Empson USA
Empson USA is a family-owned fine wine importer representing 57 family-owned estates from Italy, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, the USA, and France to US trade customers across all 50 states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersAlexandria, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Empson USA does
Empson USA is a family-owned fine wine importer founded in Milan in 1972 by Neil and Maria Empson and established as a US entity in 1991. The company imports and distributes a curated portfolio of 57 family-owned estates — historically anchored in Italy and now spanning Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, the USA, and most recently France (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne) — to US trade customers including restaurants, wine bars, retailers, distributors, and collectors across all 50 states. The US company is led by second-generation CEO Tara Smeralda Empson, who assumed the role in 2019 and drove back-to-back Importer of the Year awards in 2022 and 2023.
The business model is B2B fine-wine import distribution under multi-year producer representation agreements. Revenue is generated through transaction-based margins on the import and sale of wines; pricing is negotiated directly with trade partners rather than publicly disclosed. Supporting the core distribution function is a substantial trade-marketing infrastructure comprising 1,285+ assets (labels, bottle shots, tech sheets, sell sheets, shelf talkers) and a wine-list builder, delivered to trade customers as a switching-cost layer on top of the imported products. The company also holds a minority equity stake in Sardinian producer Jankara, signaling modest vertical extension into producer ownership.
Empson's technology stack is intentionally non-proprietary: there is no platform, no API surface, no AI or ML capability disclosed, and no software product beyond a content-marketing website and a Constant Contact email channel. Competitive differentiation rests on curation expertise, exclusive producer relationships, brand equity accumulated over 50+ years, and a national direct-sales field operation rather than on technology.
Empson USA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Empson USA
- Legal name
- Empson USA
- Website
- https://empsonusa.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Empson USA is a family-owned fine wine importer representing 57 family-owned estates from Italy, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, the USA, and France to US trade customers across all 50 states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Empson USA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fine Wine Import & Distribution
- NAICS
- Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (4248), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (424820)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Alcohol Importers & Brand Owners (Wholesale) (CRAOAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Beverage Import/Export & Cross-Border Wholesale (AFAIAGAL), Beverage Wholesale (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic) (AFAIABAH)
Keywords
Where Empson USA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alexandria
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Empson USA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Fine Wine Import Distribution: Empson USA generates revenue as a fine wine importer, representing and distributing wines from family-owned global wineries to the US market. Revenue is derived from importing and distributing wine to trade customers (restaurants, wine shops, retailers) and collectors across all 50 US states.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B import distribution — no public consumer pricing available. |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Empson USA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Empson USA imports and distributes a curated portfolio of premium fine wines from family-owned estates worldwide to US trade customers (restaurants, wine bars, retailers, and distributors) across all 50 states. The portfolio spans Italy, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, the USA, and France, with Italian wines as the cornerstone. The company supports its trade customers with marketing assets, education, vintage reports, and a Trade Tools platform.
Product overview
Empson USA is a fine wine importer offering a dynamic portfolio of distinctive family-owned estates from Italy, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and the USA. The core product is fine wine importing and distribution services, with featured Italian portfolio brands including Santadi (Sardinia), Donna Lucilla (Lazio), Tiny Whale (Argentina), and Vigneti Zabù (Sicily). The company recently expanded to include Bodega Norton's Family Cellar, Estate, and Concept wine tiers from Argentina, French estates from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, and Piedmont producers like Diego Morra and Pievalta. Supporting services include a Trade Tools platform (Directory, Build Your Own, Wine List), a Review Database, and educational content through news articles and wine spotlights.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Santadi Sardinian Wines Premium Sardinian wines from Sulcis, the largest vineyard owner in the Sulcis DOC zone with 1,000 acres, focused on indigenous varieties including Vermentino, Cannonau, Carignano, Monica, and Nasco. Featured wines include Grotta Rossa, Rocca Rubia Riserva, and Terre Brune Superiore. Distributed to US trade partners.
- Donna Lucilla Lazio Wines Roma DOC wines from native grape varieties grown in volcanic soils surrounding Rome, crafted as a tribute to the elegance and heritage of Rome. Marketed to US trade partners as expressive, refined, and rooted in a strong sense of place.
- Tiny Whale Argentine Wines Vibrant, expressive wines from high-altitude vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. Part of the Bodega Norton Concept line, marketed for accessibility while maintaining Bodega Norton quality standards.
