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Rare wine ‘powerhouse’ created by California acquisition
The 2025 acquisition trail has kicked off with Californian rare wine specialist Benchmark Wine Group snapping up Wine Spectrum to offer an “unmatched resource”.
The rare wine retail sector in the US has been bolstered by a high-profile California acquisition, announced on 7 January.
Benchmark Wine Group, the biggest rare wine retailer in the United States, has acquired Sonoma-based retailer Wine Spectrum, Inc. The acquisition is particularly notable because while Benchmark is known for its extensive inventory of back-vintages, Wine Spectrum has a reputation for sourcing new wine releases at the top level for its customers.
Bringing the two companies together will therefore combine the best of old and new for fine wine enthusiasts, collectors and restaurant owners.
“By consolidating, we’re creating a powerhouse of rare wine expertise and customer-focused services,” explains David Parker, owner and CEO of Benchmark Wine Group. “Together, we’ll expand product access, enhance operational efficiencies, and provide unparalleled service to our clients.”
High energy
Glenn Siegel, president of Wine Spectrum, highlighted the retailer’s legacy of “personal, relationship-driven sales”, which in tandem with Benchmark’s “high-energy management style” will drive the two forward into a new chapter, he says.
According to Benchmark, the biggest boon for fine wine fans will be the combined product access across the two. “Benchmark’s inventory of rare and back-vintage wines will now be available to Wine Spectrum clients, while Benchmark clients gain access to Wine Spectrum’s exclusive allocations and new releases,” he says.
Exclusive offerings will include those from top producers such as Sean Thackrey with vintages dating all the way back to 1982, and expressions from Napa’s Futo Estate, where bottles can fetch as much as US$284.
By 2025, a unified online platform will allow customers to view and buy wines from both companies in one place.
Wine Spectrum customers will also benefit from Benchmark’s ‘Provenance Guarantee’, on all products, giving peace of mind for collectors.
Tech revolution
“The fine wine market is evolving, and strategic consolidations like this ensure we remain at the forefront,” adds Parker. “By leveraging each other’s strengths, we’re creating an unmatched resource for collectors and wine enthusiasts worldwide.”
Benchmark, founded in 2002, is based in Napa Valley, with an arm in Washington, DC. The Wine Spectrum acquisition will help to increase the companies’ presence across California, as well as in New York, Arizona, and Florida, where the combined business is “exploring new opportunities”.
CEO David Parker is also the chief executive at First Growth Technologies, Inc, an IT services specialist for rare wine and spirits collectors. First Growth deals in the inventory and logistics management of private cellars as well as wine auction valuation and market trends analysis.
Parker’s background in in software development and management for companies including Hewlett-Packard, Wyse Technology and Tektronix, combined with his love of wine, has led to him prioritising “industry-leading technology” within his companies.
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