For 15 years, Rudy Zuidema from Shadybrook Vineyards has partnered with M.A. Silva for one simple reason: excellence. In the world of winemaking, the smallest details can have the biggest impact, and Rudy understands this better than anyone. “At the level of wines we are making, there is no excuse for less than perfect,” Rudy explains. “We put so much time and detail into getting wine into the bottle – the last way you can screw it up is the cork.”
His commitment to perfection is what has fueled his long-standing loyalty to M.A. Silva, a partnership that began with skepticism but grew into total trust. When Rudy first started working with M.A. Silva, Shadybrook Vineyards had a policy of diversifying their cork suppliers to minimize risk. Spreading orders across multiple companies seemed like a smart move. However, time after time, M.A. Silva’s corks stood out. They were cleaner, with less dust, better looking, and had superior printing. “They just consistently outshined the competition,” Rudy recalls. Over the years, as M.A. Silva continued to outperform, the decision became obvious: they would become Shadybrook Vineyards’ sole supplier.
– Winemaker Rudy Zuidema
In winemaking, quality control is everything. “It takes years to build loyalty with our customers, and it takes one second to lose them with a less-than-perfect bottle of wine,” Rudy says. “You can apologize and replace a flawed bottle, but the disappointment lingers—it’s something you don’t forget.” This is why every detail matters, right down to the cork. At Shadybrook Vineyards, where they sell directly to consumers through their tasting room, Rudy and his team personally open over 20% of their wines. “Most wineries distribute their product worldwide and only see about 1% of their bottles in person. We see a lot more of ours, so we know firsthand that they’re all good. That’s peace of mind that you just can’t put a price on.”
When M.A. Silva expanded into glass bottles, Rudy was thrilled. “They went straight to the source—investing in molds and factories to have 100% control over the product, just like with their corks,” Rudy says. “That’s what makes them different. They kept it simple, focused on consistency, and it paid off.” The consistency from bottle to bottle has been a game-changer for Shadybrook, and it’s clear that this level of quality is no accident. Rudy has worked with the same sales representative for 12 years, as well as the same QC lab. “That kind of stability and dedication tells you something about the company. Neil Silva, the owner, is providing that environment for his people, and it reflects in the product.”
– Winemaker Rudy Zuidema
Beyond the quality of the corks and glass, M.A. Silva’s customer service is another area where Rudy feels they shine. “Their customer service is untouchable. They take care of everything, and their pallets are beautiful—pre-QA’d and delivered all together. It’s the best way to do business,” Rudy shares. “It’s not just a supplier-buyer relationship. It’s a true partnership, and that’s rare these days.”
One of the most important aspects of this partnership is Shadybrook Vineyards’ participation in M.A. Silva’s OnebyOne® program. This cutting-edge technology is designed to guarantee that every cork is 100% inspected for TCA, the compound responsible for cork taint. While Rudy insists that M.A. Silva’s corks were already virtually flawless before they joined the program, the extra layer of protection gives him peace of mind. “With the OnebyOneâ technology, every cork goes into a vacuum-sealed chamber where the air is sucked out and tested for even the tiniest trace of TCA,” Rudy explains. “If it detects absolutely anything, the cork is rejected. They don’t have to poke or prod or soak—it’s always perfect.”
For Rudy, the decision to invest in this process for his $80 to $300 wines is a no-brainer. “An extra ten cents per cork to have that guarantee? It’s not even a question,” he says. Knowing that each bottle of Shadybrook wine will be flawless when it reaches the customer is worth every penny.
In a business where even the smallest misstep can tarnish years of hard work, Rudy Zuidema’s partnership with M.A. Silva is built on trust, consistency, and a shared commitment to perfection. “We’ve been working together for 15 years, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Rudy concludes. “M.A. Silva is more than a supplier—they’re a ray of sunshine in this industry. They make my job easier, and that’s the best compliment I can give.”
All rights reserved M. A. Silva 2024
*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
