Dona Paula and Carmen Wineries Join Forces With Trinchero Family Estates for New Distribution Agreement

SAINT HELENA, Calif., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Claro Group Wineries, leading producer of premium wines in South America and owner of the world-renowned Dona Paula winery of Argentina and Carmen winery of Chile, today announced a historic export agreement with Trinchero Family Estates for the United States market.  The new agreement is expected to significantly boost sales and distribution of the Dona Paula and Carmen wines in the coming years.

"We are pleased to announce outstanding sales growth over the past year and with our agreement with Trinchero Family Estates, this growth will gain even greater momentum in the coming years," said Silvio Rostagno, CEO of the Claro Group. "The United States is already a significant export market for both Dona Paula and Carmen, but with a major partner such as Trinchero Family Estates, we will have far greater potential for market penetration and sales."

The agreement is comprised of Dona Paula's award-winning Los Cardos, Dona Paula Estate and Dona Paula Seleccion De Bodega wines along with a refined new consumer proposition from the storied Carmen Estate.

"Each winery under the Claro Group umbrella strives for exceptional wine quality and value while delivering the true expression and personality of its 100% estate-owned vineyards and winemaking facilities," stated Claro Group Vice Chairman of the Board Baltazar Sanchez.  

Founded in 1947, Trinchero Family Estates is a third-generation family-owned, Californian wine company that offers a diverse selection of fine wines from the premier growing regions of California, Australia and now South America. Trinchero Family Estates brands include Menage a Trois wines and Sutter Home, the number one premium wine in the U.S.

"As a family-owned and operated wine company, we take pride in partnering with superior wine producers around the world that share the same values and beliefs that have driven our success throughout our history," stated Roger Trinchero, principal, vice chairman and CEO of Trinchero Family Estates.

"The U.S. consumer is showing great interest in wine from South America.  Our entire team is looking forward to the partnerships with the Claro Group and the opportunity to represent growing wines with the image and sales of Dona Paula and Carmen," said Bob Torkelson, president and COO of Trinchero Family Estates.

The Claro Group, known as Grupo Claro, is a powerhouse in Chile's business community, with interests spanning various industries.  Among Grupo Claro's holdings is shipping company CSAV, Saam (ports and logistics), Elecmetal (steel), Cristalerias de Chile (glass), CMF (packaging), Megavision (Chile's first privately held television station), financial newspaper Diario Financiero and Capital Magazine.

Trinchero Family Estates is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1947.  The company produces more than 22 brands of wine including Sutter Home, Trinchero Napa Valley, Main Street, Napa Cellars, Terra d'Oro, Montevina, Trinity Oaks, Folie a Deux, Menage a Trois, and the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre.  The company also imports Angove Family Winemakers and Little Boomey wines of Australia, and markets and sells the Three Thieves and Joel Gott brands.  www.tfewines.com

SOURCE Trinchero Family Estates