Colangelo & Partners Celebrates 20 Years of Commitment and Growth in the Wine and Spirits Industry

Colangelo & Partners: Celebrating Two Decades in the Wine and Spirits Arena

As Colangelo & Partners approaches its 20th anniversary, the agency reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the wine and spirits industry. Founded with a focus on this vibrant sector, the agency has grown to become one of the leading communications firms, known for delivering exceptional results for a variety of clients. In a milestone year, the agency is not just reflecting on its past but is also making significant investments in new services, team education, and advocacy efforts.

Gino Colangelo, the founder and president, highlights the importance of maintaining a focus on the wine and spirits business, stating, "Colangelo & Partners was built to serve the needs of the alcoholic beverage space. We have dedicated ourselves to being influential players within this industry, and our hard work has yielded sustainable growth even during tough times like the 2008 financial crisis."

Growth and Expansion

Over the past two decades, the agency has expanded from a modest team of five to a robust staff of 90 communications specialists dedicated to wine and spirits. Colangelo & Partners offers a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing everything from public relations and event marketing to digital communications and email marketing. This vast range of capabilities positions them as a one-stop-shop for clients seeking to enhance their visibility and engagement within the marketplace.

The agency’s structure is designed to promote effective collaboration, with no division comprising more than 15 team members. This allows the firm to deliver boutique services while also upholding the efficiency of a larger agency. COO Felipe Gonzalez-Gordon emphasizes this point, "We have meticulously built our team to ensure that we can deliver high-quality services at cost-effective rates, which is essential in today’s competitive arena."

In 2024, Colangelo & Partners took a strategic leap by acquiring WineGlass Marketing, a digital agency that specializes in branding and direct-to-consumer marketing. This addition not only broadened their service offerings but also solidified their presence in the California wine country, a critical area for the industry. Through this acquisition, the creative and branding services available to clients have also been greatly enhanced.

Commitment to Staff Development

An essential facet of the Colangelo & Partners philosophy is fostering ongoing education for staff. In a rapidly evolving industry, staying informed about the latest trends and regulations is crucial. To support this, every employee is provided an annual stipend to pursue further education in beverage alcohol or their area of expertise. Regular training sessions with hospitality professionals and attendance at global events underscore the agency's commitment to professional development.

Currently, over half of the agency's team members hold certifications from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), illustrating the depth of knowledge within the organization. This expertise is key to their ability to effectively represent clients and drive relevant communication strategies.