ERICA NONNI,
Managing Director
Erica Nonni founded Nonni Strategic Marketing (NSM) in 2014 to serve international wine and food brands in pursuit of communications objectives to support export sales to the USA. Before opening NSM, Erica worked for 10+ years in wine, food and consumer goods marketing in the USA, the UK and continental Europe, developing trade, press and consumer campaigns to help brands and institutional clients achieve growth. An agency of one has become a dynamic team of professionals who support wine and specialty food brands exporting to the US, the
UK and around the world from four continents. Erica has worked in traditional and digital marketing with McCann-Erickson, in wine retail sales (Oddbins UK, Wine Library USA), and as Marketing Director of a London fine wine merchant. She holds a Bachelor's degree cum laude from Georgetown University, a Master’s degree (with Merit) from the London School of
Economics and the WSET Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits (with Distinction).
EMILIA ALVAREZ,
Account Executive
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, Emilia entered the fine art world at Sotheby’s, later pivoting to fine wine sales, marketing and buying at a Manhattan retailer. Her passion for wine led her to Bordeaux, where she worked for a distributor and e-retailer of fine wine. She joined the NSM team in spring 2024 upon completing her WSET Level 4 Diploma (with Merit).
JENNA MASSI,
Intern
Jenna is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University studying Communications with a specialization in Strategic Public Relations. Growing up with an Argentine background, she developed a deep appreciation for food and beverages and the meaningful connections they create between people. She is eager to continue learning and growing in her public relations career.
MINDY VALONE,
Media Relations Specialist
A passionate storyteller with 20 years of experience in food, wine & spirits and hospitality PR and marketing, Mindy is our resident media relations machine. From managing press on the red carpet to brand collaborations with Formula 1, her creative and strategic approach to media relations has landed major print, digital, and broadcast features in top-tier outlets across the country. From The New York Times and Wine Enthusiast to Real Simple and The TODAY Show, Mindy always has her finger on the pulse of what excites the media.
When Mindy isn’t busy telling a brand’s story, you can usually find her exploring Prospect Park with her dog, Lulu, or playing tourist in New York City. She is a member of the New York Women’s Culinary Alliance and resides in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
CHRISTIAN HOLTHAUSEN,
Media & Marketing Specialist
Based in Paris, Christian has more than twenty years of experience in developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for international wine and spirits brands, with a strong focus on the champagne category. He previously served as the Export Sales & International Communications Director for Champagne AR Lenoble and the International House Communications Director for Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck & Charles Heidsieck. He has served as head of marketing for Nyetimber and a branding consultant for Gusbourne in the UK. He managed the wine and champagne portfolio of Rémy Cointreau USA in New York. He began his career at Champagne Veuve Clicquot in 1999. Christian has contributed articles to publications including Meininger’s Wine Business International, Decanter, The Guardian, www.jancisrobinson.com and The World of Fine Wine. In 2017, he was shortlisted for Emerging Wine Writer of the Year at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards. He is the founder of Westbrook Marketing Partners.