Elevation Wine Merchants

In New Castle, De

Elevation Wine Merchants is a model that looks to the future of the business, while recognizing and respecting the past, balancing the dynamic, forward-thinking producers of tomorrow, with the art of true craftsmanship and tradition.

Decisions are made not on a national level, but locally, recognizing what suits the Delaware market best. We are people rooted in the community, with extensive knowledge of our customer base, and a commitment to providing knowledge, passion, and unparalleled service.

With a dedicated sales team with over 60 years of collective wine experience, Elevation is committed to curating a portfolio built on quality, well crafted, and artisanal wines and spirits utilizing responsible farming practices.  We’re fervent believers in good wines made by good people, in wines that speak of place, and that less is often more.

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Our Wine TEAM…

Jason Mantis

Manager

Enthusiastic veteran of the industry having started in sales at Bacchus Importers in 1991 (the company my father founded), before moving over to Winebow as a district manager for DE and MD Eastern Shore. The itch to launch my own vision become too much to ignore, and I was fortunate enough to partner with Standard Distributing to create Elevation at the beginning of 2022. Since then, I’ve been striving to maintain our status as the “cool kids on the block” and have no intentions of relinquishing that crown.  When I’m not busy discovering new treasures to bring to our customers, you’ll find me every morning along the C&D Canal, listening to metal,  or planning my next vacation to the nooks and crannies of France (or Spain, or Italy). Will sell soul for a 1997 Ciacci Brunello.

Nikki Farley

Upstate Sales Representative

I have been in wine sales for over 10 years with a restaurant background spanning more than 3 decades. Spending time in both the back and front of the house has helped shape my sales philosophy which I see as a mutually beneficial relationship with my accounts. That involves being hospitable and knowledgeable, and by anticipating customer needs balanced by the goal of growing my business. I am Level 3 certified in the WSET program.

My favorite wine of all time is the one I’m drinking now. I like to read about wine, talk about wine and drink wine, but I am also wildly obsessive about my garden. I prefer my dog’s company to that of most humans (no offense to the humans reading this).

My ideal day would be spent in my garden under the sunshine, sipping wine with my dog by my side, listening to my favorite album, Kill ‘Em All.
 

Scott Biggs

Downstate Sales Representative

Back in the game! After spending less than two years away from the business, the calling was to much for me to ignore. Starting in the business in 2005, my life and the way I view wines, changed in 2011 when I was invited in on a French Wine Tour with famed importer Kermit Lynch. After returning two weeks later, I was a different, energized and ready to tell stories not only what was in the glass but by the winemakers who could create magic.

My time as a sales rep, district sales manager, wine buyer and portfolio manager has developed the way I approach my business and the needs of my customers. I truly care about their vision. I love to travel, especially with my favorite travel partner, my son Zach which is hard to do since he is a Sergeant in the Marine Corps, I love talking philosophy, religion and 90s Alt with my daughter Emma, then their is Luke, who gives me joy watching on the soccer and lacrosse fields. Go Birds! 

Bill Donovan

Sales Development Manager

Recently retired as a senior brand and regional sales leader with 34 years of experience in the three-tier wine and spirits system, specializing in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets. He has built a career growing premium wine brands through distributor leadership, key account development, pricing strategy, and hands-on in-market execution. Bill has extensive experience managing complex wholesaler networks across WV, VA, PA, NY, VT, MA, ME, NH, CT, RI, NJ, DE, MD, and DC, with a strong record of driving volume, distribution, and profitability while keeping brands top of mind at both the distributor and account level.

Throughout his career, Bill has led turnaround efforts, launched emerging brands, and delivered sustained growth for supplier portfolios across grocery, independent, control, military, and on-premise channels. He has partnered closely with major distributors and accounts to secure placements, features, displays, and programming that convert into depletion growth and long-term market share. Known for combining strategic thinking with strong field presence, Bill has built high-performing teams, strengthened relationships, and consistently delivered measurable results, including significant revenue growth, expanded distribution, and improved ROI.

A die-hard fan of Philadelphia Sports fan, Bill brings that same passion and loyalty to his professional relationships. Outside of work, he is a proud grandfather to two grandsons who keep him active, energized, and on the move.

I am excited to take on his next chapter with Elevation Wine Merchants, where I am committed to building strong partnerships and delivering win-win solutions for suppliers, and customers alike.

 

What's Happening At Standard

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We go above and beyond

If you sell beer, we’ve got what you’re looking for. In fact, our business is configured around helping you be as successful at our product as possible. We can help you with your sales force, promotion & special events, design needs, and we’ll even maintain your taps.