Owner - Joshua Hiebel - Professional wine judge at the New World International Wine Competition in Ontario, California. Josh has been professionally judging this competition for four years and is one of only 51 professional judges at the event. Over 2200 wines were entered last year by 473 wineries from Canada, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, and the United States. Last year’s event rendered 1262 medals.

• Began the business at the age of 23 and has steadily grown the business from a small location in Clifton Park to a 4200 sq. ft. store in downtown Saratoga Springs. The business has also become one of the country’s largest retailers of New York State wines and has nationwide recognition as a large wine e-tailer, utilizing on a expansive web site: www.e-winegifts.com.

Josh is truly one of the area’s brightest up-and-coming businessmen. At only 34 years old, he has already aquired respect in both the wine industry and business community. With his local business efforts, as well as his growing e-commerce endeavors, Josh is a pleasant and encouraging reminder that New York has not exported all of its best business minds and that economic growth and success can be had by the small businessman - even in upstate New York. His achievements, both personally and professionally, stand in the face of those constantly claiming that the Capital Region offers no hope for small business. With sales surpassing $1,000,000, and a store growing at breath-taking percentages, Joshua Hiebel has certainly proven that success can be had in upstate New York, and it can be had by someone as young as 34.