Business Details
40 Years
experience
Premium Wine Importation & Storage Services
Founded in 1986 by Merrick J. Dowson, Adventures In Wine has established itself as a premier importer of fine and rare wines. Our founder's deep roots in the London wine trade and decades of industry experience laid the foundation for our commitment to quality and service. We specialize in facilitating the importation of wines from around the globe, catering to wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and private collectors throughout California. Our expertise extends to handling all logistical complexities, including transportation, COLAs, excise taxes, and regulatory compliance, ensuring seamless delivery from origin to destination. Complementing our import services, we operate SF Wine Lockers, a state-of-the-art climate-controlled storage facility launched in 1997 and expanded in 2015 to accommodate nearly 500 lockers.Our team of seasoned professionals, including President Erin Lamson and Operations Manager Ben Grandy, brings decades of collective experience in wine logistics and customer service. We prioritize transparency, reliability, and personalized support, maintaining a strong reputation built on over 30 years of industry leadership. Our facility features secure, self-service lockers with individual access control, advanced climate management, and 24/7 monitoring to protect valuable collections. Despite global shipping challenges, we continue to deliver wines via air and sea freight with efficiency and care. Our legacy of excellence, rooted in Merrick Dowson's passion for wine, remains central to our mission of connecting clients with the world's finest vintages.
Services
Wine Importation
Climate-Controlled Storage
COLA Processing
Excise Tax Management
Wine Delivery Services
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 30+ years handling international wine logistics and regulatory compliance
- Operate California's premier climate-controlled wine storage facility
- Team includes industry veterans with decades of importation expertise
- Provide door-to-door service for single bottles or bulk shipments
- Maintain transparent processes with personalized client support
Services
Wine Importation
We manage complete wine import logistics from origin to destination. Our services include transportation coordination, regulatory compliance, excise tax handling, and documentation for shipments ranging from single bottles to bulk cases. With expertise in international wine trade regulations, we ensure timely delivery while maintaining wine quality through proper handling procedures.
Climate-Controlled Storage
SF Wine Lockers provides secure, temperature-regulated storage for wine collections. Our facility maintains optimal conditions (55F, 70% humidity) with 24/7 monitoring. Features include individual lockers with personal access control, sprinkler systems, and alarmed security. Available in 15 sizes, our lockers protect collections from temperature fluctuations that could damage wine quality.
People
Erin Lamson
President
Erin joined Adventures In Wine in 1999, mastering all operational aspects before becoming President in 2020. Her 20+ years of experience in import logistics and regulatory compliance make her a trusted leader in wine transportation solutions.
Ben Grandy
Operations Manager
With initial tenure from 1997-2004 and renewed service since 2019, Ben combines deep institutional knowledge with practical expertise in wine logistics. His rejoining brought back critical warehouse and import management capabilities to the team.
Anita Maestas
Project Administrator
Bringing 17 years of administrative experience, Anita manages operational workflows while introducing fresh perspectives to our wine storage and importation processes. Her organizational skills support seamless client service delivery.
Pato Lehued
Warehouse & Deliveries
A Chilean chef and wine enthusiast since 2023, Pato ensures precise handling of rare wines during transport and storage. His dual expertise in culinary arts and logistics enhances our commitment to preserving wine quality throughout the supply chain.
Merrick J. Dowson
Late Founder
Founder of Adventures In Wine (1986) and fourth-generation wine merchant, Merrick established our industry reputation. His legacy continues through our commitment to quality importation services and innovative storage solutions developed during his 34-year leadership.
Questions
What wine importation services do you offer?
We handle complete wine import logistics including transportation, regulatory compliance, excise taxes, and delivery for shipments of all sizes from single bottles to bulk cases.
How does the wine import process work?
We manage documentation, COLAs, and regulatory requirements while coordinating transportation via air or sea freight. Clients receive updates throughout the process from origin to final delivery.
What storage options are available?
SF Wine Lockers offers 15 locker sizes in a climate-controlled facility with personal access control, 24/7 security monitoring, and specialized handling for valuable collections.
Are there current shipping delays?
While global shipping challenges exist, we maintain regular air and sea freight schedules to minimize delays while ensuring proper wine handling throughout transit.
How can I make a payment?
Payment options are available through our secure online portal for both importation services and wine storage locker rentals.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve California clients but handle international wine shipments for delivery to locations across the United States.
