Announcing Wine Enthusiast's 2012 Wine Star Award Winners

The Leading Magazine in Wine Lifestyle Names the 2012 Luminaries of the Wine Industry and Reveals a New Category


NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For more than a decade, the editors of Wine Enthusiast Magazine have honored individuals who have contributed to the success of the wine and spirits industry with the Wine Star Awards. The winners are noted for their energy and groundbreaking vision, but this year, another theme is apparent: family. Because of the long-term nature of the industry, family-owned concerns have always been the bedrock that the wine business rests on.

"It is with great pride that we award this prestigious recognition to the leaders of an industry driving a great passion we all have for wine," stated Publisher and Editor Adam Strum. "We are thrilled to add these individuals and businesses to our family of Wine Star Awards winners."

This year, Wine Enthusiast Magazine is also pleased to reveal a new category for 2012 – the Sommelier of the Year Award. This award acknowledges the great contributions members of that profession make to our enjoyment of wine and spirits. A great sommelier bridges the realms of consumer and producer, bringing them together to serve both equally well.

The 2012 Wine Star Awards Winners:

Wine Person of the Year, Joseph E. Gallo, E&J Gallo

Lifetime Achievement, Miguel A. Torres, Torres Group

Winemaker of the Year, Jorge Riccitelli, Bodega Norton

American Winery of the Year, Raymond Vineyards, Jean-Charles Boisset, CEO

European Winery of the Year, Arnaldo Caprai, Marco Caprai

New World Winery of the Year, Golan Heights Winery, Anat Levi and Victor Schoenfeld

Wine Region of the Year, Ribera del Duero, Spain

Importer of the Year, Kobrand Corporation, Robert Deroose, President and CEO

Retailer of the Year, Binny's Beverage Depot, Michael Binstein, CEO

Distiller of the Year, Michter's, Joe Magliocco, President Chatham Imports

Mixologist/Brand Ambassador of the Year, Angus Winchester, Tanqueray Gin

Sommelier of the Year, Michael Madrigale, Bar Boulud, Épicierie Boulud, Boulud Sud

Innovator of the Year, David Biggar, Vintage Point

American Wine Legend, Hubert Opici, Opici Wine Group

To read in-depth profiles of the Wine Star Award winners, pick up the Best of Year issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine available on newsstands and digitally at WineMag.com on December 13th, 2012. The winners will be honored at the Wine Star Awards Dinner on Monday, January 28th in New York City.

Wine Star Awards Dinner

The New York Public Library - The Celeste Bartos Forum

Monday, January 28th 2013

Fifth Avenue at 41st Street, New York City

Black Tie

Reception: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Dinner & Awards: 7:30 - 11:00 pm

$1,000 per person • Table of 10 - $9,000

Table of 12 available. Please inquire. Space is very limited.

Wine Enthusiast Companies donates the net proceeds from this event to benefit research in the wine and spirits industry with The Wine Market Council, a non-profit organization.

About Wine Enthusiast Companies

Wine Enthusiast Magazine educates and entertains readers about wine and the wine lifestyle in an accessible and user-friendly way. Published 12 times per year, the magazine's readership is more than 700,000. The magazine and its Buying Guide with more than 100,000 ratings and reviews are available online. The magazine hosts signature Wine Enthusiast events for both consumer and trade. www.WineMag.com

Contact: 

Wine Enthusiast Companies

Jacqueline Strum

jstrum@wineenthusiast.net

914.593.4406

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

http://www.cisionwire.com/wine-enthusiast/r/announcing-wine-enthusiast-s-2012-wine-star-award-winners,c9332941