u r t o r y
Italian Wine Importers
o t L V n d e m i a
La Vendemmia Wine Importers was born out of a shared passion for wine and a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. Initially selling wine together and making deliveries, the team quickly found success, selling 4,500 cases in their first year, 1996, and expanding to 75,000 by 2007. Key to their success is their partnership with Vinicola Botter, Italy’s third-largest family-owned wine producer, and their innovative label redesign in 2003, which boosted sales significantly.
The brand has received notable recognition, including being featured by food and wine editor Peter Gianotti and appearing on Rachel Ray’s show. La Vendemmia’s wines, including their standout Primitivo, have been praised by The Star-Ledger as well. They even became the unofficial wine of the Wise Guy show on Sirius Satellite Radio, showcasing their versatility and appeal.
La Vendemmia started with five types of wine and now offers 25 varieties, including the only white zinfandel from Italy. With a growing team of salespeople and a fleet of delivery trucks, La Vendemmia continues to thrive, driven by a love for wine and a commitment to quality.
For Kathy and Dennis Pinto, marriage has been all about love, romance and wine … lots of wine. The two met while dining out with friends and hit it off right away. Six months later, after a whirlwind courtship, they were married and living in Kathy’s Sayreville condominium. “I think my mother sent him to me,” Kathy said, noting that the night in the restaurant was the first time she had gone out since her mother had died. “She had cancer and I had been caring for her for months.” The two happily settled into a routine. Kathy was a hairdresser at a salon in Manalapan. Dennis was a wine salesman and traveled the tristate area. Unfortunately, three years into their marriage, the company where Dennis worked went out of business.