Wine & Spirits

Aviation American Gin Opens Distillery, Visitor Center

Published September 26, 2022

Aviation American Gin is celebrating the grand opening of the “Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center” in its hometown of Portland, Ore. The state-of-the-art, nearly 33,000 sq. ft. facility features an intimate tasting room, exceptional draft cocktail bar and gift shop. As part of the interactive experience, visitors can get a sneak peek at co-owner Ryan Reynolds’ office, which doubles as an escape room, inviting guests to solve a series of puzzles and identify various Easter eggs to get out.

The new Aviation Gin experience offers guests a behind the scenes look at how Aviation Gin is distilled in its uniquely American style, crafted with a blend of botanicals, which delivers an approachable and uniquely balanced flavor profile. Like all successful partnerships, none is overpowering or masking, but each plays a part in bringing out the best in all. Aviation Gin was created to be balanced and smooth to complement any cocktail or even fly solo.

“About three years ago, we set out to create a one-of-a-kind distillery and tasting experience to give people the opportunity to get a look at how we make the world’s greatest spirit – Aviation American Gin, that is. We’re thrilled to announce that the Aviation American Gin Distillery is officially open for business in Portland, Ore., and everyone (21 years and older) is welcome,” said Ryan Reynolds, Aviation American Gin’s co-owner. “If a grown-up theme park and a bartender fell in love and produced offspring, it would be this gin factory.”

Helmed by award-winning industry veteran and distillery director, Hollie Stephenson, the facility will offer educational tours of the distillation process and bottling line, as well as tasting flights and unique seasonal draft cocktails. Stephenson will bring her vast production and tasting room experience to the site as she oversees the distilling and bottling operations, as well as the newly constructed visitor center and tasting room.

“Portland, Ore., is such a vibrant city with a rich, unrivaled spirits & cocktail scene. We’re proud to be opening the Aviation American Gin Distillery in the company’s hometown,” said Christina Choi, senior vice president at Diageo. “Knowing how beloved the brand is, we’re excited to invite consumers to explore, sip and learn about how our premium, uniquely American-style gin is distilled.”

The tours will be held in intimate groups of no more than 12 visitors and will cost $28 per person, which includes a guided tasting. Guests are invited to enjoy the distillery at their leisure and those who are visiting the bar can sip on cocktails and tasting flights (limited to 2.5oz per day) without participating in the full tour.

The distillery will be serving six draft cocktails that will rotate seasonally, starting with: Ryan’s Nitro Negroni, Fizzy Bees Knees, Grapefruit Collins, Aviation G&T, Saturn, and the Flora Dora. A straight tasting of Aviation American Gin will also be available to purchase for $5. Guests must be 21+ with valid ID to sample or purchase cocktails.

In 2020, Diageo acquired Aviation American Gin through the acquisition of the Davos Brands portfolio.

The Aviation American Gin Distillery is located at 2075 NW Wilson St. Portland, OR 97209, and is open Thursday through Sunday from noon – 7PM PT. Guests can book their visit at https://www.aviationgin.com/visit-us. For more information and to stay up to date on the latest news, including distillery details, please visit www.aviationgin.com or follow @aviationgin on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Aviation American Gin [42% Alc/Vol. Imported by Diageo, New York, NY] reminds you to drink responsibly.

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Bronco Wine Company Board Appoints Leonard as President/CEO

Published September 22, 2022

Fred Franzia (Photo: Bronco Wine Company)

Following the recent death of founder and longtime CEO Fred Franzia, Bronco Wine Company’s board of directors has appointed Daniel J. Leonard as Bronco’s new president/CEO.

Leonard was the clear choice to helm the family-owned business given his long-standing relationship with Fred Franzia and the Franzia family, according to the company.

“As we look to the future, we’re confident Dan is the right person to lead Bronco Wine Company and carry on the long legacy that Fred built,” said Mark Couchman, vice chairman of the board of directors.

Leonard has been part of the Bronco family for the past 35 years, most recently in the role of senior vice president, chief financial officer. He and his wife, Bonnie, have lived in the San Joaquin Valley for 35 years and have six children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition, he has served on the board of directors for the Wine Institute, a voice for the California wine industry, for the past 30 years, and the boards of directors of Oak Valley Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, Oak Valley Community Bank, for 10 years . Dan holds a bachelor’s degree of business administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Leonard ’s connection to the Franzia family, decision-making experience and strong leadership will add to Bronco’s storied success, according to the company. Specifically, Leonard will oversee the development of multiple business units that comprise the Franzia Family Enterprises to allow the Enterprise to leverage its agricultural, wine production, transportation and distribution assets to drive growth. Leonard also will be tasked with implementing the 2023 strategic plan announced earlier this year by the Enterprise Leadership Team.

