Raley's Toasts Wine Buyer for 'Masterful' Achievement

Raley’s of West Sacramento, Calif., has scored big with its director of alcohol and beverage, Curtis Mann, who was recently named a Master of Wine in the U.S. by the Institute of Masters of Wine. He is Sacramento’s first Master of Wine and the only one currently buying for a grocery chain, according to Raley’s. 

Adam Lapierre, also a Master of Wine, previously was the adult beverage buyer for Lidl U.S., and is still "actively engaged" with the Alexandia, Va.-based chain, participating in global buying expos and the selection and rating of wines at the chain, a spokesman said. 

As the most prestigious wine certification in the world, Mann will join an accomplished group of 396 Masters around the world, with only 53 of those residing in the U.S.

“We want to congratulate Curtis on this impressive achievement,” said Paul Gianetto, Raley’s SVP of sales and merchandising, in a statement. “Curtis’ perspective and knowledge will continue to enhance our wine category, bringing in new varietals from all over the world at a price point that meets our customers’ needs.”

The Master of Wine examination was first held in 1953 and is designed to test the breadth and depth of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the art, science and business of wine. To receive the certification, Mann passed the institute’s examination, which consists of several theory and practical exams and culminates in the submission of a final research paper. The institute said seven new Masters were named this year.

“Becoming a Master of Wine is an incredible honor,” said Mann in a release. “Passing this exam has inspired me even more to share my passion for wine with our Raley’s customers and team members.”

Mann joined Raley’s in 2013. As the grocer’s wine buyer, he said he gained much of his knowledge through experience at Raley’s, traveling the world finding unique wines and meeting with winemakers and winery owners.

In 2013, Raley’s began offering the services of wine stewards and hosting wine tastings at some of its locations, with the goal of transforming 20 of the chain’s more than 110 stores into “wine shop stores” that featured wider selections of wine.

This story has been updated with clarifying information on the role of Adam LaPierre from a Lidl spokesman.