Great work requires great people, and we think ours are some of the best. We’re a creative, friendly and diverse team, who truly enjoy what we do and the people we work with. Our team spirit, expertise and perspective helps us create solutions that go far beyond just selling wine.
Anthony Allport
Owner & East Coast Sales Manager
Anthony started his career in Canberra, Australia and cut his teeth with one of the country’s largest independent wine outlets which included duty free, wholesale, export, managing the accounts for prime minister and cabinet and some celebrity private clients including Jackie Chan. After 16 years slinging a wine bag in New York, Anthony moved to Oakland, Michigan in January 2020 to focus on importing wines from Down Under.
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Anthony@whanauimports.com
Ryan Wargo
Midwest Sales Manager
Ryan joins Anthony William Wines after spending six years as a Territory Manager for Woodberry Wines distribution company based out of Troy, Michigan. Growing up in the wine industry, Ryan has been able to immerse himself in the culture by continuing to educate himself through numerous travels to wine regions all over the world as well as continual training and education. Before joining the wine world, Ryan spent the 13 previous years in the banking and finance industry, holding multiple positions starting as a personal banker and ending as a business banker.
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Ryan@whanauimports.com
Nikolas Pappas
DTC & Key Accounts Manager
Nik’s entry into the industry began in Chicago, IL where he spent nearly a decade working for Illinois’ oldest wine and beer wholesaler before relocating to Indianapolis to start-up and oversee one of the first premium wine wholesalers to cover the entire state. After a six-year stint in that position he took on the challenging role of creating a national accounts division for Prestige Wine Imports (Gruppo MezzaCorona) that helped propel Mezzacorona into the leading Pinot Grigio in the U.S. marketplace; a position that it still holds today. He was with Prestige Wine Imports for ten years before accepting a position with New York based Dreyfus Ashby & Co. (Maison Joseph Drouhin) to create their national accounts organization. Leaving there at the end of 2013 he took on the responsibility of running a family business until 2021 while continuing to consult for various wineries and retailers.
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Niko@whanauimports.com
Bob Paulinski, MW
Australian Brand Ambassador
In 1986, Bob started, owned and operated a specialty wine retail outlet in Traverse City, Michigan. The business flourished until it was sold in 2002, the year that he became an MW. In 2003, he moved to the corporate side of the business to Bentonville, Arkansas to take the Category Lead role for wine, spirits and beer for Sam's Club US (a division of Wal-Mart). In 2009, he transitioned to the Category Director role over wine, spirits and beer for Southeastern Grocers based in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2013, he moved again, this time coast to coast, as the Senior Vice President of Wine for Bevmo stores in San Francisco, California. Then, in 2017, Bob made the move to Melbourne, Australia as Head of Sourcing - Beverage Alcohol for Coles stores, with primary responsibility for private label and exclusive brands development.
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Bob@whanauimports.com