During a sales meeting on November 6, 2015, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI) presented 14 employees with their Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certificates upon successful passing of the course. After the WSET presentation, Edgar Garcia, CDI’s CFO and COO, introduced Larry Cafero, Executive Director of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut (WSWC). Cafero spoke about the importance of educating others about the wholesaler tier of distribution and about the WSWC’s role.
Following Cafero’s presentation, Ashley Rutter, Wholesale Manager of Trump Winery, launched Trump Wines in Connecticut with the CDI team. Winemaker Jonathan Wheeler crafts the wines from the 1,300-acre estate in Charlottesville, Virginia, 195 acres of which are grape vines that sit upon Monticello AVA. Trump Winery produces a 2009 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, 2009 Sparkling Rosé, 2007 Sparkling Reserve, 2014 Chardonnay, 2014 Rosé, 2013 Meritage, 2012 New World Reserve, and Cru, a blend of 100-percent Chardonnay juice with Chardonnay brandy aged in American bourbon barrels.
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- The following CDI staff were recently recognized and awarded certificates for passing the WSET training. Back row: Michael Copeland, Certified WSET Instructor; Robert Atwood; Andrew Osolin; Scott Horwitz; Corrissa Wilson; Kevin Mahon; Tony Persechino, Certified WSET Instructor. Front Row: Dominic Marandino; Pete Masi; Jonathan Figliola; Paul Puhalla; Luis Suarez; Carrie Finley; Amanda Doll, Certified WSET Instructor. Not pictured, but also WSET Certified: Elizabeth Galins, Curtis Kusari and Stephanie Lamison.
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- Amanda Doll, Michael Copeland and Tony Persechino are Certified WSET Instructors and part of CDI’s staff. They taught the course for their fellow employees.
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- Larry Cafero, Executive Director, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut (WSWC) spoke to CDI staff during a sales meeting. Cafero is the former Republican leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives, having served 22 years as the State Representative of the 142nd Assembly District.
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- Trump Winery’s 2014 Chardonnay and 2013 Meritage samples.
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- Trump Winery’s 2014 Chardonnay
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- Trump Winery’s 2013 Meritage
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- Tom Talmadge, Business Manager of Wines, CDI, with Ashley Rutter, Wholesale Manager, Trump Winery, presenting Trump Wines to the CDI sales force.
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- Greg Altieri, Strategic Development Manager, CDI, wearing a Donald Trump wig at the kick off opening.
