David Trone, the co-founder/co-owner of Total Wine & Spirits and former Maryland congressman, will receive the 2026 Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award at Access Live!, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's annual convention and trade show.

WSWA said Trone was selected 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, Chairman Emeritus of BBG. Herrmann is 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. While still 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.”