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The Smirnoff brand was founded in 1864 by Piotr Arseneevich (P.A.) Smirnov and before long, he became one of the most famous vodka makers in Russia. In 1886, he even received the Tsar`s special designation as a Purveyor of the Imperial Court, which is a fancy way of saying Official Vodka-Maker of Tsar Type People. This was based both on the fact that his vodkas were delicious and that Tsars tend to like to make things official. When the Bolsheviks took over, the distilleries were shut down and P.A.`s son Vladimir was chased out of town with pitchforks and also dinner forks, since the whole thing happened suddenly and not everyone had a pitchfork with them. Vladimir Smirnov was able to flee to Constantinople and then eventually settle in France where he sold vodka under the name “Smirnoff.” Now safely disguised by a new name and a slightly offensive fake French accent, Vladimir revived the brand. Lots of other interesting stuff happened. Vladimir married a model and sang in a band and grew a series of beards, but probably the best thing he did was bring a triple distilled, 10 times filtered, award winning, cola-improving, martini-making vodka to the world. For former czars and current stars. For vodka connoisseurs and people who just like vodka. For everybody.
Established in the 1940s by Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, C. Mondavi & Family (CMF) remains a leading family-owned business producing exceptional wines for a variety of occasions and consumers. Built on a foundation of family values, hard work, and European winemaking traditions, the company is owned by co-Proprietors Marc Mondavi and Peter Mondavi Jr., both sons of legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., and managed daily by President & CEO, Judd Wallenbrock and his Executive Leadership Team. The family recently welcomed the first member of the fifth generation into the world, continuing a legacy begun 75+ years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come. CMF is one of the largest wine businesses in California, producing Charles Krug at the oldest winery in the Napa Valley, CK Mondavi, a popularly-priced 1.5 million case varietal wine brand, and the recently introduced Flat Top Hills and French Blue brands. The family owns 850 acres of premier Napa Valley land to support the Charles Krug brand and 1,800 acres of land in the Dunnigan Hills Yolo County AVA to support the CK Mondavi brand.
A well known wine expert, David Milligan has 40 years experience in the wine business in Europe and the United States. He trained with leading English companies and was wine buyer for its largest brewery group, where he created the No 1 selling table wine brand. His over 30 years experience in the US, based in New Orleans, Miami and New York, where he served as President of Seagram, Chateau and Estate Wines Co, have given him an in depth knowledge of the imported wine business in the United States. He is the author of the "All Color Book of Wine", numerous magazine and newspaper articles and has appeared on many television shows. He is a member of several international wine and food societies, is Regent Emeritus of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in New York and a Grand Officer of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. He started his own company in 1995 to represent top Producers of French wine in the United States.
When we opened the doors to our beach town brewpub on Coronado Island in 1996, we wanted it to be the kind of place where friends could enjoy great beer, a good meal and a laid-back atmosphere. Now, years later, our brewery`s a lot bigger and we`ve gotten a number of awards. But we`re still following that same dream: brewing exceptionally balanced beer to an ever-growing family that seeks an undeniable coastal vibe, and shares our passion for great beer.
World of Beer began in 2007 in Tampa, FL. There are currently 52 locations in 16 states, with hundreds more sold. Recent announcements include the addition of a Tavern Fare menu and handcrafted cocktails. The Tavern Fare complements the quality of the craft beer and spirits, starting with classic comfort foods and adding traditional bar offerings with contemporary spins. World of Beer took an original concept and combined it with progressive strategy. Love for craft beer and welcoming atmosphere remain the founding philosophy, with constant innovations to widen appeal. This mindset propelled them into success as franchisees spread 'WOB Culture'.