The Cuvee Companies

The need for the creation of the Cuvee companies was conceived by Jim Hughes in 1996. Jim recognized that the marketing needs of the wine industry, along with the desires of wine enthusiasts and collectors was changing as the entire Industry grew dramatically.

The increasing number of wineries made the task of providing a unique wine product an enormous challenge. As national sales manager of Corporate Vintages, Jim developed a number of unique products and services that propelled the wine account base from 7 to over 150 wineries during his 5 year tenure with the company.

Building on that success, he felt that specializing in niche product areas would better serve wineries and wine consumers. Thus, a group of companies that “Live to Serve” was created. Jim assembled prime movers for select talent requirements, with combined skills totaling 85 years of experience in art & design, marketing, production and sales.

Jim’s long history with California wine, traces back to his roots with his Spanish ancestors colonizing California in the late 1700’s and planting grapes along the Mission trail. Jim’s Grandfather had been personal friends with Louis Martini and Carl Wente, two prominent California wine pioneers.

Jim’s own interest in wine began in late 1969 when he was given an opportunity to be a partner in two Napa Valley winery startups. While those opportunities didn’t materialize, his personal wine experience blossomed when he was a director of Robert Finnegan’s Walnuts & Wine, the successor to Jack Sheldon’s Private Guide – an exclusive publication that rated wine and restaurants in Northern California.

Jim’s wine knowledge and contacts in the Industry form the base upon which the Cuvee Companies offer their custom consulting services, unique products and packaging designs.

Please CONTACT Jim personally
to discuss your wine related needs.