Schlendorf Joins Benson’s New York Office
April 1, 2008

New York – Our newest team member, Thea Schlendorf has joined Benson’s New York office from Winebow, a successful wine importer and distributor located in New York. Working in the research department, she developed training materials to help the sales team and buyers better understand and sell the company’s broad portfolio of Italian brands, as well as the firm’s new Spanish portfolio. Schlendorf is a Certified Specialist of Wine, and graduated with a BA from Colgate University.

French Wine Pioneer Robert Skalli Retains Benson for Import Venture
March 1, 2008

Napa – In the 1980s, it was rare for a French wine label to include a varietal name. But Robert Skalli was always the pioneering type. His Fortant de France label broke new ground, and is one example of his leadership in the South of France.

Now, Skalli has formed SFW Americas, which imports and markets Robert Skalli Wines (Languedoc AOC), Maison Bouachon (Rhône appellation contrôlée wines with a focus on Chateauneuf-du-Pape), and Clos Poggiale (Corsica). The import company, managed by St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery CEO Michaela Rodeno, retained Benson to build its presence in this market. www.sfwamericas.com

Portfolio Winery: Doing Well, Giving Back
January 1, 2008

Benson is pleased to be working with Portfolio Winery, founded 10 years ago by artist and philanthropist, Dr. Luc Janssens and his wife, Genevieve Janssens, director of winemaking for Robert Mondavi Winery. The couple creates one wine, Portfolio Limited Edition, from grapes meticulously selected from vineyards located southwest of Napa, including Hendry Ranch.

The Janssens donate 100% of the profits from the sale of the large bottles to the non-profit Lao Rehabilitation Foundation (www.laofoundation.com) founded by Luc. In February, Luc, Napa Valley Plastic Surgeon Dr. William McClure and the US-based Plasticos Foundation coordinated a volunteer effort and provided almost 100 free surgeries on cleft lip, palate and severely burned adults and children in Laos. The Foundation also provided free transportation, meals and accommodations for the patients and their families, some of whom traveled 600 miles to receive care.