Our sales team members have an average of 25 years of industry experience that gives us a competitive edge. We are able to increase a winery’s presence throughout the US by calling upon our extensive network with distributors, importers and retailers. We have the type of relationships that not only get us a meeting, but also a sale.
Having worked in all tiers of the distribution system, we know there is still work to be done after a sale is made. Our sales team works to foster and maintain successful relationships with buyers by collaborating with them and working with them in the market. This not only helps keep focus on our brands, but also strengthens our relationships with key accounts.
GORDON PALMATEER – PRESIDENTGordon has a reputation as a highly innovative and strategic thinker with a comprehensive understanding of the wine business and extensive industry connections. His vast experience allows him to understand both trade and consumer marketing, develop strategic marketing programs for new and established brands, move seamlessly between international and domestic markets, and guide foreign companies into the American marketplace. This knowledge also provides him the rare ability to help clients adapt to an ever-changing marketplace. He is a results-oriented, accomplished professional with a proven track record for senior winery management and marketing premium wines.
Over the last 25 years, Gordon has held senior management roles at some of the top companies in the wine industry—both suppliers and distributors—including: Director of Marketing, Sales, Public Relations, and Hospitality of Jordan Vineyard & Winery; National Sales Director of Maisons Marques & Domaines, USA; Wine Director of Milton S. Kronheim Co. (aka R.N.D.C.), Washington, D.C.; and Regional Manager of The Seagram Classics Wine Company.
Gordon holds a Master in Business Administration and completed the Executive Wine Program at University of California, Davis.
TATYANA ZICKO – CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICERTatyana develops and oversees the execution of marketing programs and helps clients navigate the complexities of compliance. She has extensive experience providing marketing strategy and support to wineries and consumer packaged goods companies. She has held marketing roles at Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery and Cline Cellars and has developed promotional programs for clients such as Levi Strauss and Walt Disney Records.
Tatyana holds a Master in Business Administration and completed the O.I.V. Wine Marketing Program at University of California, Davis.
Located in North Central Virginia, Walter has been involved in the wine industry sales and marketing for 35 years. His experience has taken him through each tier of the three-tier system. He worked six years as a retailer in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Washington, D.C. He then built up supplier experience with the iconic Wente and Martini families, and finally moved on to the corporate life with Heublein Fine Wine Group and Allied Domecq Wines. He has represented a diverse portfolio selling wine from twelve countries on five continents. He continues to have great passion for the wine industry and most importantly for the honorable people who are involved in it.
Rick, based in New York, has more than 20 years of experience selling wine and is based near New York City. He is an expert in all three channels of distribution, having held sales management sales roles at companies such as E & J Gallo Winery, Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, and Charmer Industries. This experience enables Rick to develop sales programs that are effective and supported by all channels.
Helge, based in Southern California, has more than 25 years of experience developing brands in the beverage industry. This experience has enabled him to hone his sales and marking skills while forging relationships with key accounts and distributor managers. It also has provided him the ability to develop and implement highly effective price and marketing programs for all channels from small independent accounts to national chains.
Greg, based in Austin, Texas, has over 20 years of wine marketing experience in the Texas market. He has worked for both large and mid-sized distributors and held roles such as on-premise sales representative, State Sales Director and Portfolio Manager. Greg’s strength is developing mutually beneficial relationships between wineries and distributors and developing sales programs that move product at the retail level.
Steve has more than 20 years in the wine and spirit industry on the sales side. He is based in Kansas City. His previous roles included Regional Sales Manager for Allied Domecq and Midwest Regional Manager for SpiriVin Group. As a wine broker, he has developed a strong foundation in distributor management, key-account development, and brand strategy.
John, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has over 25 years in the wine business. He spent the last fourteen years as the national sales and marketing director for an import company, developing brands from concept to national retail placements. Prior to that, he owned a wine shop and then expanded a local wine distributor to a statewide operation. He had his wine-epiphany moment as a young bartender at The Angus Barn, an early recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. He often jokes that he hasn’t “worked” a day since then.
Joe has more than 30 years of experience in the the wine industry. Based in Northwest Indiana, he started his career working for on-premise and retail accounts before moving to the distributor side. Joe founded and operated his own distributing company, which he operated for 30 years. His strengths are developing brands and building creative sales programs.
Phil, based in Southern NJ, has more than 30 years of experience in the wine industry. After working for distributors in Vermont, he entered the supply side, with The Brown Forman Company. Phil has since held regional sales positions with companies such as Campari USA, King Estate Winery and Chalone Wine Group. Phil’s specialty is bringing new brands to market and developing plans for their success. He is also known for his in-depth knowledge of wine having passed WSET 2 and WSET 3 with high honors.
Todd, based in Wisconsin, has more than 20 years of experience in the wine industry. He began his career as a sales representative for Vintage Wine Distributor where he was eventually promoted to Sales Manager. He then worked as a regional manager for Dreyfus Ashby, followed by the Spire Collection and Europvin. Todd has honed his skill for building brands in the three-tier system by working for both a strong distributor and premium suppliers.
In his 20 years working on the supply-side of the US wine business, Chris has forged a reputation as a brand-builder. Based in Minneapolis, his specialty is working with new wineries and brands to develop sales and marketing plans, and then putting those plans into motion. He has worked with multiple imported wine brands while at companies like Santa Rita, where he served a director of global marketing and introduced Terra Andina, growing the brand to 100,000+ cases in the US.
Adrienne, based in Denver, has more than 20 years of experience in the wine and beverage industry. Her previous roles included Sales Representative for Southern Wine and Spirits of Hawaii, Southwest Regional Manager for The Republic of Tea, National Sales Manager of Numi Organic Tea and President of Abel Brokers. Adrienne’s strong relationships with key trade accounts and distributors throughout Colorado are key factor to her strong sales.
