February 3, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – González Byass USA, the US growing portfolio of historic wine producer González Byass, in addition to award-winning wines, sherries, and spirits, is pleased to formally be named Importer of Record for the Jean-Luc Colombo portfolio coming into effect February 1, 2025. The Jean-Luc Colombo portfolio is an iconic name in the Rhône Valley wine region of France. This addition to the González Byass USA family marks a significant milestone in González Byass USA’s continued growth and commitment to offering world-class wines to consumers nationwide.
Jean-Luc Colombo Wines, founded in 1994 by Jean-Luc and Anne Colombo, is celebrated for its exceptional Syrah-based wines from Cornas, as well as its innovative approach to winemaking. The portfolio has earned an international reputation for its philosophy of sustainable viticulture and its dedication to expressing the unique terroirs of the Rhône Valley. In addition, Jean-Luc Colombo produces some of the most iconic Rhone offerings, such as Crozes-Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape, Condrieu and Viognier, Saint Peray, Saint Joseph, and Picpoul de Pinet.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jean-Luc Colombo to the González Byass USA family as we continue to expand our portfolio of like-minded brands,” said Andrew Sinclair, CEO of González Byass USA. “Jean-Luc Colombo has been known as one of the most exuberant and creative winemakers in France for decades, and their team’s unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability aligns perfectly with our values. We’re excited to bring together exceptional wines, advocacy for the Cornas appellation, and a pioneer for organic viticulture to even more wine enthusiasts around the world.”
The addition of Jean-Luc Colombo strengthens González Byass’ already diverse and award-winning portfolio, including wines and spirits brands from around the world including Spain, Chile, Italy, Austria, France, Mexico, Argentina, and Portugal. This move reinforces the company’s commitment to building a portfolio that celebrates regional authenticity, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
“It’s a great honor to join the González Byass USA family,” said Jean-Luc Colombo, Winemaker and Founder of Jean-Luc Colombo Wines. “Working alongside González Byass USA’s portfolio of award-winning wines from around the globe, will continue to share our passion and growth in the US market, for celebrating Jean-Luc Colombo wines, our vineyards, and gastronomy.”
The partnership, as of February 1, 2025, will enhance Jean-Luc Colombo’s presence in the US, while providing González Byass USA with a foothold in one of France’s most esteemed wine regions. Both companies are united in their ambition to elevate the appreciation of fine wines.
About González Byass USA
González Byass is a family-owned winery with a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, rooted in the rich viticultural tradition of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Founded in 1835 by Manuel Maria González, the winery is celebrated worldwide for its iconic sherries, particularly the renowned Tío Pepe Fino.
González Byass USA is the domestic importer of the Gonzalez Byass portfolio. González Byass USA’s portfolio includes González Byass’ fine wines and spirits brands from around the world, including Spain, Chile, Italy, Austria, France, Mexico, Argentina, and Portugal. In addition, the USA portfolio has grown to boast over 38 brands, including the recent acquisitions of renowned wines and spirits brands that continue to build up González Byass USA’s portfolio. In 2024, González Byass USA strategically absorbed the Carolina Wine Brands portfolio.
González Byass is more than a winery; it is a custodian of Spanish winemaking culture. The portfolio’s commitment to excellence and sustainability has earned González Byass numerous accolades, making them a global ambassador for the artistry of Spanish wine, including Wine & Spirits’ Top 100 Wineries in 2021 and Mundus Vini’s Best Producer, Spain in 2022.
To learn about each brand, more visit the González Byass website.
About Jean-Luc Colombo
Jean-Luc Colombo’s dream of becoming a winemaker and viticulturist came to fruition in the early 1980s with the acquisition of his first vineyard, a granite hillside planted with old Syrah vines overlooking the village of Cornas. From there was born the first vintage of Cornas “Les Ruchets” (in 1987), which became the flagship cuvée of the domain. With long strides, their estate has grown in the Northern Rhône and in Provence.
With Anne, his wife, in 1984 he created in Cornas the “Centre Oenologique des Côtes du Rhône” (center for the study of wine making in the Côtes du Rhône) and since then, Jean-Luc has put his experience to work advising clients as an oenologist, in the Rhône Valley and in Provence.
From their farm perched at the top of the Cornas hills, Jean-Luc and Anne have created a little paradise planted with not just grapes but also: trees of apricots, figs and olives, a vegetable garden and many flowering plants.
Fitou and Corton, their two golden retrievers participate in the maintenance of the vineyards and gardens by chasing away the rabbits, foxes and other wild animals. At last count the estate houses over fifty hens, producing eggs for the family and friends.
They transmitted their love of wine to their daughter Laure, their only child, who joined the family estate in 2010. Viticulturist, oenologist, and world traveler, Laure brings her delicacy and energy to the family estate. Critics are lining up and praising her contribution to the estate’s wines. And since 2014, she has also created with her partner Dimitri, her own estate in Saint Péray at one of the highest elevations of that appellation: “Le Domaine de Lorient”.
The Domaine vineyards are located in the village of Cornas, on the right bank on the steep slopes of the Northern Rhône Valley. The climate and terroir here create perfect growing conditions to produce the greatest expression of Syrah’s character, with granite soils and a delicate Mediterranean influence. They have farmed their vineyards using organic methods for many years, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides. Their vineyards at Cornas and St Péray are now certified. Biodiversity of fauna and flora is of prime importance for the Colombo family. They actively encourage wildlife into their vineyard with natural hedgerow planting, bird houses and planting rosemary and other flowers to attract bees. Indeed, protecting the bee population is so important to the family that they donate some of the profits from Côtes du Rhône Les Abeilles (bees) to beekeeping charities, and the name of their ‘home’ vineyard of Les Ruchets is also inspired by this commitment, coming from the French word for beehive.
To learn more visit the Jean Luc Colombo website.
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