June 18, 2025 (New York, NY) — Banfi is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Breakthru Beverage Group to represent its full fine wine and spirits portfolio in the state of California. This move, in one of the most influential wine markets in the United States, expands a relationship that already includes full portfolio representation in Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and spans 12 other key markets across the United States.
The California expansion represents a natural development of this relationship, bringing together shared values, proven success, and a unified vision for growth. With Breakthru’s robust network and extensive market expertise, Banfi is poised to enhance its distribution across California’s dynamic retail, on-premise and hospitality sectors.
“California is a cornerstone market for our business, and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Breakthru into this critical region,” said Jennifer Engel, Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer at Banfi. “Our work together in 15 other markets has laid a strong foundation, and we’re confident this next chapter will unlock new opportunities and further elevate our portfolio’s presence.”
“We are excited to be chosen as the distributor of choice for Banfi in California,” said Adam Pizer, SVP of Business Development, Wine. “Our trusted relationship with Banfi has grown even stronger with the addition of several new states where we are representing their well-curated portfolio. We are proud to collaborate, reach more customers and grow together with Banfi in all 16 markets that Breakthru operates in.”
The transition will be fully executed by September 1 and will be supported by a comprehensive onboarding plan, including brand education training, market visits and programming execution. Banfi and Breakthru will work closely to ensure a seamless integration and to deliver exceptional value for both current and prospective customers.
About Banfi
Founded in 1919 in New York City and continues to be owned by the Mariani family with Cristina Mariani-May as proprietor and CEO. The portfolio’s jewel is the award-winning Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. The prestigious wine portfolio, along with the Castello Banfi Il Borgo luxury hotel, Michelin-starred dining, and extensive hospitality offers the ultimate authentic Tuscan experience. The Mariani family is also owner of US Pacific Northwest based Pacific Rim & Company with projects from premiere AVAs across Washington state and the acclaimed Willamette Valley, Oregon. The Banfi portfolio also includes ownership interest in leading organic brand Natura wines, produced by Emiliana Organic Vineyards, Chile. In 2025, Banfi welcomed Brother’s Bond Bourbon, Boatyard Double Gin and Alexander Valley Vineyards into their portfolio as agency partnerships.
About Breakthru Beverage Group
Breakthru Beverage Group is one of the leading beverage wholesalers in the United States and the largest broker in Canada, representing a portfolio of premier spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic brands. Breakthru is family-owned and operates in 16 markets with more than $8.6 billion in annual sales and a team of 9,500 dedicated associates. The company delivers world-renowned beverage brands to the doorsteps of North America’s retail, convenience, bar, and restaurant businesses, and has been named a “U.S. Best Managed Company” for four years in a row. For more information, visit www.BreakthruBev.com.