In 2007,
Billington Imports changed its name to Billington Wines in order to encompass
everything under one company brand. In its third decade, Billington still carries
out the enduring principles of founder Alfredo Bartholomaus: giving the best service
to its customers, offering the highest value in its quality portfolio and bringing
Alfredo's inspiring passion to all of its endeavors. Alfredo began in 1977
by introducing the wines of his native Chile to wine lovers in the United States.
He started Billington Wines in 1985 to focus on the importation of Viña
Cousino Macul. This winery was, renowned for producing wines in a Bordeaux-style
that were always long lived and represented an amazing value in Cabernet Sauvignon.
Alfredo's success in this endeavor drew the attention of Dr. Nicolas Catena, the
third generation owner of Bodegas Esmeralda (today Bodega Catena Zapata) in Argentina.
In 1990, Alfredo worked his magic to launch the wines of Catena in the U.S. Bodega
Catena Zapata, prides itself as a family run, pioneer of Argentine Malbec that
produces some of Argentina's best quality wines. Alfredo's son Alex joined
the Company in 1994, after earning a business degree, and they began looking beyond
South America to other wine producing countries that embodied quality and value
for their products. Billington finally expanded in 1998 and began to import wines
from Spain. Also that year, Alex took over the day-to-day operations of the Company,
so Alfredo could focus his attention on promoting their Chilean and Argentine
wines. In 2000 Billington purchased Chapin Cellars, a German and Alsatian
wine import company. This acquisition was followed in 2002 by Billington's first
endeavor into the production side of the business - The Big Tattoo Wines project.
Also during 2002, the company was presented with the opportunity to become minority
partners with California wine maker, Bill Hunter. In 2006, Billington again expanded
their reach in California with two significant deals. They merged with Sin e Wine
Company, a boutique negotiant producer, and acquired Havens Wine Cellars, a high
end Napa Valley winery. With the growing focus on the production of wines
in California, it became necessary to create a new division of the company. In
2007, The Billington Wine Studio was born. Billington Wines, a one-time import-only
company, has enjoyed much success over the years, growing in size from five employees
in 1994 to more than 60 in 2007, and has broadened its expertise from importing
and marketing to also include producing, fine wines from around the world.
At
Billington, our business centers around our company values - Passion, Quality,
Value and Service.
Passion
The love we have for what we do.
Quality
Offering
products our customers prefer independent of cost.
Value
Giving
our customers more for less.
Service
We aim to improve our customer's
quality of life through efficient work, critical thinking and clear communication.
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