The V&S Group has absolute power -- er, make that "Absolut" power. The company is Sweden's top supplier of wine and spirits, but it is best known for its Absolut vodka, which is sold in 126 markets. The group is comprised of three business units: V&S Absolut Spirits, V&S Distillers, and V&S Wine. V&S has a long-term agreement with Maxxium Worldwide, a spirits distribution consortium, for distribution of its beverages outside the Nordic countries and the US. In 2008 the company was auctioned off to Pernod Ricard by its owner, the Swedish government.

Verve Clicquot Ponsardin has made ultra-premium champagnes and wines since the late 1700s. Its portfolio includes vintages from France (where it was founded), Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and the US. Brand names in France include its popular Champagne Veuve Clicquot, as well as Demi-Sec, GlobalLight, La Grand Dame, Vintage Rich, Vinage Ros�, and Yellow Label. In Australia and New Zealand, it produces wines at Cape Mentelle Vineyards and Cloudy Bay Vineyards. Italy boasts Ceretto, Vistorta, and other names. In the US, Clicquot makes wines at Newton Vineyard. The firm was established by Philippe Clicquot in 1772. Verve Clicquot is part of the Mo�t Hennessey USA family.

Vincor Canada is the largest producer and marketer of wine and related products in Canada. The Company's leading wine brands include Jackson-Triggs, Sawmill Creek and Inniskillin, maker of the world's leading Icewine. The Company's products are produced at a family of estate wineries located in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These wineries are supported by a national distribution network and dedicated sales and marketing team. The Company's wine brands are complemented by a variety of popular priced wines, wine kits (RJ Spagnols) and refreshment products.Vincor Canada has a history that dates back to 1874. Its founding vision has been, and remains, to further the reputation and sales of Canadian wines in the premium, super-premium and ultra-premium categories, not simply at home but, as importantly, in the international marketplace. With an emphasis on quality grapes, the Company has worked consistently to develop vineyards with the most sophisticated viticultural technologies, not to mention research capabilities.

UK oenophiles and online-ophiles alike can shop their thirst away at Virgin Wines. The company operates a wine market website sorted primarily by wine style, or taste, rather than region, making its product more accessible to the everyday wine drinker. While conducting the majority of its delivery business online, a staff of wine advisors also provides phone consultation and wine tips to customers. The company is a subsidiary of Direct Wines. It was founded in 2000 by Rowan Gormley.

VRANKEN-POMMERY MONOPOLE has corked the notion that fine champagne does not belong on a supermarket shelf. Founded in 1976, the company has built its name selling its libations at grocery retailers -- a market its older competitors have historically shunned. It makes the Charles LAFITTE, Cuve Diamant, Demoiselle, Heidsieck & Co Monopole, POMMERY, and VRANKEN brands of champagne. It also owns the ROZS port brand. VRANKEN-POMMERY operates subsidiaries in Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Founder and president Paul-Franois Vranken owns some 70% of VRANKEN-POMMERY.

Whyte and Mackay may sound as if it could help you in the courtroom, but is more likely to be of service afterward. Founded in 1844, the company produces Scotch and other spirits from single malt distilleries in Dalmore, the Isle of Jura, Fettercairn, and Tamnavulin. It also operates a grain distillery at Invergordon. Whyte and Mackay, which exports its spirits to customers in more than 100 countries, also produces Valdivar, a leading vodka brand in the UK. Whyte and MacKay operates four distilleries and one bottling plant in Scotland. In 2007 it was sold to United Spirits Limited (a unit of the Indian conglomerate, the UB Group) for about $1 billion). In 2008 Whyte and Mackay brands were introduced in India.

Founder, Jim Bernau, purchased the Estate site in 1983 and cleared away the old pioneer plum orchard hidden in scotch broom and blackberry vines. He planted Pinot Noir (Pommard and Wadenswil clones), Chardonnay (Dijon and Espiguette) and Pinot Gris. In the beginning he hand watered the vines with thousands of feet of hose.Numerous classes at UC Davis, and seminars from here to France, sharpened Jim’s viticultural skills and in 1989 he was ready to build his dream--a world class winery in the Willamette Valley—and make cool-climate varietals, especially Pinot Noir, in sufficient quantities to be served and sold in the best restaurants and bottle shops in the world.

It was the dream of William Grant to make the ‘best dram in the valley’ and five generations later, this still holds true. William Grant & Sons distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including Glenfiddich®, the world’s favourite single malt, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and, Grant’s® one of the world’s most loved blended Scotches.The company also continues to lead the way in spirits innovation, with the launch of Hendrick’s® Gin and Sailor Jerry® Rum. Its award winning portfolio also includes Monkey Shoulder® Triple Malt Whisky, Tequila Milagro and Reyka® Vodka.

Yamhill Valley Vineyards knows a whole lot more than peanuts about Pinots. Its 150-acre estate in Oregon's Willamette Valley produces Pinot wines; most are are sold under the Yamhill label. Its Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Reserve, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc, along with its Tall Poppy Reserve Pinot Noir, are available in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. The wines are sold at restaurants and specialty wine shops, and through Yamhill Valley's Web site and tasting shop. Retail prices range from $12 to nearly $50 a bottle. The company was founded in 1983 by husband-and-wife team Elaine McCall and Denis Burger.

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