Wayne Chaplin and Southern Glazer’s: Pouring Excellence Into the Wine and Spirits Industry

by Natasha Wolff | October 17, 2025 4:30 pm

As the preeminent distributor of wine and spirits, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits[1] has become a cornerstone of the beverage industry — a company defined by scale, sophistication, and service. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 47 U.S. markets and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its Southern Glazer’s Travel Retail Sales & Export Division in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

At the helm is Wayne Chaplin[2], the company’s Chief Executive Officer, whose strategic leadership has propelled Southern Glazer’s to new heights. Chaplin, supported by his wife of 39 years, Arlene Chaplin, is also joined by the next generation, with all three of his children holding leadership roles at the Company. Under Chaplin’s guidance, the company has not only maintained its dominant position in the U.S. market, but also expanded its reach globally, leveraging technology, data, and deep relationships to deliver unmatched value to suppliers and retailers alike.

“Our business is built on relationships — with our suppliers, customers, and the communities we serve,” says Chaplin. “We are constantly innovating to meet evolving consumer preferences while staying true to our core values of integrity, collaboration, and excellence.”

Founded through the 2016 merger of Southern Wine & Spirits[3] and Glazer’s, the company’s success lies in its ability to balance tradition with transformation. It combines decades of family[4]-driven leadership with forward-thinking strategies that emphasize sustainability, diversity, and digital modernization.

Ranked by Forbes as the 10th largest private company in the United States in 2024, Southern Glazer’s continues to set the industry standard for distribution excellence. From wines, spirits, beer and other beverages, the company curates a portfolio that reflects both heritage and innovation — helping to build world-class brands for moments that matter.

Through Chaplin’s leadership, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits remains more than a distributor; it is the driving force shaping how consumers celebrate, connect, and raise a glass to what’s next.

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