Walla Walla, WA, October 19, 2023 – Valdemar Family, the proprietor of Bodegas Valdemar in Rioja, Spain, and Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Washington, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mandie Silver, CSW, WSET III, to the role of National Sales Director for the U.S. Market.
Silver, a seasoned industry expert with a proven track record in national and regional sales, assumes this position after a six-year tenure at Vintage Wine Estates, where she served as an Eastern Regional Manager overseeing 54 brands across eight markets. Prior to her time at Vintage, Silver held key roles at Firesteed Corporation, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, Willamette Valley Vineyards, and Breakthru Beverage Group in South Carolina (formerly known as the Ben Arnold Beverage Company).
In her new role as National Sales Director, Silver will spearhead Valdemar Family’s U.S. distribution efforts. Her responsibilities include expanding the market presence of Bodegas Valdemar and Valdemar Estates, developing and executing national and regional sales strategies, fortifying key strategic partnerships, and collaborating closely with the marketing teams to enhance the visibility of the Valdemar Family wine portfolio. Based in Myrtle Beach, SC, Silver will report directly to Jesús Martínez Bujanda, Valdemar Family 5th generation CEO.
“Mandie’s extensive experience and deep insight into the U.S. market make her an invaluable addition to our team,” commented Martínez Bujanda. “I am confident she will work seamlessly with our existing distribution partners and introduce new ones to our network, helping us to build national awareness for both Bodegas Valdemar and Valdemar Estates wines. We are eager to venture into this next phase of growth in the U.S., and we couldn’t be happier to have Mandie leading the way.”
“Valdemar Family’s outstanding wines and pioneering spirit shine brightly in the industry,” Silver remarked. “It’s exciting to work with a company whose core values touch every aspect of the business. Their longstanding commitment to innovation, sustainability, accessibility, and wine excellence is a message I am truly excited to share as I champion their domestic and international wine portfolio across the U.S.”
About Valdemar Family Wine Group
Valdemar Family is comprised of 334 hectares of family-owned vineyards, spanning Bodegas Valdemar in Rioja, Spain, and Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Washington. The winemaking legacy of the Martínez Bujanda family dates back to 1889, with 5th generation siblings Ana and Jesús currently at the helm of both estates on two continents.
Renowned for their pioneering spirit, each generation of the Valdemar Family has achieved groundbreaking milestones during the company’s 130-plus-year history. These accomplishments include the creation of the first barrel-fermented white Riojan wine, the introduction of the first Maturana and White Tempranillo varietal wines, and the distinction of being the first winery to produce both a sparkling “Gran Añada” and still “Viñedo Singular” wines from the same vineyard.
Rooted in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, Bodegas Valdemar produces the celebrated flagship brand, Conde Valdemar, enjoyed in over 65 countries. Apart from their iconic Rioja brand, the family crafts a range of single vineyard and iconic wines within the region. In 2019, the family expanded its horizons with the establishment of Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, becoming the first European winery to establish a wholly owned presence in Washington State. Like its sister property in Spain, Valdemar Estates offers a fully inclusive and accessible wine tourism experience and is renowned for producing highly-acclaimed wines that celebrate the terroir varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
