When Hartley & Gibson’s Amontillado Sherry was named Wine of the Year Spain at the 2025 USA Wine Ratings, the recognition marked more than just a medal—it underscored a quiet revival of sherry in the U.S. marketplace. For Jack Poust & Co., the New York–based family importer that also secured Importer of the Year, the accolade validates both their long-standing partnership with Hartley & Gibson and their broader mission: introducing American buyers and consumers to Spain’s authentic, heritage-driven wines. At a time when U.S. wine drinkers are increasingly curious about discovery, cultural connection, and authenticity, Tracy Poust, Director at Jack Poust & Co., sees sherry not as a niche curiosity but as a category ready for a broader stage.

Congratulations on winning Wine of the Year Spain for Hartley & Gibson’s Amontillado Sherry and Importer of the Year at the USA Wine Ratings. From an importer’s perspective, what does this recognition mean for your company and your portfolio?

Thank you! It’s such an honor to be recognized and we’re very proud of our team and our partners at Hartley & Gibson. We are a small, family-owned business without the marketing resources of a large corporation, so awards from prestigious organizations such as USA Wine Ratings are key in bringing awareness to our brands. We’re especially excited to be involved with USA Wine Ratings because the panels are made up of wine buyers and sommeliers who actually interact with consumers.

What made you decide to enter Hartley & Gibson’s Amontillado Sherry into this year’s competition?

We believe that Spanish wines, and sherries in particular, are an under-appreciated category. One of our top priorities this year has been to bring more attention to our line of Hartley & Gibson sherries.

How do you position Amontillado in the U.S. market, especially when competing against more mainstream Spanish varietals?

There are so many great Spanish wines. But sherries are just so unique. First, they come in a range of styles from a dry, light-tasting fino to a creamy, rich Pedro Ximenez. Sherries are often thought of as a dessert wine or an aperitif, but they also pair wonderfully with foods and are signature ingredients for a lot of dishes. Sherry definitely has a place at the dining table.

We believe that many wine enthusiasts are curious about exploring new tastes and experiences, especially for “authentic” flavors. From the terroir to the solera aging system, sherries are unique to Spain.

Secondly, sherry is being discovered in the world of cocktail culture. Creative bartenders are using sherry not only for its flavors but also as a lighter alternative to stronger spirits. One of the great selling points of our Hartley & Gibson’s sherries is that they are sold in 6-bottle cases. This makes it easy for retailers to “try it out” on the floor without taking up precious back room space!

What does your expansion plan look like—both for Hartley & Gibson’s and for your wider Spanish portfolio—in terms of distribution and retail partnerships?

I took over the company about a year and a half ago when my mother passed away. The first year was really about learning this business and keeping us going. We had a good year. What we found is that education is really important. Our wines are “niche.” People need to know that sherry isn’t just your grandma’s dessert wine. We’ve had a lot of success with in-store tastings and plan to host more of them. The USA Wine Ratings award will be very helpful on that front.

Jack Poust & Co. has a long-standing relationship with Hartley & Gibson’s. How does this partnership shape your strategy for introducing their wines to the U.S. market?

The key word there is relationship. My family’s connection to Spain goes back generations. We still visit the vineyards and bodegas. I think many consumers today, especially younger people, value the personal relationships behind our products.

What role does this importer–producer collaboration play in building credibility with distributors and retailers?

Both Jack Poust & Company and Hartley & Gibson are family businesses. We’ve all grown up caring about our wines and taking pride in the quality. I think the credibility comes from the fact that we aren’t selling a commodity. All of our wines are relatively small batch, high-quality products. Our distributors can have confidence in carrying our products. Also, Jack Poust & Company has been around for 80 years. That’s got to buy us some credibility!

From your vantage point as an importer, what are the current trends you’re seeing in U.S. demand for Spanish wines?

We are seeing much more attention on Spanish wines and we believe they will continue to grow in popularity. I think this has a lot to do with the notion of cultural exploration and the desire for a more authentic and traditional experience.

Beyond Sherry, which Spanish regions or styles do you see gaining momentum in the U.S. off-premise market?

Beyond Sherry, sparkling wines like Cava have carved out a strong place in the U.S. market. I see that consumer demand is increasingly crossing borders, especially with approachable options like Enrico Prosecco from Italy and historic French sparklers like Saint-Hilaire, which offers unique styles and strong growth potential.

Winning Importer of the Year is a milestone. How does this recognition reflect your company’s strategy and long-term vision?

I’m so glad you asked this question because I get to talk about my family! Jack Poust & Company was started by my grandfather, Jack Poust, 80 years ago. His goal was to find the absolute best wines in Europe and bring them to the United States at affordable prices. My father and mother also believed that we should always remain a “value company.” Winning Importer of the Year means that we are continuing that tradition. This strategy has kept us going for 80 years. Our hope is that it will keep us strong in the years to come.

What can trade buyers and distributors expect from Jack Poust & Co. in the near future in terms of portfolio development and market approach?

Buyers and distributors can expect Jack Poust & Co. to keep delivering award-winning wines with story, heritage and market appeal, while continuing to grow our portfolio strategically. Our approach remains centered on partnership, supporting the trade with the right products, tools and strategies to meet consumer demand.