Brandon's Trip to Cali: The Finale!

On occasion, Joe Canal’s staff members are able to go on trips to meet the producers of the items we sell. Whether we travel to the great wine regions, or any other location, the trips are educational, great for team-building, and, of course, they’re fun.

Brandon Bartfalvi, Senior Wine Manager at our Lawrenceville store, recently visited California wine country on just such a trip with other Joe Canal's team members. Here's the final part of his report:

DAY 4:  ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END...

This was our last day in California and it was very relaxed.  We made the drive from Napa to San Francisco and stopped by the Golden Gate Bridge while we had time.   Everybody enjoyed this little stop and the cool air was fresh and clean (and it woke you up).

We all took several pictures and then it was time to make our final tour of the trip:  Campari America headquarters.

This was a first for all of us on the trip (even the veterans).  We usually only visit wineries on these trips, but we mixed it up a little this time and thought it would be fun to visit the national headquarters of Campari America.

THE DESTINATION (CAMPARI AMERICA):
(courtesy of www. Campariamerica.com)

Campari America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., which together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari, comprise an international beverage powerhouse making it the sixth-largest spirits company in the world.

At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America.Unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, the Campari America portfolio is a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.

Campari America is committed to profitable growth by combining its focus on brand building with innovation and functional excellence.

Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky

THE VISIT: 

I never realized how many products are represented by Campari, and I was truly amazed.  This was my first visit to the national headquarters of a major spirits entity, so I was very interested.  After being cleared by security we were sent up the elevator where we were met by our guide.

We toured the floor and found that the offices were brand new and there was a lot of pride that went into the design.  Campari owned the entire floor (which had great views of the city) and it was designed to host events and still operate as a working office with a very open floor plan.  We were shown the various offices and departments within the corporation and then we made our way to the rear where there was an experimental kitchen.  This kitchen is where drinks are made, experimental drinks are produced and where a lot of the mixology magic happens.  Walk outside the kitchen and you are in a semi-lounge area with a very modern bar set-up in the rear (with multiple colored lights that can be changed at random) where the events are  hosted.

We continued the tour and witnessed quite a few meetings that were taking place but there was a casual feel that made everything seem relaxed.  We had the chance to meet with the national sales manager and we sat in one of the meeting rooms and discussed the business, our needs and the growing market trends.  We discussed the booming growth of the whiskey segment and we found that there will be some interesting moves in the coming months (interesting marketing moves to be more specific – keep an eye on Wild Turkey).  That meeting concluded our visit and opened up the day to us to relax.

San Francisco, here we are: now entertain us! 

There were some good stories but what happens there stays there. We did have an amazing dinner at Epic Roasthouse and the food was absolutely incredible!  My halibut was mouthwatering and the steaks were done to perfection..... and now the story ends..... well, the written part....