MIAMI, FL (September 20, 2023) – BGPL USA, the US branch of Barton & Guestier and esteemed-U.S. importer and marketer of Barton & Guestier, Patriarche, Veuve du Vernay, and Listel, has been named in the 2023 Wine Star Awards for the title of Importer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. This honor recognizes the individuals and companies who have made outstanding contributions to the wine and alcohol industry.
BGPL USA imports and represents three historic French wineries producing over 5 million cases of wine, collaborating with more than 200 growers:
Barton & Guestier, known as B&G since Thomas Jefferson imported the first cases in the US, was founded in Bordeaux in 1725. The company is approaching its fourth century in business and sells wines from the major wine regions of France in 130 countries. B&G also welcomes more than 450 trade partners each year to the B&G Food & Wine Academy at Château Magnol to be immersed in the French art of living. Patriarche in Beaune is known for its Burgundy fine wines and sparkling wines, especially America’s favorite French Sparkling under $20 Veuve du Vernay. Listel, based in Sète on the Mediterranean coast in the South of France, is the #1 selling rosé in France.
“We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition from Wine Enthusiast,” said Carlos Varela, CEO of BGPL USA. “It is a testament to the dedication of our team, our talented winemakers, and our partners who all contributed to this nomination. Collectively, we remain committed to delivering some of the most loved French wines to consumers with the artistry and craftsmanship that define our brands.”
This year has proven to be a significant year of accomplishments for BGPL USA, with the launch of a direct-to-consumer e-commerce website, featuring 20 SKUs of the company’s top-performing wines. In addition to the introduction of the magnum edition of B&G’s beloved Côtes de Provence “Tourmaline,” BGPL USA proudly unveiled a new aluminum packaging for the 250ml format of Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé, the #1 selling French sparkling wine under $20 in the U.S. The innovative launch further solidified the company’s commitment to sustainability and introducing eco-friendly solutions that reduce carbon footprint.
This year marks the 24th anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards, honoring the most influential members of the wine, spirits and beverage industry. The winners of the Award’s 13 categories will be announced on October 12, 2023, and will be featured in the magazine’s Best of Year issue and celebrated at the annual black-tie gala in February 2024.
About BGPL USA
The importer and marketer of Barton & Guestier, Patriarche and Listel brands in the U.S., BGPL USA offers a comprehensive portfolio of French wines for the US market. Barton & Guestier is the oldest winehouse of Bordeaux, with three centuries of winemaking history and award-winning wines sourced from almost two hundred winegrowers in France. Based in Beaune, Patriarche is a Bourgogne winehouse specialized in the Charmat Method and Traditional Method sparkling wines as well as still AOC wines. Patriarche’s underground cellars, the largest in Europe, age 3 million bottles and welcome about 45,000 visitors each year. Listel is the maker of the best-selling rosé wine sold in France. Social Media: @bartonguestier_france, @veuveduvernay, @listelusaofficial; Website: www.bgpl-usa.com.
