San Francisco Wine Exchange (SFWE)
Working as a team since 1992.
JUSTIN has enjoyed a relationship with the San Francisco Wine Exchange (SFWE) since 1992. They are an instrumental component of our sales and marketing strategy and we are proud to be represented by them. The San Francisco Wine Exchange provides the link between the winery and our numerous wholesaler relationships. Their activities include marketing, wholesaler/distributor contracts, shipping, compliance and billing domestically for all states other than California.
The San Francisco Wine Exchange was founded in 1975 by Hugh Thacher. From its inception, the dream, goal, and focus was to offer national marketing and sales support for small California wineries. Headquartered in San Francisco, the firm markets wines via its sales force of 6 regional employees and 20 brokers to a national network of over 100 wholesale distributors.
SFWE relies on very personal, long term relationships with clients who seek special attention from a small company. It is a challenging profession that requires the full attention, good luck and wits of SFWE's management, sales force and staff. First and foremost, much of the company's longevity is due in large part to the ongoing relationships and friendships with both the winery clients and the loyal national network of wholesalers, many of whom have been with the firm since its inception. Beyond that, the company's philosophy is a key foundation in making the short and long term goals of its winery clients become reality.
Recognizing that the promotion of premium California wines requires planning, focus, and effective implementation, it was determined early on in the company's history that several factors were essential in establishing the family of clients.
Many small California wineries wish to exist as unique winery "Estates." History has shown that the land, the climate, and the vineyards themselves are the most important factors in making great wines. It is the vision and expertise of the winery owner which translates the raw material, grapes, into outstanding wines. To be successful as a small producer, a winery needs to limit its scope by producing only those wines in which it can excel in quality.
SFWE elected to work with exclusively small, family-owned producers who demonstrated that they shared this philosophy. In fairness to each of the wineries, the company's portfolio limits itself to one producer within a specific appellation unless another's product line offers different varietals which do not conflict within that region.
Wholesalers sought out or were sought out by SFWE who could offer quality distribution in each market. This required a serious commitment to on-premise distribution in addition to off-premise expertise by the wholesaler.
SFWE obtains sales licenses as well as handling each of the wineries' pricing and label registration with each of the fifty states. This ensures an efficient administration of thousands of orders each year from one central office.