ABOUT US

Global Vineyard Importers was founded in the spring of 2001 and is based in Berkeley, California. The company’s vision then as it is now was to create a small, quality-oriented national importer specializing in family-owned, boutique wineries from South America with a focus on regionally and diversity.

We are fortunate to import and represent in the U.S. some of the very best wineries from among the most talented winemakers working in South America.

We specialize in introducing and creating markets for interesting, up-and-coming varietals such as Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Carignan and Tannat, and the leading-edge, artisan wineries who produce them. Global Vineyard is uniquely positioned to introduce you to the wine stars of tomorrow.

OUR TEAM

Larry Challacombe
President and Co-Founder
With over 25 years experience as a successful executive in the wine business, Larry is well versed on fine wines of the world and is passionate about seeking out wines that communicate a sense of place. Prior to founding Global Vineyard Importers, Larry was Vice President of Sales & Marketing for A.G. Ferrari, an Italian wine and food importer and retailer. From his first job out of graduate school for the Gallo Wine Company, Larry has advanced to positions of increasing responsibility in the wine industry, including Vice President of Marketing for C. Mondavi & Sons (Charles Krug & C.K. Mondavi wines), Executive Director of the Oregon Wine Advisory Board, Director of Marketing for Beaulieu Vineyard, and Director of Marketing for the Western Schieffelin & Somerset organization. Having worked on the producer, supplier, importer and retail ends of the wine business, Larry has a clear understanding of the pressures that wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs face. To succeed in an increasingly competitive and cluttered wine market, Larry believes it is critical to offer effective marketing and sales in addition to importing top-quality wines. Larry lives with his wife, Cathy, and their two Spinones, Aldo & Daisy, in Lafayette, California.
Email: Larry@globalvineyard.com

Tom Jung
Southern Regional Sales Manager – Eastern U.S.
Tom has had a passion for all things food and wine for nearly twenty years. After graduating from the prestigious New England Culinary Institute in 1991, he honed his skills learning the specialty food and wine trade in the retail setting in central New Jersey. Soon afterwards, he began representing many of the world’s top wineries as a sales representative in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This led to sales management positions for The Australian Premium Wine Collection and Vino del Sol where he enjoyed stellar sales growth while managing multiple states and markets across the Eastern U.S. and Canada. Tom resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife Georgette, and his three children, Andrew, Jocelyn and Jackson.
Email: Tom@globalvineyard.com

Katie Sturgis
Administrative and Marketing Associate
After working in international education for 10 years, Katie decided to pivot and pursue a career in the wine industry. Having lived in Chile and traveled extensively throughout South America, she is knowledgeable about the regions represented by Global Vineyard Importers. In her position with GVI, Katie is responsible for processing orders, maintaining our website, updating current wine scores, marketing our artisan wines, and much more. Katie resides in Berkeley with her husband Charlie and their two cats, Leo and Penny.
Email: Katie@globalvineyard.com

Krissy Eddy
Office Manager
Originally from the Bay Area, Krissy returned after graduating from California State Long Beach to pursue a career in the wine industry. In her current role with GVI, Krissy handles container logistics, A/P & A/R management, and makes sure the office has whatever it needs. She got her start with VinFillment (formerly Vintrust) as a Client Services Manager and was later hired by Mollydooker Wines to handle U.S. distribution. Krissy resides in Oakland with her husband Adam and son Ayden, along with their dog Benny and two cats, Jean-Claw and ODK.
Email: Krissy@globalvineyard.com