The Traveling Wine Man Hits the Road
Published on May 19, 2025 in A-Wines news
This spring, The Traveling Wine Man took flight on two dynamic journeys—each one fueled by a shared mission: to connect California’s finest wines with passionate communities around the world. From the scenic vineyard roads of Northern California to the bustling culinary capital of Mexico City, April was a month of discovery, partnership, and momentum. Whether exploring bold new projects in Napa or raising a glass with importers in CDMX, these travels reflect the spirit of what we do best: bringing to light top estates and talented winemakers.
California Road Trip
From Napa to Lake County and back, The Traveling Wine Man covered over 450 km in a single day—connecting with both new and potential export partners. The journey was filled with inspiring visits, big ideas, and yes—even time for a quick stop at In-N-Out Burger (because what’s a true California road trip without it?).
The day kicked off with a visit to the legendary Realm Cellars in Napa. Known for their cult-status Cabernet Sauvignon and precision winemaking, Realm continues to raise the bar with each vintage. Their bold vision, exceptional vineyard sourcing, and unwavering attention to detail make them a powerhouse in the ultra-premium wine space—and a brand we’re proud to engage with.
From there, the journey took us to Long Meadow Ranch, where the philosophy of “full-circle farming” comes to life. With estate-grown wines, olive oil, grass-fed beef, and a farm-to-table ethos that’s second to none, Long Meadow Ranch is a true Napa Valley original. Their commitment to organic practices and multi-generational stewardship adds authenticity and depth to every bottle.
Later in the day, we met with the new ownership group behind several iconic Napa and Sonoma wineries, including Girard, Kunde, Clos Pegase, and BR Cohn. Each of these historic brands brings a unique legacy to the table—from Girard’s modern expressions to Kunde’s family estate roots, Clos Pegase’s architectural elegance, and BR Cohn’s rock ‘n’ roll-meets-classic Napa vibe. The consolidation under thoughtful new leadership signals exciting things ahead for these labels in global markets.
With miles of scenic vineyard roads behind us, the final unofficial “tasting” of the day was a classic In-N-Out Burger pit stop—because when you’re chasing great wines across California, you’ve got to fuel up like a local.
What began as a whirlwind road trip through California wine country—rich with innovation, deep conversations, and new ideas—soon expanded into a broader journey. With relationships deepened and new opportunities on the horizon, the next stop took The Travelling Wine Man far beyond the vineyard: to Mexico City, one of the world’s most vibrant cultural and culinary capitals. As he shifted from local visits to international meetings, one thing became clear—California wines are not only thriving at home, but also gaining exciting momentum in dynamic global markets.
Mexico City
The purpose of the visit in Mexico was more than business—it was a celebration of new milestones, partnerships, and the ongoing journey of bringing California wines to an increasingly dynamic and appreciative audience in Mexico.
We are proud to announce that Wente Vineyards, one of California’s most historic and respected family-owned wineries, is now officially represented in Mexico through our new importer partner, Grupo Cal. Grupo Cal brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for premium wine to the table. Their knowledge of the local landscape, distribution strength, and commitment to quality makes them an ideal partner to expand Wente’s footprint throughout the country. We’re excited to see where this collaboration leads and confident that Wente’s legacy wines will resonate with Mexico’s evolving wine audience.
Another major highlight of the trip was the official launch of Lapis Luna in Mexico with our friends at Hispano Bodegas. This partnership marks the brand’s first entry into the Mexican market, and we couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm and support we’ve received. Lapis Luna is all about discovery, storytelling, and bold expression—qualities we believe align perfectly with the spirit of the Mexican wine community.
Throughout our time in CDMX, we were reminded of just how much this city has to offer—not just as a global cultural and culinary capital, but as an emerging force in the world of wine. The local scene is buzzing with energy. Consumers are adventurous and informed, always eager to explore new regions, varietals, and styles. Sommeliers and retailers alike are curating thoughtful, diverse selections, and California wines are gaining strong momentum thanks to their approachability, quality, and versatility with food.
Speaking of food—Mexico City never disappoints. From the elevated tasting menus of world-renowned chefs to late-night tacos al pastor on bustling street corners, the city offers a culinary experience like no other. We were blown away by how well our wines paired across the board—whether it was Wente’s elegant Chardonnay alongside a ceviche or Lapis Luna’s Red Blend holding its own with richly spiced mole. The creativity and boldness of Mexican cuisine make it an ideal partner for California wines, and we see enormous potential in growing alongside this vibrant food culture.
This trip was also about connection—reconnecting with old friends, building new relationships, and laying the groundwork for exciting developments ahead. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Grupo Cal, Hispano Bodegas, and everyone who welcomed us so warmly. We’re just getting started in Mexico, and the future looks incredibly bright. More wines, more pairings, and more stories to share.
Stay tuned as The Traveling Wine Man keeps the journey going—one vineyard, one bottle, and one great story at a time. ¡Salud!
