For nearly a half century Empson  & Co. has championed fine Italian wines in the United States and around the world. Founded by Neil and Maria Empson  in 1972, when most Americans knew nothing but Chianti, Valpolicella and Soave , the importer was the first to bring in the highest quality wines from names like Gaja, Sassicaia, Marcarini, Conterno Fantino, Boscarelli and dozens of others, now with operations in all 50 states and 32 countries.

Last September Neil Empson appointed their daughter Tara, 34, to succeed him in his role at Empson & Co., and, as of April 1, of Empson USA.  I sat down with Tara over dinner at an Italian restaurant in New York and asked how the business of importing and distributing wine has changed in the past decade.