Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) announced 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 legacy of Ray Herrmann, a chairman emeritus of BBG and a 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, according to the organization.
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, a retail conglomerate 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, according to the organization.
“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, in a news release. “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 award was officially presented to Trone on February 2 at WSWA’s Access LIVE.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” added 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.”
