Meet the
TIERNO
TEAM
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Andrew Salamida 's passion for wine first deepened during college at Cornell University, where he took a wine course that sparked his interest in the stories behind small producers and the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. This inspired his vision to bring small-production, sustainable wines to the U.S., championing terroir, artisan craftsmanship, and the stories of passionate, family-run producers.
His passion grew during his travels across the world’s finest wine regions. While discovering small producers with exceptional wines, Andrew realized that these high-quality, limited-production wines were often unavailable in the U.S. market. With training through the Court of Master Sommeliers and membership in La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, Andrew’s expertise and global perspective shape Tierno Wine Merchants’ vision of connecting wine lovers with the world’s best and unique wines.
aNDREW SALAMIDA
Founder + CEO
Max Tierno
Partner + Portfolio Director
Max Tierno, a born and bred New Yorker and McGill University baseball standout, transitioned his competitive drive from the diamond to the world of wine. After finishing school with a degree in finance, and a baseball National Championship, he embarked on a career under the mentorship of Laura Maniec MS at Corkbuzz, where he taught wine classes, managed beverage programs, and diligently prepared for Court of Master Sommeliers exams, achieving his Advanced Sommelier certification in 2018.
His continued pursuit of excellence took him to Eleven Madison Park, where he gained 3 Michelin star experience working with some of the top sommeliers in the world. Currently, Max is realizing his passion for winemaking in Southern Peru, aiming to showcase the region's hidden potential. Outside of his professional pursuits, he remains a dedicated NY Mets fan, an active basketball player, and always looking for the best hot sauce he can find.
