Mr. Pott's European stint ended when he was handed control of the Beringer-owned St.

WSJ: Aaron Pott, the Man (and Mouth) Behind Some of Napa's Best Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

When he was first hired, Beringer Blass sent him to Florence to study Italian for a month.

WSJ: Aaron Pott, the Man (and Mouth) Behind Some of Napa's Best Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Southcorp talked to Beringer and, according to wine industry sources, has negotiated with Kendall-Jackson (see following story) and other California wineries.

FORBES: Chateau Southcorp

In fact, his Beringer Blass vita was fairly dolce, said Mr. Pott.

WSJ: Aaron Pott, the Man (and Mouth) Behind Some of Napa's Best Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

He left Beringer Blass in 2004 and went to work for Quintessa, a high-profile winery in the Oakville district of Napa, for a few years.

WSJ: Aaron Pott, the Man (and Mouth) Behind Some of Napa's Best Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

In fact, the wine came from growers Mr. Pott had met in France during his Beringer years and from whom Mr. Pott purchased the fruit.

WSJ: Aaron Pott, the Man (and Mouth) Behind Some of Napa's Best Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Fosters' main wine business is Beringer Blass Wine Estate.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Fosters buys stake in winemaker