Destination Cellars Reveals 2010 Winery Partners of the Year

By: Destination Club News
Date: December 7, 2010

Last year, destination club Destination Cellars named Lail Vineyards and Altesino as their 2009 Winery Partners of the Year. As another exciting year comes to a close for the wine themed destination club three winery partners are being recognized for their efforts during the course of 2010.

"We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for our great winery partners, our amazing alliance partners and our incredible clients," said David Keuhner, Founder and CEO of Destination Cellars. "Over the last three and half years, we’ve truly established some wonderful friendships and we’ve created some incredible memories. We can’t thank everyone enough."

Award winners were selected by the club based on their ability to meet or exceed the following metrics:

• Support Destination Cellars in the marketplace
• Ability to participate in programs, events, and new offerings
• Qualitative internal team feedback
• Client feedback for wine experiences at the winery

Counting over 100 winery partners, Destination Cellars is proud to recognize their National, International, and New Winery Partners of the Year.

National Winery Partner of the Year - Fantesca Estate Winery

One distinction can sum up why Fantesca Estate Winery was selected as Destination Cellars National Winery Partner of the Year. Fantesca's Heidi Barrett is the only winemaker in the world to receive five perfect 100 point scores from the world's leading wine critics.

"Destination Cellars works with an amazing array of wineries, we consider it a high honor to be selected as its partner of the year," said Duane Hoff, Owner of Fantesca. "We hold a shared belief with Destination Cellars - the mission to create great experiences for customers. Our partnership has helped us further this goal."

International Winery Partner of the Year - Alex Gambal

Formerly working in real estate, Alex Gambal would enter the wine world by creating Maison Alex Gambal in 1997 with "the goal to express character, terroir, and purity of each wine." Now he produces 60,000 bottles per year that can be found in 20 different countries.

"We’ve partnered with Destination Cellars since the beginning and have been impressed with the creativity of their team and passion of their members ever since," said Alex Gambal, Owner of Alex Gambal. "Burgundy is very small community and our partnership gives us the opportunity to introduce members to not only our winery, but also the amazing restaurateurs and wine makers in our area. We are proud to accept this award."

New Winery Partner of the Year - Arista Winery

Bringing a local and eco-friendly approach, Arista Winery works with local growers by not attempting to manipulate their vineyard sites, but instead preserving their natural qualities. Founded by the McWilliams family in 2002, Arista is known for the destination experience, which allows guests the opportunity to enjoy their wines overlooking Japanese water gardens or on picnic lunches with mountain and vineyard vistas.

"The superb staff and planning Destination Cellars provides has made our partnership a real pleasure and our jobs almost effortless," said Ben McWilliams, the Tasting Room Manager at Arista Winery. "Destination Cellars clients share a similar passion and enthusiasm for the wines that we make and the land that we farm. We are very excited about continuing our partnership and improving the experience that we offer their clients."