Curtis Mann MW becomes first retail executive at Albertsons Companies to win Taransaud Tonnellerie Award

Albertsons Companies has announced that Curtis Mann MW, the companies’ group vice president of alcohol, is the first-ever US based retail executive to be recognised as a winner of the Taransaud Tonnellerie Award. The award was presented to Curtis at the IMW’s awards ceremony in December 2021, held in London. Each year the award is given to the Master of Wine who exhibits a deep understanding of the production and handling of wine in the MW exam.

On receiving the award, Curtis said, “I am thrilled to receive the Taransaud Tonnellerie Award. Being able to incorporate a long-time passion of mine into my role at Albertsons Cos. inspires me to use my knowledge to ensure we are providing the best wine selection possible for our customers.”

Curtis is a 20-year veteran of the US wine industry. He started his career in hospitality at ZD Wines in the Napa Valley, where he first discovered his passion for wine. After graduating with an MBA (University of California, Davis), he worked as a brand manager for Trinchero Family Estates and then at Information Resources Inc. as director of wine and spirits insights. From 2013 to 2020 – before his current role at Albertsons Companies – Curtis worked for Raley’s, a 125-store specialty supermarket chain in California. As director of alcohol and beverage, he re-shaped the chain’s wine offerings leading to a significant growth in sales over his time at the chain.