Domaine Select Wine Estates Announces Exclusive Distribution Agreement with American Wine & Spirits of California

NEW YORK, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE), a Manhattan-based wine and spirits import and distribution company, announces an exclusive California distribution agreement with American Wines & Spirits of California (AWS), Southern Wine & Spirits of California's fine wine company, effective June 1, 2011. This agreement encompasses DSWE's portfolio of fine imported wines, as well as the Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection.

"We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to a successful partnership between DSWE and American Wines & Spirits in California," says Paolo Domeneghetti, Founder of DSWE. "The California market represents some of our most important business in the country, and we will be working closely with the talented team at AWS to ensure our transition is smooth and that we are well positioned for dynamic growth in the future."

"I'm very excited to join forces with this accomplished importing company," says Jim Allen, Senior Vice President, Fine Wines, at Southern Wine & Spirits. "Paolo Domeneghetti and his team have assembled an extraordinary collection of brands that is very appealing to our trade. I'm confident the year will bring us great mutual success."

In an effort to facilitate a more efficient and effective sales campaign in California, DSWE is consolidating all brands in their portfolio, both wines and spirits, with AWS.

"American Wines & Spirits has been steadily investing and building on their Import portfolio for the last 6 months in California," states Jon Newlon, Vice President-General Manager at AWS. "It just seemed natural to go talk to DSWE. The addition of Domaine Select Wine Estates complements our unparalleled portfolio of premium wines beautifully."

DSWE is the exclusive U.S. importer for 69 wineries from around the world, including estates in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and Slovenia. Classic & Vintage, a division of DSWE, is the exclusive importer/agent for 28 brands covering every main spirit category spanning 12 countries around the globe. AWS will be exclusively representing the entire portfolio in California.

For more information on Domaine Select Wine Estates, visit www.domaineselect.com

About Domaine Select Wine Estates

Founded in 1999, Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE) is dedicated to wines and specialized spirits from around the world of the highest quality and which demonstrate excellence and tremendous character, particular to their origin. DSWE is committed to transmitting the individuality of the producers; expressing diversity, tradition and personality is the tenet of DSWE. Domaine Select Wine Estates was named 2010 Importer of the Year by FOOD & WINE Magazine.

About Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection

Assembled in 2009, the Classic & Vintage Collection is a portfolio of boutique spirits, founded by Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE). The Portfolio represents a dynamic and diverse group of products that promote quality and accessibility within the cocktail culture across the U.S. This spirits set is an unprecedented collection of gems, each with a distinct and relevant story.

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.:

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. is the nation's largest wine and spirits distributor with

operations in 33 markets. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 11,000 team members. For more information, see: http://www.southernwine.com.

SOURCE Domaine Select Wine Estates