Oleandri Wines, founded by Fred D’Amato, is a boutique winery nestled in Napa Valley. Since its first vintage in 2017, Oleandri has focused on producing exceptional wines by sourcing fruit from renowned vineyards. Fred’s dedication to quality and his hands-on approach to marketing have helped Oleandri Wines build a strong reputation, especially among country club clientele.
For small producers like Oleandri Wines, distribution is a major hurdle. Fred knew he needed a distributor to comply with regulations in many states, but simply having one didn’t guarantee sales or effective representation. Traditional distributor reps often don’t sell with the same passion and understanding as the winery owner. For Fred, it was vital to find a partner that could offer the flexibility and efficiency he needed while allowing him to stay actively involved in presenting his wines to customers.
Fred learned about LibDib through a friend and quickly saw its potential to meet his needs. LibDib’s innovative platform gave Fred the freedom to manage his distribution while enabling him to personally engage with buyers. This unique approach aligned perfectly with Fred’s strategy of building direct relationships with customers and sharing the story behind his wines. He signed up as a Silver Maker and began partnering with LibDib, which he says was a crucial step in supporting the winery’s growth and enabling its expansion into key markets.
Fred found his niche in the country club market. During the pandemic, when many restaurants were closed or limiting orders, he shifted his focus to country clubs, which were still hosting events and tastings. By attending these events personally, Fred was able to connect directly with country club members and F&B managers. He shared details about the vineyards, the winemaking process, and the unique qualities of Oleandri Wines. This personal storytelling resonated deeply with buyers, turning them into loyal customers.
Over time, this approach has proven highly effective. Fred doesn’t just aim for the first sale; he’s focused on building relationships that lead to repeat orders. Various country clubs now host him regularly, reflecting the trust and recognition he’s built for the brand. With LibDib’s help, Fred can efficiently manage inventory and ensure smooth delivery, which has been a key factor in gaining the confidence of trade buyers.
This work has empowered Oleandri Wines to expand its presence across key markets, including California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. The brand is also making inroads in new territories like Colorado and D.C. By combining the high quality of the wines with a personal approach to sales, Fred has successfully elevated the brand’s reputation among country clubs and other high-end buyers. Trade buyers appreciate how seamlessly LibDib facilitates the ordering and delivery process, making it easier for them to continue working with Oleandri Wines.
His journey offers valuable insights for other wineries looking to follow a similar path. Fred emphasizes the importance of identifying the right target customers and focusing on venues where personal engagement can make a difference. Growth should never come at the expense of quality, and having a flexible, supportive distribution partner like LibDib is essential. For Fred, it’s all about crafting a story and ensuring that customers feel connected to the brand through genuine, informed interactions.
Looking ahead, Fred is excited about deepening his presence in established markets like Florida and New York while exploring new opportunities in places like Colorado. His calendar is already filling up through 2025 with tastings, wine dinners, and events that reflect his hands-on approach to selling. For Fred, the plan is simple: keep doing what’s been working, expand thoughtfully, and continue building connections that highlight the exceptional quality of Oleandri Wines.
Oleandri Wines’ continues to set the example of how a small winery can overcome the challenges of distribution while staying true to its values. Through personal engagement and LibDib’s efficient platform, Oleandri has a model for growth that balances quality, storytelling, and customer relationships.