The world of wine is vast, intricate, and constantly evolving. For those who immerse themselves in it, the journey is both rewarding and dynamic. Eduardo Dingler, Vice President of Wine at Wine Access and a renowned wine expert, is one such person who has had a fascinating journey in the wine industry.  From his early days in Napa Valley to becoming a global authority on wine and sake, Eduardo shares his insights on sourcing strategies, sustainability, and the future of the wine industry in this conversation with USA Wine Ratings. Discover how storytelling, quality, and innovation shape his approach to curating wines and staying ahead of emerging trends.

1. Tell us about yourself and your journey in the wine world.

My venture into the professional wine world started through the hospitality industry working in the Napa Valley. I gained a great deal of knowledge and passion for wine during my time at the late Tra Vigne in Saint Helena. Our wine director at the time was strongly focused on education which included in-depth tastings and winery visits throughout Napa Valley, Sonoma and Italian wines.

That position sparked a fire in me which led me to becoming the Global Beverage Director for the Morimoto Restaurant Group in charge of several restaurants across the world. After my tenure with Chef Morimoto I focused on writing, education and dove into the Sake world before joining Wine Access as VP of Wine where I have been for over six years.

2. What excites you the most about the wine industry today?

The storytelling, preserving history and culture and at the same time growing the appreciation of wine with new generations.

3. What is your wine philosophy- do you focus more on quality, story, region, or other aspects when selecting wines for your portfolio?

Our biggest focus is quality to price ratio, over delivering and experience but also having a strong story to share, we love content.

4. How has your global wine-sourcing strategy evolved over the years?

We have grown our direct import arm successfully with offerings from France, Italy and Australia to name a few but also strongly supporting our importing partners stateside. With fluctuations in supply and demand over the last few years not to mention tariffs and transportation the strategy has been shifting back and forth.

Image Source & Title: Eduardo Dingler, talking about wine pairing selections at a Michelin Star dinner

5. What’s your process for ensuring the wines you select are consistently high-quality and showcase their distinctive characteristics, especially when sourcing from multiple regions or smaller producers?

We taste every single wine we offer with our panel where we discuss pricing, quality, content and availability as well as how well it fits our company ethos.

6. How do you stay ahead of market trends and ensure your wine selection aligns with evolving customer preferences?

We are constantly working on expanding our member’s knowledge and exploring new regions and producers to provide an all-around experience.

7. How has consumer interest in sustainability influenced your wine choices?

There are a couple of Wine Clubs in which we focus on sustainability and organic, conscious farming but it is not a mainstream quality that moves the needle so far.

8. What are your thoughts on the growing demand for niche wine categories, such as organic, natural, or biodynamic wines?

We are constantly tasting natural, biodynamic and so-called minimal intervention wines and every so often we find some consistently delicious and well-priced examples which we are proud to showcase. 

9. What are some of the most exciting wine regions or varietals you're currently exploring or sourcing from?

We love to dive into enticing corners of Italy especially Friuli, Campania and Etna as well as many areas of Japan for sake.

Conclusion:

Eduardo’s journey through the wine industry reflects his deep passion for quality, storytelling, and cultural preservation. From his early days in Napa Valley to his leadership at Wine Access, he has continually adapted to evolving trends and sourcing strategies, all while remaining committed to delivering exceptional wines. His insights into the growing interest in sustainable and niche wine categories highlight a significant shift in consumer preferences. His focus on education and exploration ensures that wine lovers of all generations can appreciate the richness and diversity the wine world has to offer.

To stay up-to-date with more valuable insights like these, be sure to follow USA Wine Ratings.

Related links:

How Wines Are Judged at USA Wine Ratings 2025
USA Wine Ratings: Top Competition for Retail-Focused Wines

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