Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc. is the largest wine and spirits distributor in the United States with operations in 33 states.[1]. Southern's portfolio is 45% wine and 55% spirits.
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Southern Wine and Spirits was founded in 1968 in Florida by Jay W. Weiss, and Harvey R. Chaplin, and is still headquartered in Miami. The company expanded from Florida to California in 1969. Southern was one of the first companies to have state-wide distribution in California, which is currently the company's largest market; prior to Southern's presence, California had dozens of small distributors[2].
The company spread to Nevada in 1976, Arizona in 1992, South Carolina in 1993, Pennsylvania in 1995, Hawaii in 1996, Kentucky in 1998, New Mexico in 2000, Colorado in 2001, Illinois in 2002, New York in 2004, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia in 2005. In 2006, the Company began operations in Alabama and in 2008 entered Delaware. In July 2008, Southern Wine and Spirits merged with the Odom Corporation which added Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska to its distribution areas. Most recently Southern entered the Indiana market in 2010.
Southern now has a presence in Maryland and the District of Columbia through a joint venture with F.P. Winner Wine & Spirits as well as a joint venture operation in Minnesota with J.J. Taylor Distributing Company. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas.
Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. is a privately held company. In 2010, the Company was ranked 30th on Forbes' list of America's largest privately held companies.
Harvey R. Chaplin is the Chairman and CEO of Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc[3].
His son, Wayne E. Chaplin, serves as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer[4].
Mel Dick serves as the Senior Vice President of Southern Wine & Spirits of America and as President of the Company's Wine Division. In 2001, Mel Dick was awarded the Legion of Honor medal by the President of France, Jacques Chirac for his efforts to promote French wine[5]. He was first hired at Southern Wine and Spirits in 1969 as General Sales Manager-Wine to develop the wine operations of the company and eventually promoted to Senior Vice President in 1991[6].
Brad Vassar serves as Executive Vice President, General Manager, Southern Wine & Spirits of America.
Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. has demonstrated a passion for giving back to the communities in which the Company operates. The Company has supported a wide range of charities over 42 years benefiting the arts, history, education, industry, religion, human services, civic, medical, and youth development causes.
Southern represents approximately 1,500 wine, spirits, beer, and beverage suppliers from around the world. The company employs approximately 11,000 people[7].
Product catalog site of Southern Wine & Spirits of California==References==