WSWA Names David Trone as 2026 Recipient of the Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award

WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 26, 2026 - Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is proud to announce David Trone, Owner and Founder of Total Wine & More, as the recipient of the 2026 Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award. Trone was selected by the award committee for exhibiting the defining qualities of a H.E.R.O. - Humanitarian, Ethical, Respectful and One-of-a-kind- as exemplified by the award's namesake, Ray Herrmann.

The Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award, created by WSWA and Breakthru Beverage Group (BBG) and sponsored by BBG, celebrates the remarkable legacy of Ray Herrmann, an esteemed Chairman Emeritus of BBG and a distinguished leader in the wine and spirits industry known for his integrity, philanthropy and humanitarian spirit. This annual award recognizes an individual who embodies Herrmann's core qualities by granting $20,000 to be donated to a charity of the recipient's choice.

Trone has built a distinguished career as an entrepreneur and civic leader. In graduate school, Trone opened his first store, selling soda and beer. That single store grew into Total Wine & More, the nation's largest retailer for wine and spirits, with more than 300 stores employing 12,000 employees. Beyond his success in business, Trone has been a steadfast supporter of initiatives to expand education, health and economic opportunity across the communities he serves. In 2018, he was elected for his first of three terms in the United States House of Representatives representing Maryland's Sixth Congressional District. Trone also served on the House Appropriations Committee, Budget Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.

"The Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award honors transformational leaders in our industry who reflect Ray's enduring legacy of integrity, respect and service," said Charlie Merinoff, Co-Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group. "Through his leadership and lifelong support of community causes, David has shown how business success and meaningful philanthropy go hand in hand. We congratulate David on receiving this well-deserved honor."

The H.E.R.O. Award seeks to honor Herrmann's enduring impact while encouraging others to strive for excellence and leave a meaningful mark on the industry and beyond. The award will be officially presented to Trone on February 2 at WSWA's Access LIVE, the industry's premier event bringing together all three tiers of the wine and spirits industry to connect, innovate and grow.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award," said Trone. "Ray's legacy of integrity, respect and service is something I've always aspired to in business and within my community. At Total Wine & More, our mission has always been about more than what we sell - it's about creating opportunity and giving back in meaningful ways. This recognition inspires an even greater commitment to that work."

About WSWA's Access LIVE
WSWA's Access LIVE is the largest U.S. event uniting all tiers of the beverage alcohol industry. Featuring buy-sell engagements, high-level information panels, wine and spirits competitions, and C-suite-level networking, this event has been a premier destination for beverage alcohol wholesalers, suppliers and now retailers since its inception in 1943. To learn more, please visit accesslive.wswa.org or connect with us across our social platforms on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube or follow us at #AccessLIVE26.

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