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The first container of Epicurean Wines arrived in the United States in January of 2000. At the ripe old age of 28, Benjamin Hammerschlag had an idea that has quickly grown into an incredibly successful venture.
Born in Washington DC, Hammerschlag grew up in the suburbs of Maryland. He graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors of Science degree from their Hotel school.
Craving adventure and wide, open spaces, Hammerschlag ran off to the Wild West, landing in Bellingham, Washington where he developed a dynamic wine program for one of the most successful retailers in the area. Shortly thereafter, Hammerschlag relocated to the city of Seattle where he was the wine buyer for one branch of a successful grocery store called QFC. Within two years, he had developed the store into one of the top wine accounts in Washington State.
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Heeding an entrepreneurial spirit, Hammerschlag began observing his customer’s tastes as well as the style of the local trade. In the fall of 1999, he took a 3-week, solitary trip to Australia where he sought premium wines available for import into the US market.
Upon his return, Hammerschlag was a retailer by day and a student of importing by night. He officially severed ties with his employer as his first shipment arrived in January of 2000.
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Epicurean Wines aims to lead a shift that is happening at the smaller end of the Australian wine industry. While ripeness is a distinct characteristic of warm climate wines, many producers are striving to keep it in balance, producing seriously ambitious wines. Hammerschlag seeks out young talented winemakers that share his philosophy. At the high end, it is about harnessing the power of Australia without sacrificing balance, while at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, it is possible to produce wines of exceptional varietal character.
“It has been a great ride,” says Hammerschlag. “Even though I knew I could do it, at times I have to pinch myself in wonder.” He continues, “I mean that I believed in my palate and my determination to succeed but at the same time, I could not have imagined the response. “
Today Epicurean Wines are distributed in forty-five states. The portfolio focuses on South Australian properties but includes Victoria and Margaret River as well.
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Wine Personality of the Year - Wine Advocate, Dec. 2005
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In the last issue of 2005, Robert M. Parker Jr. named his Wine Personalities of the year including Benjamin Hammerschlag, Ben Glaetzer and Reid Bosward of Kaesler. Click here to download a copy of this prestigious accolade.
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Wine Enthusiast features reviews from a tasting with Benjamin Hammerschlag
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Click here to download a sell-sheet detailing the reviews featured in the November 15th issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The reviews reflect a tasting with Benjamin Hammerschlag at the magazine's offices this past August. This is a great follow up to BAROSSA'S BIG DOGS, which appeared in the November 1 issue.
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House and Garden Magazine - July 2005
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Read all about Epicurean Wines and Benjamin Hammerschlag in the article published in House & Garden Magazine. The article is quite a good read but we realize that everyone has a busy schedule. if you are unable to enjoy the piece in its entirety, please be sure to make note of the closing line, "...nobody is bringing in more consistently thrilling Australian wines than Epicurean."..................We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
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Tastemaker - 2004
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Food and Wine Magazine names the 35 most fearsome talents in wine and food, all 35 years old or under: maverick artisans, renegade importers, ingenious activists, visionary entrepreneurs…
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