Network with wine importers and wine exporters

Whether you're in the wine import business or exporting wine yourself, or interested in connecting with US wine distributors for your restaurant or beverage retail business, take advantage of trade associations and business networks to get import-export wine leads.

I recommend: The International Beverage Network (IBN) links to global producers and distributors of wine and spirits in its IBN World Directory. You can also register your company to be listed in the IBN World Directory for free. Global Wine and Spirits calls itself "the eBusiness Network for Wine Professionals"; explore membership levels. WineMarketer.com is devoted to online wine marketing; sign up for access to forums, a newsletter, wine industry stats and links.

Savor classic European favorites from wine import companies

Get the best of the best when you deal with US wine importers who specialize in the great winegrowing regions of France, Italy and Germany. Look for a wine importer with insider contacts to help you acquire great bottles and boutique vintages for your restaurant or wine shop.

I recommend: Maisons Marques & Domains, Inc. (MMD) originated as the US importer of the famed French Champagne Louis Roederer. Now they also represent family-owned, prestigious vineyards in Bordeaux and other French regions; check their list of distributors by state. Winebow, Inc. imports wines from around the world, but founder and CEO Leonardo LoCascio's heart is in the vineyards of Italy's Tuscany and Piedmont regions. Visit the GermanWineEstates website for a listing of US wine distributors specializing in ever-popular German wines.

Go farther afield for wine imports from new global producers

Winegrowing regions outside of Europe are gaining in US popularity. Offer your customers a taste of the wider wine world with selections from US wine importers representing growing global producers.

I recommend: Global Vineyard Wine Importers specializes in the world-class wines of Chile and Argentina. Turn to wine importer TGIC Importers, Inc. for wines from Down Under; they carry wines from Australia and New Zealand, among other international regions. Confluence Wine Importers concentrates its wine importing business on the wines of South Africa.

Join a coalition to get help exporting wine

US winemakers essentially run their own wine export business, regulated by the US Department of Agriculture as well as international trade agreements. Join a regional wine marketing group to pool resources when you want to export wines.

I recommend: The Wine Institute of CA oversees the California Wine Export Program. Winemakers in WA, OR and ID can get an export boost from participation in The Northwest Wine Coalition. Learn about the New York Wine & Grape Foundation's wine export program at the Uncork New York! website.