Anthony Terlato Wins Wine Spectator Award

The prominent importer and California vintner is the recipient of this year's Distinguished Service Award.

Posted: July 7, 2004

Anthony Terlato has worked in every aspect of the wine industry, from retailer and distributor to importer and vintner. For his pursuit of quality, and for helping change the way the world drinks wine, Terlato will be honored with Wine Spectator's Distinguished Service Award for 2004.

Terlato, 70, began his career in 1955 at his father's Chicago wine and spirits shop. Today, he is chairman and chief executive of the Illinois-based Terlato Wine Group and its flagship subsidiary Paterno Wines International.

Paterno has been a leader in importing Italian wines into the United States, including Gaja, Pio Cesare and Santa Margherita. Terlato was one of the first to embrace Pinot Grigio, now one of the top Italian imports into the United States.

The Terlato family also owns Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa Valley and holds significant shares in other California wineries, including Chimney Rock, Alderbrook and Sanford.

Terlato's philanthropic efforts include support for a range of arts organizations.

Wine Spectator will honor Terlato on Nov. 6 during the Grand Award banquet at the California Wine Experience in Chicago.