Regal to be new Kendall-Jackson Distributor in California

Business Wire, Sept 10, 1996

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 1996-- Kendall-Jackson Vineyards & Winery and the Regal Wine Co. today jointly announced that Regal will become Kendall-Jackson's major California distributor.

Kendall-Jackson is a family-owned winery located in Sonoma County and dedicated to the production of classic wines from grapes grown in cool, coastal climates. The winery's Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay is consistently cited by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of America's favorite restaurant wines.

Regal, a direct sales operation founded in 1993, assumes responsibilities previously held by Southern Wine & Spirits. Regal became the primary California distributor of the affiliated Artisans & Estates wine group in April 1996. Today's announcement makes Regal one of California's largest distributors.

Regal general manager Jay Schuppert said his sales force will focus on increasing Kendall-Jackson placements and distribution in high-end restaurants, retail shops, and other targeted areas. Regal's efforts will be aided by the Royal Wine Co., a sister operation which specializes in merchandising and promotions for grocery stores. Royal had been working in tandem with Southern since 1995 to increase winery displays and visibility in stores. Southern has been Kendall-Jackson's California distributor since 1988.

"We recognize that distributors have a tough job splitting their time between so many priorities," said Michael Haarstad, senior vice president for sales and distribution at Kendall-Jackson. "They have competing responsibilities to other producers. But our responsibility is to our consumers and the restaurants and retailers who want to buy and sell our wine. The Regal/Royal sales forces are intensely dedicated and passionate about fine wine, and that's of primary importance to us."

Kendall-Jackson managers met with executives at Southern Wine & Spirits to discuss their intention to split distribution responsibility between Regal & Southern, but Southern executives elected to stop carrying Kendall-Jackson wines. Other wineries represented by Regal include La Crema, Stonestreet, Cambria, Robert Pepi, Edmeades, Cardinale and Hartford Court.

"This ia a great opportunity to promote one of California's hottest wineries," Schuppert said. "It's an exciting challenge. We plan to concentrate on doing what we do best -- serving and educating wine buyers in a way that improves everyone's business and increases people's enthusiasm and enjoyment of fine wine."

CONTACT: Kendall-Jackson Vineyards & Winery

Kerry Godes, 707/525-6229