Fresno State wine at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s, the national chain with outlets in 19 states, is carrying two Fresno State Wines in its two local stores: the gold medal-winning 2002 Syrah and a Special Selection California Chardonnay designed specifically for Trader Joe’s.

With more than 200 stores in 19 states, Trader Joe’s is yet another major national outlet to carry the award-winning program’s wines, announced Dr. Robert Wample, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology. The wines are also carried in Costco, Save Mart, Albertson’s, Von’s, Beverages and More, Catalano’s and many other retail outlets.

Garret Jones, marketing director for Fresno State Wines, called the partnership a major breakthrough for the program.

“The partnership with Trader Joe’s is a major step for our marketing plan,” said Jones, who joined the winery staff last summer and has negotiated placement of the wines in numerous valley outlets as well as Vino’s in the Bay Area. “We are hoping that with the Trader Joe’s program success, we can branch off into other markets. Eventually, our marketing plan will take Fresno State Wines onto the statewide and national distribution stage.”