WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, recently installed new members on its Board of Directors and discussed the outlook in Washington heading into 2023. The annual Fall Retreat, this year held at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington on November 14-15, also included updates on the organization's membership, government affairs activities, and 2022 National Economic Impact Study. "This was an excellent and productive gathering reflective of WineAmerica's continuing evolution," said WineAmerica President Jim Trezise, who served on the organization's Board and Executive Committee for 25 years before becoming President in 2017. "The new Board members bring fresh perspectives and energy to blend with the dedication and experience of longtime Directors." The newly installed Directors, elected by the membership in October, are Michelle Kaufman of the Stoller Wine Group (OR), Edward Matovcik of Constellation Brands (NY, CA, WA),

How a Start-Up Distillery Generated Six-Figures in Sales During the Pandemic In a year when growth in the beverage alcohol industry seems tenuous, craft distillery Kozuba & Sons found a path to massive expansion. Operating out of sunny St. Petersburg, on Florida’s gulf coast, this family business crafts traditional Polish spirits: vodkas, whiskey and cordials. And while other small-batch distilleries were hedging their bets, Kozuba & Sons saw an opportunity. In June of 2020, they chose to completely overhaul their approach to the market. It paid off. In a little over two months, this family-owned distillery has sold $180,000 in products and has secured almost 80 new accounts. They are now in the process of presenting to major chain stores and have goals to reach 10,000 cases over the next several months. Figures and projections like that might sound like magic or luck (or a combination of the two), but if you ask the Kozubas, they’ll tell you it was just smart bu

By Cheryl Durzy LibDib was recently named the liquor distributor for Kate Hudson’s new craft vodka brand King St. in two states. In the press release, Kate had an amazing quote regarding women supporting other women in this business. “I am very excited to appoint LibDib to distribute King St. in Colorado and Wisconsin and support another female entrepreneur. I love seeing women succeed in what has historically been a male dominated industry,” said King St. Founder, Kate Hudson. As a female in both the technology and beverage alcohol space, I feel strongly about supporting other amazing women in both industries. I’m part of the Women’s Leadership Council at WSWA. LibDib is also a proud sponsor of Women of the Vines and Spirits. On the LibDib platform, we have an entire stand-alone category dedicated to female Makers (aptly called ‘Women Owned/Operated). And, our team at LibDib is comprised of 50% women. The King St Vodka announcement and Kate’s quote really got me thinking about wom