Sur Le Zinc

Martine’s Wines Celebrates Five Years of New Ownership with New Additions, Expanded Offerings, and Grand Tasting

Fine wine importer and wholesaler Martine’s Wines celebrated its five-year anniversary under owners Gregory Castells and Kate Laughlin by announcing the creation of a California sales team and several notable additions to its portfolio as the company approaches its 40th year of business. Martine’s Wines was started in 1979 by legendary tastemaker Martine Saunier, who… READ MORE

A Conversation with Benjamin Gras

In early 2017, when Domaine Santa Duc joined the Martine’s Wines portfolio, our team knew we were adding both quality and depth to our well-established roster of stars from the Rhone Valley. The Gras family has been a fixture in Gigondas since the 19th century, and in recent years, under the guidance of Yves Gras, Domaine… READ MORE

5 Days in Chicago–Time in the Windy City with Team MW

Our team in Chicago–Jennie Mass, Adam Brunsen, Marc Brice, and Nick DeBias–had a full schedule last week, with Jose Teles from Niepoort, Remi Cognet from Domaine Santa Duc, and our own Martine Saunier visiting. We decided to check in and get a look at five days in the life of our reps–check it out! Monday… READ MORE

Interview with Benjamin Gras of Domaine Santa Duc

Benjamin Gras represents the sixth-generation of winemakers at Domaine Santa Duc in Gigondas. In this short interview, Benjamin shares his perspective on farming–namely the implementation of biodynamic agriculture in his family’s vineyards, which have been farmed organically by his father, Yves, for over 30 years.  How long have you been interested in biodynamics? For many… READ MORE

Domaine Santa Duc Joins Martine’s Wines Portfolio

Martine’s Wines is proud to announce the addition of the historic estate, Domaine Santa Duc of Gigondas, to the company’s portfolio. “We have found success recently introducing exciting yet unknown wines to the US market, but to have a domaine of the esteem of Santa Duc join us after having been a leader in the… READ MORE

Announcing Special Producer Interview Series

The streets of downtown Chicago served as a beautiful backdrop as we sat down with representatives of 15 of our producers from France at our Grand Tasting 2017 event yesterday. Sharing insights and stories (and even a song!), these incredible people conveyed both passion and purpose in their answers to compelling questions that provide a… READ MORE

Martine’s Wines Announces Grand Tastings for 2017

With its largest portfolio tasting since undergoing a change of ownership in 2012, Martine’s Wines welcomes the wine trade for its Grand Tastings of 2017 in the cities of Chicago and New York next month. “We have an amazing pool of producers attending,” said Damien Carney, Director of Sales for Direct Markets. “That is personal… READ MORE