Prestige Wine Imports Announces the Retirement of Rusty Pape as Chief Executive Officer

Industry veterans Andrew Meyer and December Semexant will lead the organization

October 31, 2024 (New York) — Prestige Wine Imports Corp. (PWI), the New York based subsidiary of Gruppo Mezzacorona, is announcing the retirement of Thomas “Rusty” Pape as Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2024.

Established in 1985, Prestige Wine Imports has been the exclusive importer to the United States for a distinguished and diverse portfolio of authentic and sustainably farmed Italian wines from the Dolomites to Sicily.

“Rusty has been an integral part of bringing Gruppo Mezzacorona brands to U.S. distributors, customers and consumers for more than thirty years,” said Francesco Giovannini, Managing Director at Gruppo Mezzacorona. Luca Rigotti, President of Gruppo Mezzacorona added, “We are grateful for his support and wish him and his family a well-deserved retirement.” 

Reflecting on his upcoming retirement, Pape shared that he has been greatly impacted by the support of his team and relationships he has built.

“I want to thank Luca and Francesco for the opportunity and their unwavering support, allowing me the ability to build and guide a strong company,” Pape added. “I also want to thank the PWI Team, whom I will miss greatly, for their unconditional support and effort in achieving our high level of excellence. It has been my honor and privilege to lead this team. The relationships built with the team, our distributors and numerous retail and restaurants are what I am most proud of. I gave 100% effort every single day, and developed relationships which I will forever cherish.”

Last year, PWI was recognized as “Importer of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast as part of the publication’s annual 2023 Wine Star Awards. The annual Wine Star Awards celebrates the innovation of the individuals and companies that have significantly contributed to the success of the wine and alcohol beverage world.

Moving forward, PWI will be co-led by Andrew Meyer, Chief Sales Officer and December Semexant, Chief Financial Officer, who will both report directly to the PWI Board of Directors. Meyer, a 25-year wine industry veteran, has been with PWI in his role for one year. Semexant is a 15-year veteran of PWI.

Prestige Wine Imports has recently expanded its portfolio of brands and products to demonstrate its commitment to keeping a pulse on ever-evolving market trends, consumer preference and strategic opportunities.

About Prestige Wine Imports
Prestige Wine Imports is the New York based subsidiary of Gruppo Mezzacorona. Established in 1985, Prestige Wine Imports has been an exclusive importer of a distinguished and diverse portfolio of authentic and sustainably farmed Italian wines from the Dolomites to Sicily. The company is dedicated to providing quality wine from passionate producers and is committed to carrying on the winemaking traditions of these producers, through the art of winemaking. Leading import brands include Mezzacorona, one of the top 10 Italian wine brands in the US, and its more than 1,500 grower members crafting elegant, modern and crisp wines in the Italian Alps. Prestige Wine Imports also represents Stemmari, sustainably farmed wines from Sicily; Rotari Trentodoc Classic Method sparkling; Tolloy, from Alto Adige; Castello di Querceto, from the heart of Chianti Classico; Luigi Righetti, from Valpolicella; Val d’Oca Prosecco DOC and DOCG wines from Valdobbiadene; and Tenuta Rocca from Piemonte. For more information, please visit https://www.prestigewineimports.com/.