BACKGROUND

At Communal Wine & Spirits, we bring over 30 years of experience across every tier of the wine business—supplier, distributor, and buyer—giving us a rare, practical understanding of how wine actually moves in this market.

Deep, active relationships with sommeliers, buyers, and retail decision-makers

Strong working partnerships with major distributors, and established relationships with key boutique distributors

Texas-based and consistently in-market across all major cities

Proven track record of growing underperforming or underrepresented portfolios

We don’t just open doors—we convert them into placements and long-term business.

Close-up of a gnarled, twisted vine or branch in a vineyard at sunset, with a blurred background of rocky soil and hills.

OUR TEAM

Woman with blonde hair holding a glass of red wine in a bar setting.

Mandi Nelson

Founder

Mandi Nelson, CS, WSET Advanced is a wine industry professional with deep experience across supplier, distributor, and buyer tiers, and the founder of Communal Wines and Spirits. She specializes in building high-impact market strategies, driving distribution, and elevating boutique and luxury brands through strong relationships and targeted execution. Based in Texas, she is also the President of ATX SOMMS, a nonprofit dedicated to education and community within the hospitality industry.

A woman wearing glasses, a gray beanie, a beige turtleneck, and a gray vest, sitting indoors near a window with a wine glass of white wine, with modern decor and plants in the background.

Founder

Michiko Matsuura

Michiko Matsuura, WSET Diploma is a wine industry professional with more than a decade of experience across hospitality, education, wholesale distribution, and imports, and the co-founder of Communal Wines and Spirits. She brings a strategic, relationship-driven approach to building brands, growing markets, and creating memorable wine experiences that connect people to both product and place. Based in the Mid-Atlantic, she also teaches WSET courses and leads public tastings and speaking engagements throughout the region.

COMMUNITY CONNECTED

A man in a blue shirt giving a presentation to a small group of people seated at a table with drinks and notebooks in a restaurant or cafe with teal walls and floral patterned seating.

Founder and President for ATX Somms. ATX Somms is a public service (501c3) organization committed to education and mentorship for beverage industry professionals in Austin and surrounding area.
This group connects the community to resources, events, and opportunities and is for all passionate professionals seeking knowledge. We will provide monthly blind tasting practice and educational events presented by experts. ATX Somms will also serve as a network for individuals seeking certification preparation support of any kind.

ATX SOMMS

Learn more

A large group of people gathered indoors, smiling and posing for a photo in front of colorful graffiti art on the walls, with some people raising their hands and making playful gestures.

The first annual event in 2025, which brings the Texas wine community together, successfully raised nearly $50,000 for flood relief in Kerrville. This year, the event will support Good Works Austin, focusing on the industry’s challenges, such as the lack of healthcare.

GRAPES FOR GOOD

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OTHER COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

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•Les Dames d'Escoffier — Member of this international organization supporting women in food, beverage, and hospitality

•Wine & Food Foundation of Texas — Active participant supporting the advancement of Texas's culinary and wine culture

INQUIRE

Submit an inquiry form and we would love to discuss what Communal Wines and Spirits can help you with.