Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), recently hosted the Jackson Family Wines team to fête the latest distinction given to California winery La Crema on March 24. The brand was named 2024 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, recognizing its more than 40 years of excellence in cool-climate winemaking, sustainability and innovation. The celebration brought the sales team together at CDI’s Stratford offices for an immersive experience into the La Crema story and portfolio, kicking off with a speech by CDI President John Slocum. He recognized the two-decade partnership between CDI and Jackson Family Wines, followed by remarks by Jackson Family Wines’ Katie Werthmuller, Vice President of Education, and Erin Faraci, La Crema Brand Manager, who walked the team through the award process and what this recognition means for the brand. Special guest Chris Jackson, son of Jackson Family Wines Founders Barbara Banke and the late Jess Jackson, spoke about the family’s legacy and their commitment to preserving the land. Then, La Crema’s Head Winemaker Craig McAllister, a New Zealand native known for his dedication to quality and innovation, led guests through a tasting of La Crema’s wines. “This was a special evening for our team,” Slocum said. “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with La Crema and to continue sharing their exceptional wines with our customers across Connecticut.”
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- All of Jackson Family Wines except where indicated: John Slocum, President, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI); Brian Sweeney, Senior Vice President, Spire Collection; Chris Jackson, Owner; Voja Zlatnvoic, Division Vice President – Estates Portfolio; Larry O’Brien, Regional Director of Sales Education; Paul Puhalla, VP of Sales, CDI; Jessica Buoniconti, Business Manager, CDI; Erin Faraci, La Crema Brand Manager; Seth Kweller, Regional Manager, La Crema Division; Amanda Doll, New England Division Sales Director, CDI; Craig McAllister, Head Winemaker, La Crema; Mark Ryan, Vanguard Division Sales Director, CDI; Avery Giordonello, CT State Manager; JJ McCabe, National Sales Manager; Katie Werthmuller, VP of Education; Steve Slota, Considine Division Sales Director, CDI; Matt Snyder, Division Vice President – Northeast; and Jon Fredyna, VP of Marketing, CDI.
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- La Crema was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 American Winery of the Year, recognizing its more than 40 years of excellence in cool-climate winemaking, sustainability and innovation.
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- A pour of La Crema Cabernet Sauvignon.
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- John Slocum, President, CDI and Chris Jackson, Owner, Jackson Family Wines.
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- Marci Bienkowski, New England Division Sales Representative, CDI; Chris Jackson, Owner, Jackson Family Wines; and Jenni Adamczyk, New England Division Sales Representative, CDI.
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- Hans Hollendonner, Diamond Division Sales Representative, CDI and Craig McAllister, Head Winemaker, La Crema.
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- Steve Slota, Considine Division Sales Director, CDI; Chris Jackson, Owner, Jackson Family Wines; and Kyle Rinoski, Diamond Division Field Sales Manager, CDI.
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- Erin Faraci, La Crema Brand Manager, Jackson Family Wines presenting to the team.
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- Chris Jackson, Owner, Jackson Family Wines gave guests a background on his family’s winery.
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- The Jackson Family Wines team presenting.
Photos courtesy of Connecticut Distributors, Inc.