“I humbly accept the position as President/CEO and my focus will be to ensure Bronco will continue to be a leader in the wine industry,” Leonard said. “During the past 50 years, a solid foundation has been built by Fred T., his brother Joseph S. and Cousin John, and I intend to continue the growth of the company with the help of the exceptional management team we have in place today.”

Leonard assumed the role of president/CEO immediately.

Founded in 1973 by Franzia brothers Fred T. and Joseph S., along with their cousin, John F, Bronco Wine Company has grown to become a force in the US wine industry while remaining family-owned. Although producing a diverse range of wines over 100 unique brands, neither Bronco Wine Company nor the Franzia family are affiliated with the Franzia bag-in-a-box wine product.

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Franzia Wines, BARK Deliver ‘Boos’ This Halloween

Published September 21, 2022

Franzia Wines and BARK have teamed up to create a limited-time Franzia Halloween costumes: “BARK Red Blend” dog costume — named after fan favorite Franzia wine, Dark Red Blend — and Franzia dog toy inspired by the iconic boxed wine. Humans also looking to get in on the boos-filled fun can opt for the adult-sized Franzia Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon wine box costume to complement their pups. Each adult-sized costume comes with an internal bag that straps around your waist allowing a Franzia wine pouch (not included with the costume) to fit perfectly for easy pouring and a cupholder designed to hold a stack of cups for your Franz.

“Franzia is all about bonding with friends – whom we affectionately call ’Franz’ – over a box of wine,” said Katie Hoefs, brand manager, The Wine Group. “Our Halloween costumes have been a fan-favorite for years, so it only made sense to extend the fun to our favorite furry Franz with a four-legged costume and BarkBoxed Wine Toy.”

The “BARK Red Blend” dog costume, BarkBoxed Wine Toy, and Franzia adult-sized wine box costume will be available on the Franzia Wines and BARKShop for purchase now.

Franzia “BARK Red Blend” Dog Costume (MSRP: $20)
The perfect match for our Human Franzia Halloween Costume! This Franzia “BARK Red Blend” costume has plush, pillow-like sides and adjustable Velcro straps to ensure your furry Franz are comfortable while looking adorable in their favorite boxed wine costume. Sizing available in S, M, or L. Available on barkshop.com and shop.franzia.com.

Franzia “Cabernet Slobbernon” BarkBoxed Wine Dog Toy (MSRP: $15)
Treat your pup to this Franzia wine box toy for a strong pour of fun at the dog park. This multi-part toy includes an outer box, a grunt squeaker inside and a t-shirt rope. Available on barkshop.com and shop.franzia.com.

Franzia Wine Box Costume: (MSRP: $40)
Live your best life this Halloween when you dress up as a Franzia box! Featuring our Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, these costumes are fully functional with an internal bag that straps around your waist and allows a Franzia wine pouch to fit perfectly for easy pouring. PLUS, this year there is an added cup holder that fits a stack of multiple cups for you to distribute and share Franzia with your Franz! (Cups not included.) Available at shop.franzia.com.

Franzia has over 100 years of winemaking history. The winery was founded by Teresa Franzia, who took out a loan to start Franzia Brothers Wine Company in 1930. In 1985, Franzia became the first wine brand in America to package its wine in a box. Today Franzia continues to strive to uphold Teresa’s legacy of quality, freshness, and value, winning over 150 awards from competitions and reviewers. The brand is celebrating its 26th year as the World’s Most Popular Wine by sales volume. For more information on Franzia, visit www.Franzia.com, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

BARK is the world’s most dog-centric company, devoted to making dogs happy with the best products, services and content. BARK’s dog-obsessed team applies its unique, data-driven understanding of what makes each dog special to design playstyle-specific toys, wildly satisfying treats, great food for your dog’s breed, effective and easy to use dental care, and dog-first experiences that foster the health and happiness of dogs everywhere. Founded in 2012, BARK loyally serves dogs nationwide with themed toys and treats subscriptions, BarkBox and BARK Super Chewer; custom product collections through its retail partner network, including Target and Amazon; its high-quality, nutritious meals made for your breed with BARK Food; and products that meet dogs’ dental needs with BARK Bright. At BARK, we want to make dogs as happy as they make us because dogs and humans are better together. Sniff around at bark.co for more information.

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