In the fallout over the demise of Billington Wines, there is at least some good news: Alfredo Bartholomaus, the 
company’s founder and a joyful bon vivant, will not be slipping away into full retirement just yet. Leonardo LoCascio, president of Winebow, informs me that Don Alfredo will join the new division Winebow is setting up to represent former Billington brands. While Alfredo’s son, Alex (at left in the photo, with his father), is likely to head the division, the elder Bartholomaus will serve as a consultant and brand ambassador, leading trade and media trips to South America and representing the brands before the press, much as he has done over the past several years. So those of us who know and love Alfredo can still look forward to pisco sours, poetry recitals, and lots of good South American wine.
You can read my full report on the closure of Billington Wines on The Washington Post Food section blog, All We Can Eat.
