Ep 2378 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Barron Beltz | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2378 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald interviews Barron Beltz, a leading executive in the U.S. wine and spirits industry, to unpack the news of RNDC’s decision to exit the California market—a move that’s sending ripples across the entire distribution landscape. RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company), the second-largest wine and spirits distributor in the U.S., recently announced that it will cease all operations in California by September 2, 2025. As the largest market in the country, California has long been a key player in the wine trade—and this sudden shift raises critical questions for producers, retailers, and on-premise operators alike. Key takeaways: What are the root causes and major factors that led RNDC to withdraw from California? How RNDC’s departure will affect suppliers, retailers, and on-premise accounts? Why could this major shift serve as a catalyst, encouraging producers and distributors to rethink their go-to-market strategies in California? More about the guest: Barron Beltz has over 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, holding executive roles in both wine and spirits distribution and winery operations. He spent 16 years at RNDC in Texas and Oklahoma, rising from a wine sales rep to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, overseeing three divisions. He also held senior sales roles at notable wineries, including Hess Collection, Michael Mondavi Family Winery, Folio Fine Wine Partners, Santa Margherita (Italy), and Sokol Blosser (Oregon). Currently, he serves as President of South Napa Vintners, part of Sonoma Bespoke, a producer of high-rated California wines and private labels, offering custom packaging in a certified organic facility in Napa. Barron’s diverse education spans global wine studies, business management, cultural anthropology, and an advanced German language certification earned while living in Germany during a four-year humanitarian mission with his family. Connect: Website: https://sonomabespokebeverages.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barronbeltz/  More about the host: With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She's led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries.    As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US.   Connect:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com   _______________________________   Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/   Until next time, Cin Cin!