Sambula Imports Brings Wines of South America to North Carolina

During a three-year tour in Chile as part of the Marine Corps Foreign Exchange Program, Zac Sambula learned that wine is an integral part of that country’s culture. He was inspired to do something with that knowledge and so, as he was planning for retirement from the service, he also began planning to launch a wine import business.

After serving in the Marine Corps for 22 years, Sambula retired in April 2024. Sambula Imports now specializes in bringing to North Carolina a unique selection of wines from Chile and Argentina. Of those South American countries, he says that wine “is integral to their culture and to their everyday life.”

Chile and Argentina are fifth and sixth in the world for overall production of wine. Sambula says that he is focused on bringing wines to North Carolina that are not necessarily available here.

The Sambula Imports selection ranges from rosés to reds and includes some whites. He notes that he has a sparkling rosé as well as chardonnay. He then adds, “I have some unique ones like the Carmenère, the Syrah. The Syrah is not unique to Chile, but 85% of Carmenère is produced in Chile.”

Sambula says that “sweet sauvignon blanc has been a hit” and adds that “bordeaux grapes are now finding a new home in Chile.”

While planning his retirement, Sambula participated in the SkillBridge program, for those transitioning out of the military. SkillBridge is a Department of Defense (DOD) initiative designed to help service members gain work experience in the civilian world through internships with industry partners.

In early 2024, Sambula interned with the JacksonvilleOnslow Economic Development (JOED) office, which helped him learn about the business aspects of running a company.

Preparation also included market research on the availability of South American wines in Eastern North Carolina. As part of that process, Sambula says, “I noticed a gap there.” He discovered that, although some were available, “there was still more to be offered from South America.”

Sambula established the business name in 2022 and was

issued the appropriate permits in July 2023. Wines are now imported for a number of businesses that offer wines in the area. He explains that he “can only distribute to established businesses with the wine licenses.”

Sambula says his “ideal customers are wine specialty stores, restaurants, pubs that offer wine.” He adds that he is “trying to keep wines exclusive to small businesses that offer wine to local people. We are building a brand as a premium importer of wine.”

Future plans include importing wines from Latin America as well. A native of Honduras who moved to Brooklyn, New York, as a child, Sambula is familiar with the geography of South America and Latin America.

Sambula is also planning to expand with wines produced by a Chilean Marine that he met while serving in the foreign exchange program. The Chilean Marine has his own vineyard and produces his own wine. Sambula is in discussions to become the sole importer for his wine.

In bringing wines to North Carolina from South America and Latin America, Sambula wants to educate consumers on the different types of wine available to them.

He says letting people know “this comes from Latin America and not Europe could be a great thing.” He adds, it’ s “something

close to me that I want to highlight.”

Sambula explains, though, that his goal is not just to bring wine from South America or Latin America, but to “find those wines that are the best and unique and that will do well here.”

He adds, “It’s what I want to do so I’m happy with it.”

For more information, visit www.sambulaimports.com/

Images provided by Sambula Imports