The relation of wine to the sea is ancient and profound. From western civilization’s beginnings in the Tigris-Euphrates river valley of eastern Anatolia (modern day Turkey)—the biblical “garden of Eden”—advancing westward to the Mediterranean and beyond, the maritime trade of wine has been substantive since man began navigating the sea. Indeed, the oldest wine found to date rested for millennia in amphora at the bottom of the Aegean Sea, lost by some of the first sailing vessels capable of navigating vast distances. Practically speaking, what we do today as a wine importer and distributor does not differ from the first mariners who transported wine via sea vessel for the purpose of trade and commerce. The physiology of grape vines is influenced by the sea and today many of the world’s most recognized wine appellations have gained such distinction largely due to their proximity to large bodies of water and the maritime climactic influences that enable great wine viticulture. At Maritime Wine Trading Collective, we embrace the marine history by sourcing fine wines from estate wine producers located within maritime influenced viticultural regions and transported to the US via sea vessel. Founded in 2009, Maritime Wine is a family-owned fine wine distribution, importation and production company based in San Francisco's historic and vibrant North Beach neighborhood. Our team is enthusiastic wine industry veterans with a century of combined experience in all channels of the wine trade including on-premise, retail and distribution. We bring to market a selection of producers who embrace authenticity and innovation. All of our producers offer a true discovery wine experience, top quality and great value. We are grateful to our wonderful producer partners without whom we would not have a company and who work tirelessly to put their wines in the bottle; and to our customers who give these wines an opportunity to be discovered, experienced and enjoyed.