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Importer Winebow Adds New President to Its Portfolio
Jon Moramarco brings experience in California and international markets to distributor
Wine importer and distributor Winebow has added a new member to its team. Jon Moramarco, formerly an executive at Constellation and Allied Domecq Wines USA, will join the company as president this month. The new hire may be a sign that Winebow, which built its reputation specializing in Italian wines, plans to enlarge its import portfolio and its distribution of American wines.
"Jon has a unique background that combines a wealth of experience," said Leonardo LoCascio, chairman and CEO of Winebow. "He understands both domestic and imported wines, as well as the different needs of larger brands versus smaller, iconic brands. He is also experienced in both the distribution and the national sides of our business."
Moramarco started in the wine business with his family's Southern California winery and has an enology and viticulture degree from University of California Davis. He moved into the management side of the industry as an executive with Allied Domecq, then spent 10 years at Constellation, eventually as CEO of their international operations. More recently, he led a group of investors that helped keep Vinfolio, a cellar management firm, afloat during restructuring.
"Winebow has been very successful growing their business in what has been a very tough environment for luxury goods," said Moramarco. "They have a wonderful portfolio that ranges across many price points, so they have been able to address consumers' desires as their purchasing habits have become more conservative."
LoCascio started the company in 1980, focusing on Italian wines, and it still represents some of Italy's best names, from Barolo's Roberto Voerzio to Tua Rita in Tuscany, Allegrini in Valpolicella and Mastroberardino in Campania. It's expanded to import from other countries and distributes wines, including many American labels, in several states in the Northeast. In 2008, Winebow bought the Peter Click Wine Group, best known for brands like Fat Bastard.
LoCascio and Moramarco sound aggressive about their plans despite the current economy. "Jon has terrific and relevant experience with California and domestic wines in general," said LoCascio. "It’s conceivable that this may be an area of further expansion—both on the distribution and on the national side."
Added Moramarco, "I believe there are still many opportunities to expand the appellations represented and to truly become the fine wine resource for wines from around the globe."
