About Us
Our Story
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We are an alcoholic beverage importer and distributor located in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. We opened in 2021 with the goal of bringing the finest beers, ciders, and wines in the world to our market, with a particular focus on small to medium-sized producers in the US and abroad. We are licensed for distribution i
We are an alcoholic beverage importer and distributor located in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. We opened in 2021 with the goal of bringing the finest beers, ciders, and wines in the world to our market, with a particular focus on small to medium-sized producers in the US and abroad. We are licensed for distribution in the State of Virginia, and Washington, DC; and as importers we work with other distributors nationwide to promote and place our overseas brands. We have a growing portfolio of elite and exclusive imported beers available for distribution across the USA.
Our team brings decades of experience in sales, marketing, logistics and technology; and applies that expertise to importing and distribution to position our clients and producers for maximum sales and brand growth.
Our climate-controlled warehouse is in Fairfax, Virginia less than 20 miles from Washington, DC.
Oh, and why "Winter Dog?" Yeah, we get asked that a lot. One, its a pretty cool and memorable name, right? And more importantly it's named for Sunshine and Elsa, our founders' two Saint Bernard dogs!
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Did you know that there are over 25,000 breweries in the world? And over 8,000 just in the United States? Additionally, there are over 40,000 wineries globally, with over 11,000 in the United States. Add to that several thousand cideries and it’s clear that craft beverage enthusiasts have never had more choices than they do today. But w
Did you know that there are over 25,000 breweries in the world? And over 8,000 just in the United States? Additionally, there are over 40,000 wineries globally, with over 11,000 in the United States. Add to that several thousand cideries and it’s clear that craft beverage enthusiasts have never had more choices than they do today. But what good are those choices if the products are forever inaccessible? Many small to medium producers are simply unable to gain traction outside of their home markets. This is often because they simply don’t produce enough volume to be “worth it” to large distributors, or the barriers to entry for foreign producers just seem- and often are- daunting. At the same time, these producers are on the cutting edge of defining and redefining our industry with their exquisitely crafted and creative products.
We believe in the proposition that quality is quality, and that quality beverages should be shared with as many people as possible. We believe that the friendships and cultural understanding that come from a shared glass of beer or wine makes the world a better and happier place. And we believe that positioning alcohol in that important and proper context is a mission worth going to the ends of the Earth for. So that’s exactly what we have chosen to do. No brewery is too small, and no winery is too “off the beaten path”. In fact, those are exactly the places where magic is born. Let us help bring your magic to the world!
Our Founder
Our Philosophy
Our Founder
Brian Hennighausen was born in the Washington, DC area and has spent most of his life in that thriving and cosmopolitan market. He enjoyed a productive and diversified career in sales, technology, and logistics, and is applying those vital skills to the new challenge of Winter Dog Cellars. Brian has travelled to almost forty countries
Brian Hennighausen was born in the Washington, DC area and has spent most of his life in that thriving and cosmopolitan market. He enjoyed a productive and diversified career in sales, technology, and logistics, and is applying those vital skills to the new challenge of Winter Dog Cellars. Brian has travelled to almost forty countries on four continents, and has visited countless breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries along the way. In those wanderings, a passion was born. A passion for good food, good company, and especially good drink. To him, the glass of beer or wine isn’t just part of the story; it often is the story.
Brian is a Certified Cicerone in beer and holds a WSET2 with Merit award in wines. He is a published author and frequent social media poster on the local, national, and global beer and wine scenes. He lives in Great Falls, Virginia with his wife, daughter, and two Saint Bernard dogs. Those dogs, by the way, were the inspiration for our company’s name.