Our story
Founded in 1985 by Larry Colbeck and David Johnson, The Wine Company has grown from importing small, estate wines made by families tending the finest terroirs, to offering a diverse portfolio that includes sake, craft spirits, alcohol-free alternatives, and plant-based THC beverages.
We work closely with Minnesota's restaurateurs, retailers, and bartenders, ensuring top-notch service and memorable experiences. Our passionate Sales Consultants and support staff provide valuable insights and assistance, while our commitment to education and sustainability drives our efforts.
Larry Colbeck
Now in our second generation of the Colbeck family, we continue to partner with original estates and new customers, always striving for excellence and transparency as we build upon and maintain strong relationships with all involved.
First and foremost a social endeavor, we at The Wine Company look forward to sharing a bottle and our enthusiasm with you very soon!
Why the Wine Company?
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The Wine Company has remained a proudly local, family-owned business since its start in 1985. This ensures a deep connection to the community and a personal touch to every aspect of our operations. We value strong relationships with our customers and partners, which we always find the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to community and local engagement provides a sense of trust and reliability that is unmatched in the industry.
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Our portfolio at The Wine Company is diverse and inspiring, featuring wine, sake, spirits, non-alcohol beverages, and THC-infused products. This extensive selection caters to every taste and preference, ensuring that everyone can find something they will enjoy – while raising introductions to other regions and whole new categories. Our dedication to quality and variety reflects our passion for the beverage industry and our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and their clientele in turn.
Our products capture an intentional approach to growing and making them, and that consistently over-deliver in their price to quality ratio.
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Our Portfolio Directors and Sales Consultants at The Wine Company are not only knowledgeable but also worldly and experienced. Their expertise spans various regions and cultures, involves regular travel and ongoing education allowing them to curate and speak to a selection of products that are both unique and of the highest quality. This depth of knowledge ensures that our customers receive the best recommendations and insights, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.
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The Wine Company's Direct Import Program is a testament to our commitment to representing exceptional products that offer greater value. By sourcing directly from growers and producers around the world found during our travels, we ensure our customers in turn can represent the most authentic products available at better value. This program also allows us to build strong relationships with producers, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration that benefits everyone involved and stretches back to our very beginnings. This is what we do.
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With decades of improving every step of our distribution, we understand the importance of proper shipping, storage, and service at The Wine Company, which is why we have invested in state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that all products are kept in optimal conditions. These range from temperature-controlled containers to our thermo-regulated warehouse and deeper cold storage for our sake portfolio.
The Wine Company represents Le Verre de Vin preservation systems for our on-premise partners to take their beverage programs to the highest standard ensuring guests taste all wines as the winemaker intended. The Wine Company is also proud to represent Riedel whose varietal stemware and Drink Specific Glassware ensures people get the most out of every sip.
This attention to detail guarantees that each bottle and every glass maintains its quality and integrity from the moment it arrives until it reaches the customer. Our dedication to optimal storage and service reflects our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
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The Wine Company is proud of our customer service staff who provide exceptional service to our customers and partners. Our team of professionals is knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to assist with any inquiries or needs. With nearly a century of combined years working at The Wine Company and many more this merry trade before that, the support team has a deep experience with our portfolio and a fluency with our systems thanks to travels, tastings, and ongoing training. Their unwavering commitment to customer service ensures that every interaction is positive and productive, reinforcing our reputation for excellence.
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Innovation and creativity are at the heart of The Wine Company's ethos. We continually seek new ways to enhance our offerings and improve customer experience. Whether it's through the introduction of new products, the implementation of cutting-edge technology, or the development of unique marketing strategies, we are always at the forefront of industry trends. This forward-thinking attitude ensures that we remain a leader in the beverage industry, consistently delivering value and satisfaction to our customers and theirs in turn.
Green Initiatives
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Earth Friendly Wines
We carry wines that come from sustainable, organic, biodynamic, vegan, and solar powered vineyards. Click on learn more for specifics.
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TWC is Green
We use solar power in our energy efficient building, and were the first distributor in MN to do so.
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Our Green Practices
From conserving on paper, to recycling, to smart lights, to our cooling roof system, and greener transportation we live our green values.