Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. Announces Establishment of Southern Wine & Spirits of Delaware

In a related transaction, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. announced it had acquired Postiy Wine & Spirits of Ohio, which is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Commenting on the significance of the Delaware and Ohio announcements, Wayne E. Chaplin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, said, "The Delaware acquisition solidifies our position as one of the major players in the Northeast Corridor of the United States, a region where we feel there is still strong opportunity for future growth. All told, this latest news brings Southern Wines & Spirits of America's coverage to a total of 29 states. These states represent 68 percent of the total wine and spirits business in the U.S."

Mr. Chaplin added, "This latest acquisition in Ohio will allow us to make an immediate impact and benefit from the synergies of our previously announced acquisition of Paramount Wine & Spirits' Brokerage operations in July. The combined effect of these acquisitions will allow us to add significant value to the brokerage business in Ohio." (The Company's latest Ohio acquisition follows the July 16, 2007 Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. announcement of its purchase of Paramount Distillers Brokerage operations in Ohio from Paramount Distillers, Inc. - For more information, log onto: \www.southernwine.com, and click on News.)

Strengthening Southern's Ohio Presence

In connection with the Ohio announcement, Peter M. Hickey, Executive Vice President, General Manager-Control States Division of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., said that Robinson Cooper has been appointed Vice President, General Manager of Southern Wine & Spirits of Ohio. The appointment is effective January 1, 2008.

In noting Rob Cooper's appointment, Mr. Hickey said: "I am delighted that Rob is joining Southern. He will start in his new role on January 1, 2008 and report to me. Rob comes to us from Beam Global Spirits and Wine, where he last served as Regional Marketing Director for the Control States. Rob has been an exceptional performer in the spirits industry throughout his career. He brings an extensive experience level and dynamism that will be key as we look to drive the business in this important new market. Rob has held sales and marketing roles with major suppliers such as Beam, Bacardi, Allied Domecq and Seagram in regional positions, as well as in key markets such as Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. He has delivered superb results in each. Rob also has early distributor/broker experience with Margolis and Superior in Pennsylvania." Mr. Cooper said, "I am thrilled and extremely honored to join this world-class organization and look forward to all of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in overseeing the Southern Wine & Spirit of Ohio's operation. In doing so, I will maintain the single-minded goal of meeting and exceeding the expectations of all of our trading partners."

Mr. Hickey added: "Following the news of our entry into Ohio earlier this year with the acquisition of Paramount Distillers Brokerage operations and recognizing the strength of both individual sales organizations, we are extremely confident about the prospects and opportunities of working in Ohio and we are more prepared than ever to grow market share for all our Ohio Supplier Partners." He added that: "I am confident that Rob will add a great deal to our continuing success in Ohio. I also want to acknowledge Don Postiy's continuing role in assisting our entire team and helping us during this period of transition and growth; we are excited that Don has agreed to stay on and help us build Southern Wine & Spirits of Ohio."

Chuck Manchick
Vice President / General Sales Manager
Southern Wine and Spirits of Ohio

A member of the industry since 1992, Chuck Manchick is the former President of Paramount Distillers. He attended the Ohio State University and prior to industry he worked for the Ohio State Auditor's Office. Chuck started in the industry as route sales person for both high proof and low proof beverages. He was also a Supervisor, Sales Manager, and President for Paramount Distillers.

3116 Berea Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44111
Office: 216-671-7015
Fax: 216-671-2299

Donald E. Postiy
Vice President / General Sales Manager
Southern Wine and Spirits of Ohio

Donald E. Postiy, Vice President / General Sales Manager for Southern Wine & Spirits of Ohio, is a veteran of more than 40 years in the spirits industry.

A native of Canton, Ohio Postiy began his career as a 21-year-old tavern owner. In 1969, he joined Jim Beam Distilling Co. as an Ohio sales representative. Over the years, he held a variety of positions with the company, including district sales manager, Ohio state manager, Eastern Regional sales manager, assistant control states manager, assistant to the senior vice president/sales and vice president-sales/Midwest Region. In 1985, Postiy formed his own company, Postiy Wine & Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, after being named Ohio broker representative for Jim Beam Distilling; two years later, Postiy Wine & Spirits became the first 1 million-case broker in Ohio.

In addition to his efforts on behalf of Jim Beam, Postiy has received a number of sales recognition awards and from other companies, including Seagram, Dewar’s, Bacardi and E & J Gallo.

A resident of Westerville, Ohio, Postiy and his wife, Jeanne, are the parents of two daughters and have five grandchildren.