LUKE Columbia Valley Joins Folio Fine Wine Partners

NEWS RELEASE

 

Napa, CA — Wednesday December 18th, 2019 — Washington state producer LUKE Columbia Valley has appointed Folio Fine Wine Partners as national marketing and sales agency, effective January 1, 2020.

 

LUKE Founder and Winemaker Thomas Vogele is bullish for the growth prospects ahead for the brand, having already carved out a leadership position in the rapidly growing Washington wine category, stating:

 

“We have been happy with our growth to date, but we knew that if we wanted to continue to grow our business in the right way, partnering with Folio would expand our national footprint.

 

Vogele continued:

 

“Partnering with Folio is an excellent business opportunity. They have a proven track record of being able to sell wines in a broad spectrum of price points and have a history of selling above $15 in all the vital channels where LUKE is positioned. We are excited for the opportunities ahead.”

 

Vogele has a longstanding history with Folio Fine Wine Partners, having held national sales roles with the company over his ten-year tenure, and Folio Co-Founder and Coach, Michael Mondavi, is thrilled with the appointment:

 

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Thomas and his wife Kristin back to the Folio family with the LUKE brand and this addition further strengthens our position in the premium domestic category.”

 

Mondavi continued:

 

“We believe that their brand has great potential to grow in volume and value, and Thomas’s vision and values reflect our desire to work with family wineries whom we respect and enjoy doing business with.”

 

LUKE Columbia Valley has shown strong growth since its launch in 2012. Today, the brand is one of the top five independently owned brands in the Washington category, the third fastest growing brand in volume, and fourth fastest in value.**

 

Wines in the LUKE Columbia Valley portfolio are produced at the Wahluke Wine Company under the oversight of Vogele and consulting winemaker Peter Devison. The range includes a Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (SRP $21), Syrah ($25), Cabernet Sauvignon ($25), Merlot ($25), and Red Blend ($25). Wines are available nationally through fine wine retailers and restaurants.

 

For more information or image requests, please contact Sydnie Hamby at shamby@foliofinewine.com.

 

**Source: AC Nielsen Total Grocery Washington Wine category 52 weeks ending 6/23/19