Maison Jospeh Drougin Ships Wines to US Via Sailboat
Maison Joseph Drouhin, renowned for the quality of its Burgundy wines, is taking a new step in its sustainability commitment by announcing its first wine shipment by sailboat. In partnership with TOWT, 15,000 bottles of 2022 Chablis and Côte de Beaune white wines will set sail in summer 2024 aboard the Anemos for a transatlantic voyage between Le Havre and New York.
This initiative represents a strong commitment for the Beaune-based company, adopting this innovative and sustainable mode of transport in line with its long-established environmental approach. This carbonless navigation allows for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 98% reduction in sulphur oxide emissions while ensuring the quality and integrity of the wines during the 15-day voyage.
The USA holds particular significance for the Drouhin family, which has owned an import company in New York and 100 hectares of vineyards in Oregon for over 40 years. As pioneers in this region, the Drouhin family continues to affirm its strong connection with the American market, its first export market after France. This first transatlantic voyage by sailboat is set to become a regular occurrence, with two annual shipments planned in the coming years until the arrival of new boats.
This initiative by Maison Joseph Drouhin is based on its core values: Passion, Harmony, Audacity, Regenerative, Excellence (PHARE, “Lighthouse” in French).
Having long been committed to environmentally respectful practices, it was one of the first Burgundy houses to adopt organic and biodynamic viticulture practices in the late 1980s. It has introduced innovative initiatives such as creating a lightweight bottle in 2008.
Inspired by family values passed down through generations, Maison Joseph Drouhin has long been committed to embodying the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and actively contributing to sustainable development in all its aspects.
Frédéric Drouhin, chairman of the executive board and a member of the fourth generation, expresses this vision by stating: “Today, the employees of Maison Joseph Drouhin and I are proud of our actions that go beyond the CSR approach. It represents not only our core values but also our commitment to a better future for our planet and future generations. Our goal for 2030 is to be a model in our choices for preserving the wine heritage and ensuring its resilience in the face of internal and external climatic and human challenges.”
Joseph Drouhin is the first wine company to have signed the Climate Business Convention, reaffirming its commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
For Diana Mesa, General Manager, and Guillaume Le Grand, President of TOWT, this commercial partnership is a true success: “Joseph Drouhin, through its high-quality products and commitments to respecting our environment, is an exceptional partner for TOWT. Today, we are proud to collaborate together to decarbonize the maritime sector and promote sustainable maritime transport.”
Founded in 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin has five generations of experience and expertise and relies heavily on family tradition. The estate comprises 100 hectares of vineyards, 14 of which are Grand Cru and 30 Premiers Cru, all managed according to organic and biodynamic viticulture principles since 1988. Additionally, the Maison purchases grapes from loyal suppliers to complete its range where it does not own vineyards. Respect for the originality of the terroir and vintage, finesse, elegance, and harmony: this defines the Joseph Drouhin style.
The Anemos is part of the new generation of sail cargo ships from TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport) for transporting wines by sail cargo ship. Currently being completed in Concarneau, this ship will be inaugurated shortly in Le Havre before departing for New York. The Anemos promises to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to traditional cargo ships thanks to its primarily wind-powered propulsion. At 80 meters long with a cargo capacity of 1100 tons, Anemos is the largest and most efficient sail cargo ship in its category. It is the first of eight vessels for the company.
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Southern Glazer’s Promotes Kenrick to President of West Region
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits—the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol—has promoted Lewis Kenrick to the role of president, West Region, effective March 1.
In his most recent role, Kenrick served as executive vice president, general manager of California. He will now report to John Wittig, Chief Commercial Officer, and is filling the position of Patrick Daul who recently announced his retirement. As President, West Region, Kenrick will be responsible for leading all business activities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
“Lewis’ commercial leadership experience in California, our largest market, helps make him the ideal successor for our sizeable West Region,” said Wittig. “I am confident that he will build on Patrick’s great leadership and continue to drive success for customers and suppliers well into the future.”
In 2008, Kenrick commenced his career at Southern Wine & Spirits, pioneering Trade Development for Chains across California. He soon stepped into roles of increasing responsibility, including Pacific Wine & Spirits vice president, sales manager for chains in 2010, followed by his appointment to vice president, general manager, PWS of California in 2013. In his next role as executive vice president, general manager, PWS of California and Hawaii, Kenrick led a dedicated division of over 500 sales professionals representing the prestigious portfolios of Diageo, Moët Hennessy USA, and Nolet Spirits. Prior to his tenure at Southern Glazer’s, Kenrick honed his expertise at Diageo, with roles at Chateau & Estates in Napa, Calif., and later in the National Account organization.
An announcement for Lewis Kenrick’s successor will be forthcoming.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.
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Daul to Retire From Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits announced the retirement of Patrick Daul, president, West Region, effective July.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Patrick for many years, whose journey at Southern Glazer’s reflects not only his deep industry expertise, but also his unwavering dedication,” said John Wittig, chief commercial officer, Southern Glazer’s. “His strategic leadership has left an indelible mark and his mentorship has been instrumental in the career development of numerous leaders. As Patrick embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we celebrate his legacy of excellence and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the company.”
Commencing his career journey at Southern Glazer’s in 1992 as the director of wine sales in Northern California, Daul has navigated through several pivotal roles at the company. He assumed the role of vice president, general sales manager for the American Wines & Spirits division in 1997 and was promoted to Northern California general sales manager for the newly created Pacific Wine & Spirits division in 2002.
From 2005 to 2011, Daul served as vice president, general manager for the California division of PWS, focusing on Diageo and Moët Hennessy USA portfolios. Daul’s trajectory continued with leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including senior vice president of sales & marketing and senior vice president of commercial strategy for the state of California. Currently, Daul serves as president, West Region, marking the latest milestone in his accomplished career at Southern Glazer’s.
“Patrick’s retirement is a significant occasion, and we express our deepest gratitude for his exemplary leadership at Southern Glazer’s,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, chief executive officer, Southern Glazer’s. “His strategic foresight has been significant, and his legacy will continue to resonate throughout our organization.”
An announcement for Daul’s replacement will be forthcoming.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. The company urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.
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