2009-02-06 17:48:00 -

Despite a struggling U.S. economy and slower than usual holiday season, imports of Argentine wines were up a staggering 43.2 percent in value and 34.1 percent in volume in 2008 over a year ago. Imports of Argentine Malbec, the country's signature grape varietal, were up an even stronger 60.9 percent in value and 60.4 in volume in the same time period, according to Argentina's Department of Customs data.


These figures aren't a surprise to Vine Connections founders Ed Lehrman and Nick Ramkowsky, the Sausalito-based importers of Argentine wines and Japanese ginjo sake. Ed and Nick recognized Argentina's potential, the fifth largest wine producing country, in 1999 before many Americans had even tasted an Argentine wine. Today, celebrating a

10-year anniversary, the company represents more than 42 wines from 12 boutique Argentine wineries making Vine Connections the largest single U.S. importer of ultra- and super-premium wines from the region.


"For the last 10 years, we've watched the demand for Argentine wines grow year after year," said Ed Lehrman, co-founder of Vine Connections. "What's important to realize is consumers aren't simply buying wines under $10. Our portfolio remains stronger than ever and it consists of wines priced mainly $15 and higher. It's these high quality, authentic wines that have led to Argentina's success."


Vine Connections is set apart from most importers by its extensive Argentine wine portfolio of native Argentine producers. The company is the exclusive importer of highly praised and sought after wines that include Añoro, BenMarco, Budini, Crios de Susana Balbo, La Posta, Luca, mapema, Mendel, Nosotros, Reginato, Susana Balbo Signature Wines, and Tikal. They work with some of Argentina's leading winemakers and viticulturists including Susana Balbo, Pedro Marchevsky, Luis Reginato, Pepe Galante, Mariano di Paola, Roberto de la Mota and Laura Catena. For more about Vine Connections, visit www.vineconnections.com.


About Vine Connections


Vine Connections (www.vineconnections.com) is the exclusive U.S. importer and representative of a dynamic portfolio of fine Argentine wine and Japanese ginjo sake. The company represents the largest portfolio of boutique Argentine wineries in the United States with 42 wines and 12 brands produced by some of Argentina's most highly regarded winemakers and viticulturists. Vine Connections also represents 13 of the finest Japanese ginjo sake breweries who produce some of the world's best artisan chilled sake. Founded in 1999 by Ed Lehrman and Nick Ramkowsky, Vine Connections is headquartered in Sausalito, California.








Benson Marketing Group

Sarah Jones, 707-254-1114

jones@bensonmarketing.com