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The Other Guys reports record sales in 2011

Sonoma-based wine company

August Sebastiani, president of The Other Guys, a Sonoma-based wine company that is part of the Don Sebastiani Family of Companies,
reported last week that sales for TOG's portfolio were up more than 40% over 2010. 
In 2011, the company shipped 238,600 cases of wine and 1,400 cases of its new upscale straight rye whiskey, Masterson’s, which was introduced in August at $79 a bottle.  The previous year TOG shipped 170,500 cases of wine.
“We’re ecstatic that our brands have been so well received,” Sebastiani said, noting that when the company first started in 2005 its total case production was only 5,000.  “In just six years, we have really come of age.  While I’ve always said we’ve got the right wines for the right time and we offer consumers excellent quality at reasonable price points, I also have to credit the creativity, hard work and dedication of our entire team, led by our COO Richard Zeller.  They have literally moved mountains during tough economic times.”
Sebastiani said TOG was uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of America’s growing focus on wine. Last year, for the first time, America consumed more wine than any other country, according to a study by Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates, a wine consulting firm. TOG developed promotions with various national accounts, which helped boost sales, while retaining its strong foothold in the general wine market.
Wines in TOG’S Leese-Fitch line were its best sellers in 2011.  Its Plungerhead label — devoted to Zinfandel — was second in popularity, followed closely by wines under the Hey Mambo label.  Other brands in the portfolio include MooBuzz, Pennywise and The White Knight.
TOG’s move into spirits through its 35 Maple division will also allow it to capture a niche in the burgeoning craft spirits movement.  The company is working with four top spirits producers to develop special artisan brands.  Masterson’s 100% Straight Rye Whiskey, is its first entry into the market, to be followed by a botanical gin, aged rum and small batch bourbon over the next year, Sebastiani said.
For more information go to www.togwines.com.