United States importer VINTUS, who brings in Champagne Bollinger, E. Guigal, Ornellaia as well as Quinta do Noval and 36 other banner names in wine, have decided to form their own distribution operation in New York rather than remain with Monsieur Touton Selection.
Starting July 1 a new wholesale operation for fine wine and spirits called VNY will service on-premise and off-premise accounts throughout New York State.
Vice President/General Manager Will Sugerman, who joined the VINTUS team in January after eight years at Skurnik Wines & Spirits, will be leading the new venture.
The unit will have a sales team of 15. VNY says it is looking for experienced candidates in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island and upstate New York.
“For our on- and off-premise customers, this change means a more direct link to our producers, a more up-to-date sales team, and far greater opportunity to learn about the wines in our portfolio,” says VINTUS President and CEO Michael Quinttus.
VINTUS headquarters move
VINTUS is also leaving its Westchester headquarters and moving to a 12,000 square-foot space in Midtown Manhattan, near Bryant Park. Quinttus and Sugarman are in talks with 15–20 other producers to add to the VNY portfolio, according to a press release.
“Sitting down with someone who can call Philippe Guigal to ask about the weather over the last week in the Rhône Valley; a sneak peek of the next vintage release from Champagne Bollinger; the opportunity to take part in an impromptu vertical tasting of Ornellaia for a library collection the estate is organizing—it’s the opportunity to share with our customers the world of our leading producers,” says Quinttus.
Monsieur Touton, which also imports its own wines, distributes in 10 East Coast states. The VINTUS press release stated that Monsieur Touton would continue to distribute their brands in states other than New York.
Emails and calls to Monsieur Touton seeking comment were not returned.
Published: June 18, 2019