Clemson Graduates Form New Castle Imports
In January of 1991, friends, fellow Clemson University graduates and businessmen Don Quattlebaum of Myrtle Beach, SC and Whirl Miller of Clemson, SC along with a few potential investors, went to France looking for an opportunity in the then fledgling wine market. Less than a year later, New Castle Imports was born as the group brought back commitments from eight winemakers to import 17 wines.
The one hurdle that Don and Whirl felt they needed to overcome for future growth was translation. Although the two had hired a translator who lived in France, and one of the investors was fluent in French, Don and Whirl knew that the best way to grow was to learn the language. “As the adage goes, ’knowledge is power,’” says Don. Back in Clemson, Whirl began seeking a French tutor. Eventually he met Chantal Mauldin, a semi-retired professor who was French, and had done some employee tutoring for Michelin. The two hit it off immediately, and Whirl and Don invited Chantal to go to France as their translator for their upcoming buying trip Chantal did more than translate however, her natural warmth and charm helped the guys secure several outstanding producers that they still represent today. Chantal continued to accompany Don and Whirl on subsequent trips, even though the two had become fluent in the language. “She became part of the team,” explained Whirl.
In 2003, New Castle Imports merged with International Gourmet of Atlanta to form the European Wine Group, a wine importing company that specializes in wines from France, Spain and Italy, with sales in every major U.S. market. Don is the president of the company. Whirl is in sales. Chantal travels the world with her husband John, but retains her status as “Chief Taster Emerilus.”
For more information about New Castle Imports, visit www.newcastleimports.com.