Berning, who traveled extensively in search of wines around the world, highlighted his wine finds in a series of Trader Joe's commercials on L.A. radio in the late 1980s and '90s.
He was born Jan. 25, 1935, in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, where his father was the golf course greenskeeper. Berning launched his career in 1951 at age 16 when he began working in Whittier for King Cole Markets. After becoming a store supervisor a few years later, he began developing an interest in selling imported wines from Europe.
In the mid-'90s Berning retired from Trader Joe's, but the company continued to pump its bargain wine prices, leading to the popularity of Charles Shaw wines, dubbed "Two Buck Chuck" for its $1.99 price.
Berning moved to Fallbrook, where he had purchased a ranch that produced avocados and limes. But he soon returned to the wine industry as a consultant to Plume Ridge, a San Dimas wine import company owned by his daughter Christina.
He continued to work for Plume Ridge until he became ill earlier this year.
In addition to Christina, he is survived by his son, Craig; daughters Nanette Berning-Pate and Julia Berning-Escamilla; his sisters, Evie Vesper and Laurie Berning; and 13 grandchildren.
A private family service will be held on Catalina Island.
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dennis.mclellan@latimes.com
