Hamden’s Votto Vines Forges New Partnerships, Expands

Votto Vines Importing LLC, a Hamden-based wine-focused business, announced it has entered into multiple partnerships in order to grow and expand the company.

Votto Vines markets, imports and sells wines from wineries around the world. The family-owned and operated company, founded in 2009, has also developed private labels and proprietary brands.

As of Dec. 31, Votto entered into a joint venture with Massachusetts-based PSP Imports LLC.

Through this venture, Votto Vines will combine their sales forces and portfolios via their boutique distribution and portfolio company, Global Wines LLC, with PSP Imports’ efforts to form PSP Global Wines, according to an announcement.

The partnership will be a Massachusetts-based importing and distribution business representing a portfolio of wines and spirits from around the world, particularly from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.

CEO Michael Votto said of the partnership, “PSP is a first-class organization, and combining their local infrastructure with our portfolio and team will result in a much stronger business for everyone involved.”

Votto Vines will maintain its identity and remain headquartered in Hamden, according to Nick Aceto, associate vice president of marketing with Votto Vines Importing.

Meanwhile, Votto Vines has also teamed up with Madison-based Better Rhodes, a marketplace of global alcohol-free beers, spirits, aperitifs and wines.

Under the Better Rhodes partnership, formalized in December, Michael Votto will serve as an advisor for its product selection and distribution.

The partnership will help Better Rhodes raise awareness for the best quality selections, while helping Votto Vines’ portfolio in the growing market for nonalcoholic beverages, according to the companies.

“By the end of the year, we hope to have expanded upon our existing partnerships, opened new doors and avenues of business, fostered new connections and friendships in the wine and spirit world, and created greater brand awareness for our products and company,” Votto said.

Votto Vines also expanded its team recently with the addition of wine industry veterans Frank Battaglia as vice president of sales for the midwest and west regions and Marvin John Towler as tri-state sales and marketing manager.

For more, contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.