When you open a bottle of your favorite Argentinian Malbec or German Riesling, do you think of the importer? If the answer is “yes”, kudos to you, because the importer is often the overlooked link in the chain of those responsible for bringing that bottle to the table. An importer cultivates and maintains relationships with wineries around the world, creates a market for wines, and works with distributors. Perks? International travel, tasting plenty of vino, and wining and dining at only-the-best restaurants are just a few…Nice job, right?
I had the opportunity to meet brothers Adam and Jordan Sager of Winesellers, Ltd., a successful family run importing company based in Chicago, at a recent tasting. The quality of boutique wines I sampled (see the list at the end of this article) from their portfolio was impressive. It’s no surprise to me that Winesellers, Ltd. received the 2015 Importer of the Year award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Jordan Sager, holding a glass of rose in the photograph below, explained that “at the end of the day, this is a wonderful award, but, more than that, it’s a huge recognition for my father. I’m very proud of my dad.” Jordan’s father is Yale Sager who founded Winesellers, Ltd. In 1978.
After the tasting, I reached out to Jordan; I wanted to learn more about the company and their wines. Following is the edited version of our Q&A and a must-see video that explains more.
Jordan, how did your father, Yale, begin Winesellers, Ltd.?
“My dad has a pharmacy background and worked at Walgreen’s when fine wine was coming onto the wine scene. Consumers were looking for better wine. He became the first wine buyer at Jewel in 1968. By 1973, he worked at Shaw-Ross, a fine wine and spirits importer, as its Midwest Sales representative. Eventually, in 1978, he decided to start his own company, Winesellers, Ltd., importing German then French wines. He was the first importer in the Midwest and West Coast for George DuBoeuf in the early 1990s. We’re not representing them at this time, though. Now, our focus is on wines from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Germany, France, Spain, and the United States.”
What prompted you and Adam to go into business with your dad?
“There was no pressure from our dad to go into the business, but we were always involved. We travelled, ate at nice restaurants, and learned how to taste and sell wine. After working in advertising for a year and sales for three years after college, I decided to go into the business in 2005. Adam began in 2001. I believe that wine is a genuine product that makes people happy.”
Does Winesellers, Ltd. represent a particular style of wine?
“We represent large and small wineries around the world, but we look to partner with other family companies instead of corporate brands. Regions we’re exploring right now are those in the northern area of Spain from Galicia to the Basque and Montsant that surrounds the Priorat. Regional wines with varietals that are atypical are a great success with the consumer.”
It seems that at every trade tasting I attend, there are wineries looking for importers. How do you vet new clients?
“We identify major wine buying regions and reach out to trade groups. We’re very proactive, but most brands are reaching out to Winesellers, Ltd. The percentage of us accepting the wines is low. We look for relationships and at wine regions. Now that we’ve received the Wine Enthusiast Importer of the Year award, it’s easier to attract prospective brands that help us in the marketplace.”
What is the suggested retail price of the wines you import?
“We want to have a range of value and premium wines. We have five or six premium brands that are over $20 per bottle, such as the Murdoch James Estate Pinot Noir 2013 from New Zealand for $25, but there are many bottles selling for under $20 such as Tiamo Prosecco from Italy and Mont Gravet 2014 from Cotes de Gascogne in France.”
Are your wines in restaurants as well as on the shelf?
“Absolutely. Millenials want to taste something new at a good price. All consumers seem to be looking for a wine that’s not typical, so we want to branch out and find those wines at a good price. Many of our wines such as those from Zuccardi are found in restaurants.”
On a personal level, where are your favorite travel destinations?
“I love Chile, Spain, and France. Argentina is one of the most unique places in the world with the Andes Mountains and vineyards at 4000 feet.”
Do you have any preferred wine and food pairings?
“Right now I’m enjoying higher acid European whites such as Albarino with seafood, sushi, oysters, and crudo.”
What have you learned from your father?
“My father has taught me his way of doing business. Stay loyal to good people, doing what you say you’ll do, be the type of business person that people want to do business with are just a few things I’ve learned. He’s a real role model.”
Positive relationships between family members, as well as clients, are the foundation to any thriving business. And thriving it is with family at the core. Jordan knows that the company “wants to sell a wine that people want to drink” and he’s excited about what the future will hold. It’s clear that Jordan and Adam are already taking Winesellers, Ltd. to the next level. I’m guessing that Yale Sager has just as much respect for his sons as they do for him.
Winesellers, Ltd. imports boutique wines that you may love, not only for their quality, but their price. Below are a few that I tasted with Jordan and Adam. Find them at your local wine retailer.
Tiamo Prosecco DOC (organically farmed from Veneto, Italy) – $14
Shine Riesling QbA 2014 (100% Riesling from Rheinhessen, Germany) – $11
Le Charmel Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie AOC 2014 (100% Melon de Bourgogne from the Loire Valley) – $11
Mont Gravet 2014 (100% Colombard from Cotes de Gascogne in France) – $10
Le Charmel Rose 2015 (a blend of Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Rolle from the Cotes de Provence AOP) – $14
Murdoch James Estate Pinot Noir 2013 (100% Pinot Noir from Martinborough, New Zealand) – $25
Pratsch 2015 Rose (a blend of Sankt Laurent, Blauburger, Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir from Niederosterreich, Austria) – $15
Gran Passione 2014 Rosso (a blend of Merlot and Corvina from Veneto IGT) – $13
Zuccardi Serie A 2014 Malbec (100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina) – $15
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Jill BARTH