Specialty beer importer Merchant du Vin was founded in 1978, a time when Americans could not buy the world's classic beer styles - in fact, unless they had travelled to Europe most Americans had never even heard of pale ale, hefeweizen, or Trappist ale. MdV founder Charles Finkel realized that the flavors found in the great beers of England, Germany and Belgium were a universal pleasure that should be available to all adults. The goal of Merchant du Vin is to enhance people's lives via the unmatched aromas and flavors found in great beer. Merchant du Vin's selling proposition is to educate the consumer and arouse curiosity as to the differences among the classic beer styles, and to make these beers available for purchase at stores, restaurants, and bars. Merchant du Vin's portfolio of beers comes from the nations with deep, rich brewing traditions: England, Scotland, Germany, and Belgium.