In many ways, the history of the fine wine industry in the United States runs through Dreyfus Ashby.

Some of the most famous and iconic brands ever to land on U.S. shores have roots in this family company. Current brands such as Maison Joseph Drouhin, Chateau Petrus, Chateau Trotanoy, Georges Comte de Vogüé, Domaine de la Solitude, Distillerie Massenez, and Champagne Drappier to name a few, as well as brands from Dreyfus Ashby’s portfolio of yore, including Champagne Krug, Champagne Bollinger, Chateau Haut Bailly, Domaine Faiveley, Hugel & Fils, Delas Freres, Boscaini, Hakutsuru Sake, Familia Torres, Lillet, Mateus, and many others illustrate such a declaration.

As one of the few remaining family-owned wine importers in the U.S. we take the occasion of our 75th year anniversary to pay homage to the great men, women, and brands who have come before us.

DREYFUS ASHBY & CO: QUALITY-ORIENTED FAMILY WINE

Dreyfus, Ashby & Co. is a national importer and marketer of a carefully chosen portfolio of fine wines and spirits. Headquartered in New York City, Dreyfus Ashby markets its products in all fifty states through a network of wholesale customers.

Now headquartered on the 15th Floor of 630 Third Ave. in New York City, Dreyfus, Ashby was founded in London, England, more than 70 years ago. The company’s founder, Swiss born Michel Dreyfus, followed an uncle into the wine business and became an almost legendary figure in the trade.

DREYFUS ASHBY TODAY

The objective of Dreyfus Ashby is to build successful sales and distribution for a selection of complementary high quality wine and spirit products. As the company adds to its portfolio, it is quite prepared to deal with products meeting these criteria even though current or potential volume may be limited.

At the same time, however, it recognizes the importance of maintaining the overall volume growth necessary to support a quality organization and gives careful attention to the brand franchises showing greater growth potential. The company seeks strong ties with suppliers and customers who demonstrate inordinate aptitude and interest for the high quality segment of the market.

As the wine and spirits industry moves rapidly toward increased concentration of volume in the hands of a few large wholesalers whose supplies are dominated by fewer and larger international public companies, Dreyfus maintains its quality position and its human scale of operation. The company feels that the distribution of fine wines is best served by those who have the specialized knowledge and the patience and consistency to build quality products.

CLOS DES MOUCHES CELEBRATES 100 years

A story that starts in 1921

The Clos des Mouches vineyard celebrates its 100th anniversary this year; a 14 hectare vineyard acquired 100 years ago in 1921 by Maurice Drouhin, the founder’s son. This famed plot of land sits between Corton Charlemagne, Pommard and Puligny Montrachet. Bought from 41 parcels from eight different owners, it’s a Premier Cru site that rises from 230 to 280 metres above sea level and has a variety of different soil types.

When the Clos des Mouches was born, vineyard owners often had beehives which they placed in the sunniest areas. These famous “flies” were in fact bees. There were so many hives in this vineyard that the name came very naturally. The bee itself is emblematic: it stands for hard work, selfless sharing, humility, discipline and of course honey, this nectar whose taste and texture have long been associated with wine. In Burgundy, everything has relevance.

Drouhin currently owns 80 hectares of vines across 90 different appellations, however Clos des Mouches remains Drouhin’s beating heart and crown jewel.

“Happy Anniversary to Dreyfus Ashby & Co! A Diamond Jubilee doesn’t happen every day. We raise a glass to your success over the past 75 years!

Whether that is pounding the streets with the bag, account by account or bringing a group of customers to our winery in Walla Walla Valley, Dreyfus Ashby’s team believes in the family wineries they represent.

Over the years, our relationships with their people and customers have evolved from business to ‘family business.’ Congratulations on 75 years!”

“Starting to work with Dreyfus in 2014, I am a lucky woman, to have learned to work physically hand in hand with the Dreyfus family. 

Ever since that time, I still value the relationship Dreyfus’ members have built with their partners and customers: trustworthy, committed, passionate. These are just a few words that describe to me, the Dreyfus spirit.

In my opinion, Dreyfus proves that offering one of the highest quality wine portfolios in the U.S., doesn’t go against showing some appreciation, sharing some good moments (Champagne!), and being innovative.”

“From San Francisco to Indianapolis, from Dallas to Spokane, from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon I have had so many great experiences. 

People at Dreyfus Ashby are very different, true characters. But sharing the same family values. One of the greatest moment is when we first met with Tim Enos in France in 2005. In a few seconds, my father and I understood we finally found our partner to represent our wines in the USA.

People at Dreyfus understood very quickly who we are as a family, our philosophy and of course our wines. And they are always ready to push new ideas, like the Saperavi recently and, of course the Tradition Rosé many years ago!!!“

“It is with a sense of awe, and an obligation to our past, that I write today to convey that this year, 2021, marks the 75th Anniversary of Dreyfus Ashby & Co. There are precious few family-owned companies left in our industry, even less that can say they have been around for 75 years, and certainly none with a better pedigree of brands, history, and reputation as the one we are all fortunate enough to work for today. Please take a moment today to reflect on our past, and to imagine our future and the history we will make together and pass to the next generation of Dreyfus Ashby.”

– John Caruso, Dreyfus Ashby & Co. President