The ENYE Group expands its sales force with key new hires

The ENYE Group announced today that it has significantly expanded its Illinois wholesale sales force with the addition of four new hires with extensive industry experience. Each new sales representative will be responsible for on and off premise accounts in a designated geographic territory. The company also announced today that Thomas Minnerick has joined ENYE as Director of Key Accounts.

Manuel Pulido, Managing Partner in charge of Business Development, said "Our aggressive 2010 strategic plan could not be executed without having the right talent in place. We are pleased to welcome our new team members and look forward to introducing them to our prospects and existing clients. Furthermore, with the addition of Tom Minnerick we look forward to partnering with new distributors in markets where we are not currently present."

In addition, Pulido noted "The recent expansion of the ENYE portfolio to include very attractive private label brands such as ESENZIA and CHATEAU RENNI, as well as established brands such as Castell del Remei, AGOSTON and wines from the VINTAE Group solidifies our standing as having one of the most comprehensive portfolios of Spanish wines available in the US."

National Key Accounts

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce that Thomas Minnerick has joined in March, 2010 as Director of Key Accounts. Tom brings over 30 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry to ENYE. His extensive experience includes managing the Midwest Region for Franciscan Estate Selections, Central Division VP for Kendall-Jackson, Director of Wine for Olinger Distribution Company in Indiana and National Sales Manager for Mildara Blass (later Beringer-Blass). Most notably, he spent several years at Distinctive Wines & Spirits in Chicago as the Part Owner, Executive VP of Sales and General Manager, prior to the company being sold to Southern. Most recently, Tom was Midwest Regional Manager for the Michael-David Winery. Tom will focus exclusively on expanding ENYE's distribution network and penetrating large multi-state off premise accounts.

Illinois Wholesale Sales Team

The following individuals comprise the Illinois Wholesale Sales Team:

Leo Cimino, Senior Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in August, 2009 from Heritage Wine Cellars. Leo is responsible for the northside of Chicago, the West Loop and certain key off-premise accounts in the suburbs. Ph. (206) 650-6065 or leo@enyegroup.com.

Phillip Radford, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in February, 2010 from Eagle Eye Imports. Previously, Phillip was with Stoller Wholesale and Union Beverage Company, among others. Phillip is responsible for the North Shore and Northwest Suburbs. Ph. (312) 925-3693 or phillip@enyegroup.com.

Kenneth Dedic, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in February, 2010 after having worked at Southern Wines & Spirits as an On-Premise Sales Consultant. Ken is responsible for accounts in the Western Suburbs. Ph. (312) 841-3693 or ken@enyegroup.com.

Julie Oelling, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in March, 2010 after serving as a Wine Consultant and Sales Representative for the Owl Creek Vineyard. Julie will be responsible for accounts located in downtown Chicago, including the Loop, South Loop, Old Town, Streeterville, River North and the Gold Coast. Ph. (312) 806-3369 or julie@enyegroup.com.

Randall Smeds, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in February, 2010 and will be responsible for accounts in the far Western/Northwestern Suburbs and Rockford. Previously, Randy spent over 9 years with Union Beverage Company. Ph. (847) 361-7217 or randall@enyegroup.com.

About the ENYE Group
The ENYE Group is a national importer and Illinois wholesaler specializing in boutique wines and spirits from Spain, founded in 2007 by Dustin Goldstein and Manuel Pulido. ENYE's catalog includes 69 high quality wines and spirits. ENYE primarily supports wines made in sustainable methods from small production, family-owned estates. Our focus is on wines that are varietally specific to Spain, their region and reflective of their terroir. ENYE is committed to bring wines to the market that are of an excellent quality and product presentation, at fair and competitive prices. Further information is available on the company's website, www.enyegroup.com.

Press contact:

The ENYE Group
W. Dustin Goldstein, Managing Partner
+1 312 876 1200
dustin@enyegroup.com

ENYE Event: Meet the Winemaker Series Dinner/Tasting with Raul Acha from VINTAE

ENYE is pleased to host the Head Winemaker/Enologist of the Rioja-based VINTAE Group to Chicago, Raul Acha, accompanied by Nicole Johnson, Export Manager for the group. VINTAE is one of the hottest, most innovative wine groups in Spain and ENYE is pleased to be the exclusive distributor of their products in the United States. VINTAE owns and closely operates wineries located in Rioja, Toro, Ribera del Queiles and Valles de Sadacia.

We will host an excellent evening of food, wine pairings, stories and education for up to 50 guests on Thursday, May 14th at 7:00pm at the Private Dining Room at Fleming's Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 25 E. Ohio Street, Chicago.

Cost is $68 per person (excluding gratuity) that includes 9 courses each paired with one of VINTAE's excellent wines.

RSVP by phone (312) 876-1200 or by e-mail to: manuel@enyegroup.com.

Tickets can also be purchased online by clicking on the following link: http://www.localwineevents.com/Chicago-Wine/event-247526.html