The GVI Wines Story

Chilean and Argentine wines have been staples of the U.S. marketplace for many years. Uruguay, not so much, but thankfully that’s changing fast.

The U.S. wine market is the most hyper-competitive on Earth. More bottles are consumed here than anywhere else in the world, and every wine-producing region wants a piece of the action.

We here at GVI Wines love the diversity of the U.S. wine market (who doesn’t?), but we found that many of our favorite small producers from Chile, Argentina and Uruguay were under-represented because 1) they don’t have the production of the mega big companies and 2) they don’t have the marketing budgets to crack the circle of U.S. gatekeepers. We had to do something!

So we decided to open up this online-only shop and introduce you to a side of these countries’ wines you might not know so well but we think you’ll love. A lot. Here’s a few:

How about a wildly fresh Pinot Noir from Chile’s majestic, up-and-coming wine region Patagonia? That would belong to Aniello.

Then there’s one of the best Tannats in Uruguay from Bodega Marichal. Tannat? That’s Uruguay’s answer to California Cabernet Sauvignon, and it sells for a fraction of the price.

We also have a gulpable Malbec rosé from Funckenhausen, an Argentine family of German descent that has a massive zest for life. Did we mention it comes in a 1-liter bottle?

Before you start shopping, scroll down a bit more and join our mailing list. We have a lot more stories to tell.

THE 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 GVI Wines, 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 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. Larry lives with his wife, Cathy, and their Spinone, Daisy, and Otterhound, Ella, in Lafayette, California.

Peter Alig

Marketing Manager

A Midwest native, Peter moved to the Napa Valley in 2007 to launch his wine career. Peter held marketing and hospitality roles at Robert Mondavi Winery and Sojourn Cellars before being recruited to oversee the launch of a rebranded Napa Valley resort, the Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa. Despite living in the epicenter of the California wine industry, Peter has always had a weakness for South American wines, having toured the region extensively in 2016. At GVI Wines, Peter functions as chief storyteller, and is responsible for the strategic direction of the business. Peter holds the MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University and the Diploma of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

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 GVI Wines. 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.

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 Wines, 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.