Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. Strengthens Its Historic Commitment to Professional Excellence in Wine Education and Wine Service

Business Wire, Feb 19, 2007

America's Leading Wine & Spirits Distributor Now Employs 9 Master Sommeliers, 7 Certified Wine Educators & 7 Master Mixologists - Most In U.S.

Southern's Focus on Education and Service Benefit Its Employees as Well as All Its Customers

MIAMI -- Mel Dick, President, Wine Division and Senior Vice President of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., the country's leading wine and spirits distributor with operations in 27 states, is pleased to announce that the Company is intensifying its historic drive to raise the level of professional excellence in wine service and wine education and drinks mixology through a number of a new corporate initiatives.

Overall, according to Mr. Dick, as part of its longstanding commitment to education, service and raising the level of professional excellence in the wine and spirits business, the Company is proud to report that it currently employs nine Master Sommeliers (MS), seven Certified Wine Educators and seven award-winning mixologists, the latter group working under the direction of Francesco LaFranconi, the Company's recently appointed Director of Mixology.

Wayne E. Chaplin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., said, "As a Company we have always been deeply committed to raising the professional standard and service excellence in our industry." Mr. Chaplin added, "We believe there is no other company that possesses a higher level of professionalism in the wine and spirits distribution business, and we know that Mel and Francesco as well as our entire team of Master Sommeliers, our Certified Wine Educators and Mixologists also passionately share this educational and service-oriented commitment, not only in their work with our own employees, but also with the thousands of customers we are proud to serve on a daily basis in virtually every market in which we are present. "

SOUTHERN EMPLOYS 9 MASTER SOMMELIERS, MORE THAN ANY OTHER U.S. DISTRIBUTOR

All told, Mr. Dick reported that with the recent appointment of Doug Krenik, Master Sommelier, who is now working in the Company's Colorado division, America's leading wine and spirits distributor now employs a total of nine Master Sommeliers across the United States, more than any other company in either the beverage industry or the hospitality business.

According to the American Chapter of the London, England-based Court of Master Sommeliers, there are a total of 76 U.S. Master Sommeliers, (including two deceased), who have earned this professional distinction, which is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished certifications in the wine business and requires, via a three-level series of exams, mastery of all aspects of wine knowledge, appreciation and service.

Of the 74 Master Sommeliers in the United States today, Mr. Dick said that 12 percent are now employed by Southern Wine & Spirits of America, a vital sign of the importance the Company attaches to maintaining and delivering the highest standards of wine service and wine education in the beverage and hospitality industries across the U.S.

Mr. Dick said, "Since its founding in 1968, Southern Wine & Spirits of America has always put a premium on delivering the highest standards of service and has invested countless hours and substantial sums in educating both its employees and our thousands of customers across the country. Now, with our latest Master Sommelier appointment, we are proud to employ nine Master Sommeliers across key markets in the United States."

Mr. Dick added, "This is more than any other organization, and it is emblematic of our Company's longstanding commitment to maintaining the very highest standards of wine service and spreading the benefits of wine education to our employees as well as our customers. The importance of wine education and service has never been more important than now in today's rapidly changing business environment, and we believe strongly our capability in this regard gives our Company and all our employees and supplier partners a real competitive advantage in the U.S. marketplace."

Here are the 9 Master Sommeliers now working for Southern Wine &
Spirits of America:

Serafin Alvarado, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois;
Jay Fletcher, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Colorado;
Ira Harmon, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada;
Eric Hemer, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida;
Jay James, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada;
Doug Krenik, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Colorado;
Ron Mumford, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada;
Reggie Narito, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Northern California;
and Roberto Viernes, MS, at Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawaii.

SOUTHERN EMPLOYS 9 MASTER SOMMELIERS, MORE THAN ANY OTHER U.S. WINE AND SPIRITS DISTRIBUTOR

In addition to these nine Master Sommeliers, Mr. Dick said that there are a significant number of Master Candidates - that is, Southern Wine & Spirits team members who have passed the Advanced Sommelier Exam.

According to The Court of Master Sommeliers's website, the professional group "was established to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. Education was then, and remains today, the Court's charter." The group's website also reports, "The first successful Master Sommelier examination was held in the United Kingdom in 1969. By April 1977, the Court of Master Sommeliers was established as the premier international examining body. It took the Court ten years to perfect its qualifications, which are recognized internationally."