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Raley’s gets its own ‘Master of Wine’

Wine buyer Curtis Mann earns elite global wine certification

Russell Redman

March 4, 2020

3 Min Read
Raley's wine section
In earning the elite designation, Raley's Mann joins just 53 other Masters of Wine in the United States.Raley's

In a rarity for a supermarket chain in the United States, Raley’s now has its own “Master of Wine.”

Curtis Mann, director of alcohol and beverage at West Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley’s, has been certified as a Master of Wine (MW) by the Institute of Masters of Wine. He joins just 53 other Masters of Wine in the U.S. out of the 396 worldwide, the retailer said yesterday.

The MW designation is considered “the most prestigious wine certification in the world,” according to Raley’s.

Curtis Mann-Raleys wine masterCurtis Mann, director of alcohol and beverage at Raley's. (Photo courtesy of Raley's)

"We want to congratulate Curtis on this impressive achievement,” Paul Gianetto, senior vice president of sales and merchandising at Raley’s, said 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.”

Mann has been with Raley’s since 2013. As the wine buyer, he gained much of his knowledge for the MW certification through his experience at the grocery chain, as well as from global travel in search of unique wines and meetings with winemakers and winery owners, according to Raley’s.

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

Related:Raley’s marks its 85th anniversary with ‘Good Never Stops’ campaign

The MW exam, first held in 1953, tests the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills in the art, science and business of wine. The three-part exam encompasses theory and tasting tests plus a research paper on an in-depth study on a wine-related topic. Mann wrote his paper on California consumer understanding and preference for U.S. chardonnay styles, the London-based Institute of Masters of Wine said.

“As director of alcohol and beverage, he has reshaped the chain's wine offerings with the help of in-store wine stewards and educational tastings, leading to a growth in sales over the last six years,” the institute said in announcing the latest Masters of Wine. “The wine press has noticed his efforts with awards such as the 2016 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for U.S. retailer of the year and the 2018 Market Watch Leader Award.”

Mann is one of seven MWs, and two from the U.S., announced in the first crop of certifications for 2020, the Institute of Masters of Wine said. The other five are from the United Kingdom (two), Finland, France and Canada. The top six countries with MWs are Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S.

Related:Raley’s sets out on foodservice exploration in store remodel

Among grocery chains in the U.S., Raley's isn't the first to have a Master of Wine. Germany-based hard discount grocer Lidl had MW Adam Lapierre when it launched U.S. stores in 2017. "Adam developed up our entire wine program and continues to be closely involved in the selection and rating of every bottle on our shelves," Lidl U.S. spokesman Will Harwood told Supermarket News. An SN search of the profiles of the 53 MWs in the U.S. found no others working for a U.S. grocery retailer.

*Editor's Note: Article updated with more information on U.S. Masters of Wine in grocery.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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