The Winebow Group Announces the Retirement of Leonardo LoCascio, Chairman Emeritus and Founder of Winebow

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Winebow Group, a national importer and distributor of fine wine and craft spirits from around the world, announces the retirement, effective June 30, 2015, of Leonardo LoCascio, an industry leader for over 35 years.

Following his passion and entrepreneurial spirit, LoCascio left a career in corporate finance and banking to found Winebow in 1980. Under his leadership, Winebow became a major national importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits. In 2014, Winebow merged with The Vintner Group to create The Winebow Group, which continues each company's shared philosophy and dedication to quality, education and outstanding customer service.

From the very beginning, LoCascio created Leonardo LoCascio Selections (LLS) to bring an impressive range of wines from throughout Italy to the United States. The wines of the LLS portfolio, each marked with the eponymously named "gold seal" on the back label, represents the unique territories from where they come, as well as the people and regional cultures behind them. In fact, LoCascio was one of the first individuals to introduce the U.S. market to wines from lesser known regions, in particular southern Italy, and has shared his knowledge and enthusiasm at countless events, industry functions, tastings and seminars around the country.  Over the past decade, it was this same appreciation for respectful and thoughtful winemaking with which Winebow expanded its import portfolio to include an impressive array of fine wines, spirits and sake from over 15 countries.

"Since starting Winebow in 1980," said LoCascio, "it has been a privilege to encounter and befriend so many incredible individuals from around the world who enjoy sharing their passion and commitment to fine wine. I have been honored to represent so many family wineries, and I took great pleasure in working with the second and, in some cases, the third generation of these families.

"I also want to acknowledge my wonderful and dedicated colleagues, several of whom have worked with me for over 25 years," continued LoCascio. "Although many changes have taken place in the industry, our appreciation for the land, hands-on winemaking and authenticity remains the same.  It gives me great pride to know that The Winebow Group will continue to be dedicated to a fine wine culture and to invest in talented and knowledgeable specialists of Italy and other wine regions throughout the world in order to meet the needs of our suppliers and customers."

"The legacy that Leonardo has created is one that we are proud to continue with the Leonardo LoCascio Selections and other Winebow legacy portfolios," said David Townsend, President and CEO of The Winebow Group.  "We remain committed to the same philosophy and high standards to which he has been so dedicated over the past three and a half decades. Leonardo left an indelible mark on the world of wine and touched many individuals with his expertise and knowledge. On behalf of all of us at The Winebow Group, I want to thank Leonardo for his impressive contributions and the establishment of Winebow as a highly respected importer and distributor of fine wines."

About The Winebow Group
The Winebow Group comprises national importer and distribution houses that offer comprehensive portfolios of fine wine and craft spirits from around the world. The company represents some of the most established, family-owned properties in prominent growing areas, as well as a new generation of winemakers and distillers who are dedicated to innovation and quality. With a focus on education and outstanding customer service, The Winebow Group's distribution network reaches nearly half of the wine consumption in the U.S. and includes the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. This unprecedented reach and level of service make the company unique in the fine wine and craft spirits sector. For more information, please visit TheWinebowGroup.com.

SOURCE The Winebow Group