Our Story
IN WINE AND LIFE, IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY
Quintessential is a family owned-and-operated import, marketing and sales company headquartered in Napa, CA. We are dedicated exclusively to representing multi-generational, family owned-and-operated wineries who have the same passion for winemaking as we have in strategically marketing and selling their wines. These producers, from most of the top wine regions around the world, create wines that offer the best, most authentic expression of the terroir from their respective vineyards.
With Quintessential, the Kreps family is realizing their dream to nurture a roster of multi-generational, family owned-and-operated wineries whose wines reflect the best, most authentic expression of the terroir from their respective vineyards. Quintessential has evolved into one of the leading import and marketing companies of fine wines in the U.S.! Between Steve Sr., Dennis and Steve Jr., the Kreps bring a combined 78 years of experience in the fine wine business.
Steve Kreps Sr. started in the wine business in 1973 as a sales representative and merchandiser. He rapidly excelled and became an Area Manager covering ten states. Eventually he moved to an import company and quickly advanced from Division Manager to National Sales Manager. In 1988 he founded a wine brokerage company for premium and ultra-premium wines, covering the Midwest region. Ten years later, Steve formed a prestigious import and marketing company, which he eventually sold in 2003 when he partnered with Dennis to form Quintessential.
Dennis Kreps 25 year history in the wine industry starts in 1991 when he too, started as a sales representative and merchandiser with a major import and marketing company. Eventually he moved to a well established distributing company, where he covered the Midwest and Western regions of the U.S. as a Division Manager. Today, Dennis manages the day-to-day business at Quintessential.
Steve Kreps Jr., formerly a Commercial Pilot for US Airways, joined the family business in 2005 and worked his way up from California sales rep to the Sales Manager. He started this division of Quintessential with 2 salesmen and has grown the business dramatically, increasing the California sales force to 14. Steve Jr. now manages the California sales division.