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American Small Batch is our comprehensive, regional portfolio of high quality, limited production wineries from California, Oregon and Washington. These estate, vineyard designate and site specific wines are handcrafted by many of the country’s top winemakers, most of who practice and support natural viticulture and winemaking.
CALIFORNIA
Auteur | Blackbird Vineyards | Brewer-Clifton | Bryant Family
Chiarello Family Vineyards | Copain | Dashe Cellars | Davis Family Vineyards | Diatom
Drew Family Cellars |
Hourglass | Kunin | Lewelling Vineyards | Linne Calodo | Maybach
Melville Vineyards |
Outpost | Palmina | Pavi | Pisoni Vineyards
Robert Foley Vineyards |
Rivers-Marie | Saxum Vineyards | Switchback Ridge | TuTu
Vinifera | Westerly Vineyards | Whetstone Wine Cellars
OREGON
Andrew Rich | Brooks | Daedalus Cellars | Francis Tannahill | J. Christopher |
Lumos | Maysara
Owen Roe | Ransom Wines & Spirits | Sineann
WASHINGTON
Ash Hollow | Betz Family Winery | Cote Bonneville | K Vintners | L'Ecole No. 41
Seven Hills Winery | Tamarack Cellars | Walla Walla Vintners
When we started Cream in October of 2001, one of our goals was to offer a solid and balanced portfolio of dynamic, American artisan winemakers whose emphasis is quality rather than quantity. As we enter our 6th selling season and all the wonderful new releases, this American Small Batch Portfolio has become our calling card. Cream markets Small Batch wines in a distinct and different manner than the rest of our portfolio. Allocations are managed giving priority and respect to a customer’s history of support. However, waiting lists are maintained and extra wine is moved around whenever possible. We are a distribution company, not a wine library. There is no secret password. We just want to sell wine.
New wines and concentrated seasonal releases of non-allocated wines are pre-offered to
add incentive and facilitate volume and commitment immediately upon release. A calendar of releases are posted online and the creation and execution of offerings and allocation management are given the highest priority.
Embracing and utilizing technology greatly helps with the management of these special properties. Our web site offers up to date and detailed information on people, wineries, vineyards and wines – including technical sheets, press, tasting notes and point of sale. Email marketing is used to drive sales through unique and limited offerings and event promotion. Cream sales representatives have access to real time inventory and allocation management tools. All enhancements are designed to increase the service level and provide well needed brand focus for seamless and proper distribution.
Our American Small Batch Portfolio Tasting (the 3rd Wednesday of April) is the culmination and ultimate showcase of our fine collection and is recognized by the trade as one of the Midwest’s premier fine wine events. Small Batch wineries owners, representatives, winemakers and vineyard managers present new and current releases to Illinois’ top restaurant and retail buyers. Focused seminars, market visits and restaurant and retail events involving our Small Batch producers are common the week of the Portfolio Tasting, as well as throughout the year.
We have many friends to thank for the success of this unique concept in fine wine marketing. First are the winemakers and owners whose passion and pursuit of excellence makes our jobs easier and
more fun. Second, you the customer for your belief in this project and continued, generous support of these fabulous wines and people. Third and the most important link in this wacky yet wonderful wine business, is the consumer. Their interest in real, artisan wine, with a sense of place, personality and integrity is the reason why we are all here. Never forget that. Our passion is wine, food and people not labels, boxes and projections. To quote one of Chicago’s favorite sons, Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, “Less is more.”
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