SONS OF ITALY PARTNERS WITH
VOTTO VINES TO LAUNCH NEW
LINE OF ITALIAN WINES IN U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC, May 22, 2009 - The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the oldest and largest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage, has entered into an exclusive licensing and branding agreement with Connecticut-based Votto Vines Importing (Votto Vines). The pair will develop and market a new line of Italian wines that will be branded "Leone D'Oro" (Golden Lion), borrowing from the historic seal of the Order. The deal was facilitated by the Broad Street Licensing Group of New Jersey.
"This is an exciting venture for the Sons of Italy, and one that exemplifies the lineup of progressive, inventive endeavors we're undertaking to appeal to our membership and the Italian American community at large," said OSIA National Executive Director Philip R. Piccigallo. "We are genuinely exhilarated to partner with a dynamic and visionary young company, whose principals know as much about wines as they do about Italy ... We are going to make one heck of a team."
"We are ecstatic to be chosen by the Sons of Italy for both the quality of our wine portfolio and the content of our vision," says company President, Michael Votto. He adds, "We founded this company because of our deep appreciation for the traditions and values unique to Italian Americans and, of course, our love and knowledge of fine Italian wine."
The red, white and sparkling varietals will initially be imported from the Italian regions of Piemonte, Fruili and Le Marche. Each wine will retail between $10-$20 per bottle and will come from only high-quality, family-run Italian vineyards. The target release date for the Leone D'Oro brand is the first quarter of 2010.
"We believe this has the makings of a great relationship," says VP of Global Logistics, Peter Votto. "OSIA is one of the most respected organizations in the United States and we look forward ... to bringing our ideas, youth and energy to the next generation of Italian Americans and all those who appreciate Italian wine."
Votto Vines is also seeking distribution partners in strategic locations throughout the United States for the Leone D'Oro line. If interested, please contact Votto atinfo@vottovines.com or call 1.800.316.8956.
* * * * |
Established in 1905, OSIA has more than 500,000 family members and supporters and a network of more than 650 chapters coast to coast. OSIA works at the community, national and international levels to promote the heritage and culture of an estimated 26 million Italian Americans, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group according to the U.S. Census Bureau. To learn more, visit www.osia.org.
Votto Vines Importing (Votto Vines) is a dynamic wine importation, distribution, consulting and tourism company headquartered in Connecticut. Votto Vines combines a deep entrepreneurial spirit with diverse professional experience to apply its forward thinking ideas to the international wine trade. The family values of loyalty, equality and appreciation for tradition instilled in the company executives has stimulated expansive growth despite the current recessionary environment. For more information, please visit www.vottovines.com and www.italianheritagefesta.com.
|
|
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
