EXPAND YOUR WORLD THROUGH GREAT WINE, SAKE & SPIRITS.
For over 20 years, we have consistently delivered incredible wine, sake, and spirits from inspiring families from Argentina, Chile, and Japan. These authentic beverages, and the cultures and people who produce them, will enrich and broaden your view of the world.
AHEAD OF THEIR TIME
Lifetime wine guys, Nick Ramkowsky and Ed Lehrman got their wine careers started early. Nick began working at North Berkeley Wine Shop while attending UC Berkeley, eventually becoming the store’s manager and wine buyer. Ed started collecting wine as a hobby and storing it in the bottom 2 drawers of his dorm dresser at Duke University before moving to NYC where he worked at New York’s premier wine shop, Sherry-Lehmann.
THE SPARK THAT STARTS IT ALL
While on a trip visiting wineries in Mendoza, Argentina, Ed and Nick realized they had to introduce America to the best wines from the world’s 5th largest (but still fairly unknown) wine producing country. They decided to form and launch Vine Connections, which pioneered the first nationally-imported portfolio of artisan wines from Argentina.
GOING FOR IT WITH GINJO
Just a year after launching the Argentina portfolio, Ed and Nick decided to introduce Japanese premium ginjo sake from 11 brewers. Vine Connections was the first non-Japanese company to nationally distribute sake.
INTRODUCING “THE NEW CHILE”
Noticing Chile was on the cusp of a fine wine revolution that will be felt for decades to come, Ed and Nick introduced the world to “The New Chile” with an appellation-based portfolio representing the diversity of Chile's terroir.
A NEW SAKE & SPIRITS DIVISION IS FORMED
Recently Vine Connections launched Komé Collective. The division focuses its portfolio on our expertly curated craft Japanese sake and spirits that span experiences rooted in tradition up to the forefront of innovation.
The Vine Connections Team
Values: What Drives Us
INNOVATION
We are passionate about improving our product portfolio & business practices. We will accept short-term failures in the pursuit of innovations that help us outperform our competition.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We hold ourselves, our suppliers, and our distributors accountable to over-deliver in every aspect of business. We perform our jobs professionally without being “corporate” or impersonal.
- Highest-Quality Products & Services
- Connection to Regions & Culture
- Expertise & Education
- Category Leadership
- Innovation in Ideas & Execution