I got my first real wine education while managing/bartending at Les Zygomates wine bar & Bistro in Boston. Lorenzo Savona (one of the founders) was obsessed with wine, especially with placing varietals that were less known to the consumer i.e. Muller Thurgau, Toreldego, verdelho etc. We had to hand sell these wines, and it was always a pleasure to turn someone on to something new. Les Zygomates boasts approximately 50 wines by the glass on a rotating list, and another 150+ available by the bottle. It was a fantastic experience where I developed an appreciation and a future in wine. 

I left Les Zygomates in 1999 from being tired of the restaurant business in general and headed to Hong Kong to visit old friends, and for 6 weeks of travel. They immediately informed me they were interested in getting into the wine business, but they had little idea of what to do. They asked me if I was interested in heading the project. This was simply a case of being in the right place at the right time. 

I spent months researching areas suitable for viticulture, as well as affordable land in California, Australia, and New Zealand. To make a long story short, after extensive research and tasting I convinced them to back me for an import company. I informed them that growing grapes and making wine takes limitless funding, and the return is always in the distant future. This is assuming the product is quality. Also, I new nothing about growing grapes or making wine, but I spent some time tasting and selling wine. August of 2000 Oz Pacific Wines, Inc. (OPW) was incorporated in Massachusetts.  We are currently doing business as OZ WINE COMPANY

From 2000 till 2003 I focused on brokering our imported Western Australian wines to various states in the USA. I grew tired of selling wines from one country, and I figured I could expand and sleep in my own bed if I did so. Since late 2003 Oz Wine Company, Inc has been primarily focused on import/wholesale to some of the finest wine merchants and restaurants in Massachusetts.  Our portfolio of wines continues to expand to numerous countries.

Oz Wine Company is a smaller, focused wine import/wholesale company with an exceptional reputation in Massachusetts and beyond for representing a broad range of premium wines. 

Salute,

Andrew Bishop