Empson has been a leading Italian wine exporter for fifty years. It was founded by Neil and Maria Empson whose main goal has always been to import the beauty and culture of Italy all over the world through its finest wines. Maria fell for Italy when she attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, vowing to one day return. Years later, when exploring Europe with her husband Neil Empson, New Zealand born and bred, she fell in love all over again alongside Neil. The young, ambitious couple saw the potential in the many stunning regions of the country and in the quality wines produced.

Neil and Maria were pioneers when they founded Empson & Co. in 1972 after a year working as wine brokers. After seeing great success, they established their US company in 1991. Today, Empson USA represents wineries from Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Spain, and the USA and is focused on expanding their portfolio to include many more exciting domestic and international wine regions.

The Empsons specialize in growers who emphasize quality and value. Today, they celebrate their longstanding relationships – even up to fifty years – with many top wineries. Often it would begin with a leap of faith that would grow into a relationship of mutual esteem and trust, and in time, would become pillars of growth and partnership. Neil, Maria, and their daughter Tara are considered leaders in the wine industry and have since expanded their reach across the globe exporting fine wine all over the world.

Now holding the reins, Tara is eager to live up to her parents’ legacy by investing in better ways to strengthen the Empson business model while expanding the company’s global footprint.

Our Mission

Family owned since its foundation in 1991, Empson USA is an enterprising fine wine importer with a dynamic portfolio of distinctive estates from Italy, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, and the USA. Our mission is to discover and represent carefully selected top-tier brands worldwide, and to share the “Art of Fine Wine” with our customers and partners in the US market. 

Our Vision

At Empson USA, we are committed to showcasing wines and spirits of the world that distinctly express their unique terroirs. As a fine wine company for over fifty years, we first looked to Italy as the home of wine excellence and curated a portfolio of first-class Italian wineries. With the same philosophy and a proactive approach to today’s wine industry, we have continued to expand and diversify our global portfolio, while cultivating a national footprint inclusive of American wineries. Today, Empson USA represents talented producers from the New and Old Worlds alike.     

Family, integrity, and constant innovation are the Empson companies’ core values as they evolve towards the future. Our long-standing dedication to upholding the highest quality standards comes from our enthusiasm in providing the most reliable and up-to-date services that help estates reach the heart of the US consumer and meet the needs of the American market.