Erica Stancliff, a consulting winemaker renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality, has been working with M. A. Silva since 2010. Initially, she relied on M. A. Silva solely for corks. However, by 2015, her trust in their products and services grew so much that she transitioned all her clients’ packaging needs, including specialized glass molds and box printing, to M. A. Silva.
Stancliff’s decision to move everything to M. A. Silva was not made lightly. The catalyst for this shift was the exceptional relationship she developed with their team. “The relationship I had built with M. A. Silva is the reason I moved everything to them,” Stancliff explains. The previous glass vendor she used had consistent issues with variability, delivery problems, and a lack of reliable customer service. These challenges were particularly problematic given the complex logistics involved in managing multiple clients, vineyards, and appellations.
In the world of winemaking, timing is critical, especially when arranging multiple bottlings around the precise delivery of materials. Working across six different brands with a variety of SKUs, Stancliff has to manage a complex array of sizes, counts, and other variables. In such a high-stakes environment, having a reliable partner like M. A. Silva has been invaluable. “If anything ever goes wrong, I know M. A. Silva will answer and help find a solution,” she says.
Trust is the foundation of any successful partnership, and for Stancliff, being able to hand off projects to M. A. Silva with the confidence that they will be executed perfectly has been a game changer. Keeping orders and billing straight is no small feat, but M. A. Silva’s transparency and organization have made it easier for Stancliff to stay on top of her responsibilities. “They are very good at staying organized and staying on top of it. I rely on them a lot to keep myself organized,” Stancliff shares. Whether it’s dealing with changes in billing or navigating potential snags, M. A. Silva’s clear communication and willingness to find workarounds have made them an indispensable partner.
– Erica Stancliff, Consulting Winemaker
M. A. Silva’s commitment to transparency extends beyond day-to-day operations. Stancliff appreciates their candidness when discussing broader issues, such as potential tariff changes or other barriers that could impact the supply chain. Despite these challenges, she continues to find M. A. Silva’s offerings aligned with her cost comparisons, ensuring that she receives value without compromising quality.
One of the highlights of Stancliff’s relationship with M. A. Silva was a trip to Portugal, where she had the opportunity to see the cork forests firsthand. “Watching the cultural pride around the forests and how much is centered around that industry was fascinating,” Stancliff recalls. She was particularly struck by the sustainability practices in place, where every part of the cork is utilized—even the dust. By choosing M. A. Silva’s corks, Stancliff not only supports sustainability but also helps keep people employed and contributes to the preservation of an entire ecosystem.
For Stancliff, working with M. A. Silva is about more than just business; it’s about making the right decisions for the environment and the people who depend on it. “I know I’m making the right decision, but now I am convinced and proud to be supporting it,” she concludes. With M. A. Silva as a partner, Stancliff can continue to focus on what she does best—creating exceptional wines—while knowing that the materials and practices behind each bottle align with her values of quality and sustainability.
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*Verfied by Cork Quality Council Data
**All M.A. Silva cork products comply with existing FDA and European regulations for products in contact with food
