González Byass USA merges with Carolina Wine Brands

The US subsidiary of Spain-based wine giant González Byass has added Carolina Wine Brands, which includes producers from South America and Europe, to its portfolio.

Carolina Wine Brands is the US subsidiary of historic Chilean producer Viña Santa Carolina. Prior to this deal, finalised last week, its portfolio included Chile’s Viña Ochagavia and Viña Casablanca, Finca El Origen from Argentina’s Uco Valley, and a number of Italian producers, such as Amarone producer Le Ragose, Abruzzo’s Cantine Spinelli, and Barolo brand Gianni Gagliardo.

González Byass USA is the exclusive national importer of a number of wine and spirits brands. Originally, it just covered those in the broader González Byass portfolio, such as Bodegas Beronia (Rioja and Rueda), Pazos de Lusco (Rías Baixas), and Viñedos Veramonte (Chile). However, the subsidiary has also acquired expanded through the acquisition of other brands and businesses, with Carolina Wine Brands being the latest.

Andrew Sinclair, CEO of González Byass USA, said that the merger “strengthens our national footprint and allows us to add resources to our sales efforts across the country”.

“We are incredibly excited to incorporate these exceptional premium and luxury offerings into the Gonzalez Byass USA portfolio and welcome the support and experience the Carolina Wine Brands team will bring to our organisation,” Sinclair added.

Among the experienced Carolina team members who will be moving over to González Byass USA is Mark Raymond, who will be shifting from his present position as vice president of national sales at Carolina Wine Brands to the role of González Byass USA’s commercial director.

Santa Carolina’s Chilean wines are a regular fixture among the medallists of the drinks business’ Global Wine Masters, from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Franc.