![]() ![]() The EPI Group is privately owned by French entrepreneur Christopher Descours. We wish you and Folio Fine Wine Partners every future success.EPI Group, one of France’s major luxury companies, has bought a majority stake in Napa importer Folio Fine Wine Partners.įolio Fine Wine Partners will now become part of EPI’s Wine & Champagne Division, whose portfolio includes Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, along with a majority share of Brunello di Montalcino Biondi Santi, and part shares in Rhône negociant Tardieu-Laurent and Britain’s Liberty Wines. JC – There are many, but if I had to pick one it would be, at Folio we only represent wines that we are proud to serve our family and friends. ITM – Describe the primary philosophy and goals of Folio Fine Wine Partners. Last year our portfolio of wines generated 93 reviews over 90 points. It all started in Michael’s guest house back in 2004 and has become a very rewarding experience for all of us. JC – Being asked by Michael and Rob Mondavi to become one of the original partners at Folio. ITM – What was the proudest moment of your career? Mitch hired me at Robert Mondavi and taught me how to succeed in the wine business. JC – That’s easy: it is Mitch Clark who now owns a company called Avanti. ITM – Did you have a mentor or mentors in this business who were instrumental in guiding you along such an impressive path of success? It requires enormous amounts of extraordinary wine, excellent food, great friends and family and a long nap afterwards. ITM – What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate? Your customers have to come first before anything else. JC – A sense of urgency is required to be successful in your job. ITM – Do you have any words of wisdom for a rookie wine representative starting out in National Accounts? My wife and I have two rescue dogs now we are picking up another English setter next week and will soon be rescuing at least one horse. JC – I am into rescuing animals that need a good home. ITM – Tell us something about yourself that others might find surprising. Historically, I will always remember being at the same dinner table with the Baroness Philippe De Rothschild and Robert Mondavi for the vintage debut of 1982 Opus One. I can tell you that you don’t want to be the slowest member of that group. JC – I would have to say it was last year with Mary Melton,Don Melton, Celeste Dinos, Nicole Andrus and I running with the bulls in LaGuardia, Spain. ITM – Any favorite customer story you’d care to share with our readers? JC – Foie gras on warm brioche with a glass of 1979 Chateau d’Yquem, followed by a Padron Numseries cigar. ITM – Do you have a drink of choice and what preferred foods would you pair with it? My tenure in the wine business has allowed me to visit all the most prestigious wine producing areas of the world…well, except Australia. I also enjoy seeing other wine producing countries. I know my colleagues at Folio Fine Wine Partners are counting on me so it’s great to come through for the company. JC – I still get excited when I close a deal that will generate considerable revenue for our company. Next year on mark’s my twenty-fifth year of working for Michael Mondavi. Hopefully, I don’t look like I have been in the business that long. JC –I started at the Pier House in Key West, Florida in 1975 so that makes it over 33 years. ITM – How long have you been in the Hospitality/Wine industry and where did you get started? In the Mix staff caught up with Jamie Conahan recently and had the chance to interview him for the spotlight section. US National Accounts Sales Manager and Partner Folio Fine Wine Partners ![]()
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