- Vigneti Zabù Sicilian Wines Sicilian wines crafted from native varieties including Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola, sourced from vineyards in Sambuca di Sicilia. The producer leverages a microclimate with significant temperature variations and proximity to a lake to produce terroir-driven wines for the US market.
- Bodega Norton Argentine Wines Premium Argentine wines from Bodega Norton (founded 1895, Mendoza), distributed in the US across three tiers: Family Cellar (Gernot, Lote Negro, Privada), Estate (Norton Reserva, Norton Libre), and Concept (Tiny Whale). Bodega Norton is present in over 72 countries worldwide.
- French Estates Portfolio (Château Kirwan, Château Malescasse, Château Franc Mayne, Maison de la Chapelle, Champagne Gérin & Fils) A curated collection of family-owned French fine wines exclusively imported and represented by Empson USA in the United States, covering Bordeaux (Château Kirwan, Château Malescasse, Château Franc Mayne), Burgundy (Maison de la Chapelle), and Champagne (Champagne Gérin & Fils).
- Diego Morra Piedmont Wines Boutique Piedmont wines from Diego Morra, including Barolo, Nebbiolo, and Pelaverga Piccolo, sourced from estate vineyards across Verduno, Roddi, and La Morra including the prestigious Monvigliero cru. Distributed exclusively through Empson USA in the US market.
- Pievalta Marche Wines Pievalta Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico and Riserva wines from biodynamically farmed grapes in the Marche region of Italy. Pievalta is the first biodynamic-certified winery in the region, producing about 150,000 bottles per vintage, distributed through Empson USA in the US market.
- Massimago Amarone della Valpolicella Wines Amarone della Valpolicella wines from Massimago, owned by Camilla Rossi-Chauvenet. Distributed through Empson USA in the US market.
- Cantina Lodali Barbaresco and Barolo Wines Barbaresco and Barolo wines from Cantina Lodali, a third-generation family producer in Piedmont, owned by Walter Lodali. Distributed through Empson USA in the US market.
- Trade Tools Platform Digital trade marketing platform comprising the Trade Tools Directory (searchable database of producer logos, bottle images, labels, and marketing materials), Build Your Own (custom shelf talkers and sell sheets builder), and Wine List Builder. Contains 1,285+ marketing assets for trade partners across all 50 US states.
- Wine Reviews Database Searchable review database allowing trade customers to find the latest reviews on wines and spirits from Empson USA's portfolio producers. Contains over 1,000 reviews.
- Pani Loriga Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Pani Loriga Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, an entry-level Cannonau from the Santadi winery portfolio combining tradition, accessibility, and modern style. Distributed through Empson USA in the US market.
Quantifiable outcome
- Named Importer of the Year — 2022 and 2023
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Empson USA
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Empson USA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Empson USA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Château KirwancoreChâteau Kirwan (Margaux) is one of five newly added French family-owned estates joining Empson USA's portfolio as exclusive importer and representative in the United States.
- Château MalescassecoreChâteau Malescasse (Haut-Médoc) is one of five newly added French family-owned estates joining Empson USA's portfolio as exclusive importer and representative in the United States.
- Château Franc MaynecoreChâteau Franc Mayne (Saint-Émilion) is one of five newly added French family-owned estates joining Empson USA's portfolio as exclusive importer and representative in the United States.
- Maison de la ChapellecoreMaison de la Chapelle (Burgundy), owned by Delphine and Grégory Viennois, is one of five newly added French family-owned estates. Owners stated: 'We chose to partner with Empson USA as our exclusive importer and representative in the United States because, like us, they are a family-owned company built on strong values and long-term relationships.'
- Champagne Gérin & FilscoreChampagne Gérin & Fils is one of five newly added French family-owned estates joining Empson USA's portfolio as exclusive importer and representative in the United States.
- PievaltaminorEmpson USA welcomed Pievalta, the pioneering Marche winery crafting Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico and Riserva from biodynamically farmed grapes. The first biodynamic-certified winery in the region, producing about 150,000 bottles per vintage.
- Bodega NortoncoreEmpson USA announced the addition of Bodega Norton to its portfolio, marking the second phase of the company's global restructuring and expanding its footprint to Argentina. Bodega Norton, founded in 1895 in Mendoza and present in over 72 countries, will have its Family Cellar (Gernot, Lote Negro, Privada), Estate (Norton Reserva, Norton Libre), and Concept (Tiny Whale) wines available in the US market starting July 1, 2025.
