Palmateer Consulting industry veteran Gordon Palmateer provides a comprehensive range of services to domestic and international wineries, US importers and regional clients. His experience and expertise cover all critical areas of successful wine business planning and implementation – strategic planning, business development, financial modeling, brand marketing, national and direct-to-consumer sales, commercial operational support, organizational assessment and development. Gordon works closely with each client to identify their strategic and operational needs to develop and implement customized plans and programs.
GORDON PALMATEER – FOUNDER
Gordon Palmateer was born into the world of wine. His family’s business dates back to the end of prohibition when his grandparents were wine and spirit retailers. His parents were one of the first fine wine importing and distributing companies in the Washington, D.C. area. As a child, Gordon stacked wine crates and made deliveries to local wine stores. Through high school and college, he was so thoroughly exposed to the strategic infrastructure of the business that he was more than ready to navigate the intricacies of the wine industry by the time he attended American University to earn an MBA.
Over the last 25 years, Gordon has held senior management roles at some of the top companies in the wine industry, on both the supplier and distributor sides –
- Director of Marketing, Sales, Public Relations and Hospitality – Jordan Vineyard & Winery
- National Sales Director – Maisons Marques & Domaines, USA
- Wine Director – Milton S. Kronheim Co. (aka R.N.D.C.), Washington, D.C.
- Regional Manager – The Seagram Classics Wine Company.
Gordon also served as US wine advisor for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise/Beachheads from 2010 through 2013. In that role he advised several New Zealand wineries including Villa Maria and Giesen Wines.
Gordon 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 deftly guide foreign companies into the American marketplace. He is a results-oriented, accomplished professional with a proven track record for senior winery management and marketing premium wines.
ELLEN FORREST – DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS
With formal training in Viticulture and Enology from the prestigious UC Davis program, Ellen brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and operational expertise to the global wine industry.
After honing skills in various small business environments, Ellen’s professional focus shifted back to wine in the early 2000s. Through key roles at Scott Street Portfolio and Vinum Global, she gained unparalleled proficiency in the complexities of fine wine importation, logistics and compliance.
Ellen successfully managed the full spectrum of the Operations and import process, encompassing meticulous accounting, navigating complex compliance regulations, providing essential sales support, and developing robust reporting systems.
Leveraging this deep operational experience, Ellen established her own venture dedicated to working closely with producers and facilitating their successful, compliant, and profitable presence in the global market.
AMANDA ROTH – PROJECT MANAGER
With over two decades of project management, marketing, and communications experience across for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors, Amanda helps our team stay focused on the goals and objectives while ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.
