The
Tierno Tradition
For generations, the Tierno family has been synonymous with sourcing exceptional goods, from fine leather and Italian art, to specialty gifts. This tradition of excellence now extends to wine, leveraging the family's instinct for identifying quality and fostering meaningful relationships.
Rooted in northern Italy and later settling in upstate New York, the Tierno family carries a legacy of hospitality and craftsmanship. At Tierno Wine Merchants, this heritage translates into a family-like approach with winemakers—valuing close, ongoing communication beyond transactions. Guided by the philosophy of making high-quality goods accessible to all, the family’s values are at the heart of every bottle we select.
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P.A. Tierno, Andrew's great-grandfather, with the family dog, Cocoa.
Our FOUNDER
R. Andrew Salamida
Tierno Wine Merchants was founded in 2024 by Andrew Salamida, whose passion for wine was ignited during his travels across the world’s finest wine regions. While discovering small producers with exceptional wines, Andrew realized that these high-quality, limited-production wines were often unavailable in the U.S. market. Due to their small scale, many larger importers overlooked them. This realization, combined with his family’s legacy of sourcing quality goods and his own experience with the challenges of competing against massive corporations, drove Andrew to create Tierno Wine Merchants.
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Andrew’s passion for wine first deepened during college, where he took a wine course that sparked his interest in the stories behind small producers and the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. This inspired his vision to bring small-production, sustainable wines to the U.S., championing terroir, artisan craftsmanship, and the stories of passionate, family-run producers.
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With training through the Court of Master Sommeliers and membership in La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, Andrew’s expertise and global perspective shape Tierno Wine Merchants’ vision of connecting wine lovers with the world’s best and unique wines. By cultivating strong, personal relationships with producers—many of whom are entering the U.S. market for the first time—Andrew ensures that Tierno Wine Merchants provides exclusive wines that reflect the craftsmanship and care of small-scale production.
Our Philosophy
wine ... as you wish
The motto "Wine ... As You Wish" embodies the heart of
Tierno Wine Merchants. Inspired by French champagne growers
who would endearingly respond with this phrase, it reflects a
commitment to personalized experiences and genuine connections. Initially misinterpreted as formal or aloof, Andrew discovered
the charm and sincerity behind these words, which now define
the ethos of his business.
This philosophy extends to curated selections, bespoke tastings, and educational events, all designed to meet the unique needs of clients and partners. By honoring the stories behind each wine, Tierno Wine Merchants offers more than a product—it delivers a meaningful connection to the winemakers and their craft.
Our Mission
Tierno Wine Merchants is dedicated to discovering the world’s finest hidden gems in wine and introducing them to the U.S. market. We specialize in Grower Champagne and small-production wines, with a focus on sustainability, respect for the terroir, and the unique qualities of the land.
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Many of the brands we represent are making their U.S. debut, often producing wines that thrive solely in their home countries. By partnering with winemakers who craft as few as 300 bottles per vintage, we bring exclusive, high-quality wines to American consumers while supporting independent producers worldwide.
Our mission is to share their stories, passion, and dedication, one bottle at a time.