The Anthony J. Terlato Legacy Program, now in its fourth year, has once again made a meaningful contribution to a local charity, reinforcing its ongoing partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. The Legacy Program reflects the Terlato family’s enduring dedication to fine wines and celebrates Anthony J. Terlato’s pivotal role in shaping wine culture across America.
Anthony J. “Tony” Terlato was a pioneer in the wine industry who profoundly influenced American tastes and their appreciation for wine and food. In 1979, Tony Terlato introduced Pinot Grigio to the U.S., establishing a beloved category for white wine that endures to this day. Revered as the “Father of Pinot Grigio,” Terlato’s career spanned over six decades, leaving a legacy that the Terlato family, now in its fourth generation, continues to build upon. Following Terlato’s passing in June 2020, Terlato Wines inaugurated the Terlato Legacy Program in 2021 to honor his contributions to the industry.
With over 40 years of leadership in luxury Pinot Grigio, CEO Bill Terlato, Tony Terlato’s son, traveled to the Northeast of Italy in 2012 to write the next chapter for their family and the category. The journey culminated in the 2014 release of Terlato Vineyards Pinot Grigio, an estate-grown and -bottled 100% Pinot Grigio wine from Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, Italy’s most esteemed white wine region. Today it is a top-selling luxury Pinot Grigio.
The Terlato Legacy Program, in collaboration with premier beverage distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, continues to drive philanthropy through an annual challenge centered around Terlato Vineyards Pinot Grigio. The winner funds a charity in honor of the late Tony Terlato. This year, over twenty markets vied to deliver top performance, with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Illinois emerging as the winner. This is the third year the Illinois division has won the competition, and their laudable efforts have resulted in a $40,000 donation to Will County Habitat for Humanity in Illinois.
This generous contribution, with Terlato Vineyards and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits each donating $20,000, underscores their shared commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve. The check presentation took place on August 29, 2024 at SGWS Illinois Offices.
Bill Terlato, CEO of Terlato Wine Group and Terlato Wines says, “The continued success of the Anthony J. Terlato Legacy Program is a testament to the power of partnership and shared values. I’m immensely proud and grateful for the efforts by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in Illinois, whose commitment to excellence echoes the principles my father stood for. Together, we are making a tangible difference, and I am excited to see how we can build on this momentum to create even greater impact in the years to come.”
Nicholas Palumbo, Trade Development Director of Southern Glazers Wines & Spirits of Illinois says, “Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Illinois is honored to have won our network-wide contest in tribute to Anthony J. Terlato and to collaborate with the Terlato family in giving back to the community. We are pleased to contribute with Terlato $40,000 to Habitat for Humanity – Will County, reinforcing our commitment to the communities we serve. As the holiday season approaches, we are proud to support Anthony Terlato’s legacy and assist local families in need. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Terlato family and our Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Illinois team for their essential role in making this contribution possible.”
More information on Terlato Wines International is available at https://www.terlatowines.com and on Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits at https://www.southernglazers.com/
