Understanding the key players and their roles in this dynamic sector is essential for anyone involved in the wine industry, from producers to consumers.