“Winning isn’t everything,” begins former Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi’s oft quoted paean to total victory. But it sure can put a smile on your face. That last sentiment is ours, not the dour-faced coach’s. Nonetheless, it’s one you can read on the faces pictured on this page. All but one of our shots were taken earlier this year at the WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America) Annual Convention and Exposition in Orlando. With wine and spirits suppliers huddling with their wholesalers to cement plans for the coming year, the meeting turned out to be an ideal venue to celebrate “victory” by the industry’s fastest growing and best selling brands.

Complete coverage of 2003 Adams Growth Brand Award winners in the wine and spirits categories appeared in April Cheers. Coverage of the winners in the beer categories is scheduled for September. This years awards celebrated the fifth consective year of gains of distilled spirits sales in the U.S. as well as strong growth in table wine categories which have received a welcome shot in the arm as a result of ongoing publicity concerning the health benefits of moderate consumption.