- Diego MorracoreEmpson USA welcomed Diego Morra, a boutique Piedmont winery specializing in estate-grown wines, particularly Barolo and Pelaverga Piccolo Verduno. Diego Morra is located in the prestigious Monvigliero cru with 4 hectares and a total of 30 hectares across Verduno, Roddi, and La Morra.
- MassimagominorMassimago, an Amarone della Valpolicella producer owned by Camilla Rossi-Chauvenet, joined the Empson USA portfolio. Recognized on Kerin O'Keefe's Top 100 with its 2018 Amarone (95 pts).
- Cantina LodaliminorCantina Lodali, a Barbaresco and Barolo producer from Piedmont owned by Walter Lodali (third generation), joined the Empson USA portfolio. Their Barbaresco DOCG Riserva 'Rocche Massalupo' 2021 ranked #13 in Vinous Top 100 2025 (97 pts).
- JankaracoreUnder Tara Empson's leadership, Empson USA acquired a stake in the highly rated and widely admired Sardinian winery Jankara. Jankara is known for Vermentino di Gallura and is a leading Sardinian producer.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Empson USA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Polaner Selections: Family-owned importer of artisanal wines and foods from Europe and the Americas; comparable curation-first model with strong on-premise trade focus across the US.
- Domaine Select Wine Estates: Family-owned fine wine importer focused on family-domain producers from France, Italy, Austria, and beyond; directly comparable curated-portfolio approach and trade marketing emphasis.
- Terlato Wines International: Family-owned premium wine importer and producer; comparable in scale, multi-country portfolio, and on-premise trade relationships with US restaurants and retailers.
- Skurnik Wines & Spirits (already listed): Removed duplicate - placeholder.
- Vias Imports: US importer specializing in Italian wines from small, family-owned estates; directly overlaps Empson USA's Italian portfolio core and similar B2B trade distribution model.
- Frederick Wildman & Sons: Long-standing US importer of fine wines from Italy and France; competes directly in Empson's core Italian and French categories with comparable trade relationships.
- Kobrand Corporation: Established US wine and spirits importer representing premium brands; comparable B2B import-and-distribute model across restaurants and retailers with a broader portfolio scale.
- Skurnik Wines & Spirits: Family-owned fine wine importer specializing in family-owned and terroir-driven producers from France, Italy, Austria, and beyond; mirrors Empson USA's curation model, B2B sales-led GTM, and family/independence positioning.
Broad incumbents
- Banfi Vintners: Major US importer of Italian wines (Castello Banfi and others); overlaps heavily with Empson's Italian fine wine portfolio but at much larger scale and broader distribution.
- Winebow (Southern Glazer's): Large wine and spirits importer/distributor (part of Southern Glazer's network) with deep Italian portfolio; competes with Empson for trade accounts but operates at significantly larger scale and broader portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Empson USA social profiles
Digital presenceEmpson USA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Empson USA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Empson USA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Empson USA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Empson USA
What does Empson USA do?
Empson USA imports and distributes a curated portfolio of premium fine wines from family-owned estates worldwide to US trade customers (restaurants, wine bars, retailers, and distributors) across all 50 states. The portfolio spans Italy, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, the USA, and France, with Italian wines as the cornerstone. The company supports its trade customers with marketing assets, education, vintage reports, and a Trade Tools platform.
Is Empson USA a public or private company?
Empson USA is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Empson USA founded?
Empson USA was founded in 1991. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Empson USA based?
Empson USA is headquartered in Alexandria, United States, in the North America region.
How does Empson USA make money?
One revenue line is on record: fine Wine Import Distribution.
Who are Empson USA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Polaner Selections, Domaine Select Wine Estates, Terlato Wines International, Skurnik Wines & Spirits (already listed), Vias Imports, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Kobrand Corporation and Skurnik Wines & Spirits. Broad incumbents are Banfi Vintners and Winebow (Southern Glazer's).
Does Empson USA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Empson USA.
What industry is Empson USA in?
Empson USA's product category is Fine Wine Import & Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAOAIAB, Alcohol Importers & Brand Owners (Wholesale), with a secondary code of AFAIAGAL, Beverage Import/Export & Cross-Border Wholesale. Its NAICS code is 4248 and its SIC code is 5180.