Local Vintner Highlights Work of State Liquor Marketing

CONCORD, NH - Citing her longstanding commitment to helping New Hampshire wineries succeed, the New Hampshire Winery Association honored Nicole Brassard Jordan, New Hampshire Liquor Commission Director of Marketing, Merchandising and Warehousing, as the Winery Association’s “Retailer of the Year” during its annual meeting in February, according to a press statement.

Since 2012, according to officials, sales of New Hampshire-made wines have risen by 76 percent with Jordan’s guidance and support, from $501,580 in 2012, to $880,885 in 2015.

The top three New Hampshire wineries with the greatest sales increases from last year to this year were Zorvino Vineyards of Sandown, with a 175 percent increase, LaBelle Winery of Amherst with a 21 percent increase, and Sweet Baby Vineyard of Hampstead with an 18 percent increase.

Along with implementing innovative sales and merchandising programs to showcase New Hampshire wineries’ products, Jordan was recognized for embracing the growing New Hampshire winemaking scene by providing strategic guidance to wineries in terms of branding, promotions, and product offerings.

“The New Hampshire Winery Association is extremely pleased to be able to honor Nicole Brassard Jordan as the Retailer of the Year,” said Lewis Eaton, president of the NH Winery Association and owner of Sweet Baby Vineyard in Hampstead. “Thanks to Nicole and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, the New Hampshire wine industry has prospered and sales have steadily increased at the NH Liquor and Wine Outlets. Nicole is always willing to take the time to offer suggestions and proven strategies to increase the growth of our products. It is obvious she genuinely cares and takes pride in seeing New Hampshire’s wineries succeed.”

Jordan is a 27-year NHLC employee who spent the past 13 years as NHLC’s wine marketing specialist. In January, Jordan was named director of Marketing, Merchandising and Warehousing. During her time as wine marketing specialist, Jordan steadily grew NHLC’s wine sales to 44 percent of the overall business reaching $284 million in sales in Fiscal Year 2015, according to the liquor commission.