FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

M.A. Silva Crafts Exclusive Bottle for CIRQ Estate

One-of-a kind Bottle is First in Industry & Sets New Standards for Glass

Santa Rosa, CA – Sonoma County based cork and glass manufacturer M.A. Silva USA is known for innovation and leading the way in industry standards. In partnership with Michael Browne, a founder and winemaker of Kosta Browne Winery, Neil Foster and M.A. Silva have created something very special in the industry for Browne’s newly launched high-end Pinot Noir brand, CIRQ Estate.  Browne selected Silva as a trusted partner to create the unique custom mould as well as providing high quality corks for the project. Silva president Neil Foster says, “Having worked with us for years, Michael needed the highest quality standards for this undertaking. Together we saw the vision; we designed and manufactured this new bottle for him handling all aspects of the project.” The result is a unique design that fit the needs of the brand.

“As we were reviewing and considering packaging for my new project, we were looking for a bottle that reflected the intensity and elegance of the wines.  Nothing on the market at the time was to my liking.  Working with Neil and the team to define that look and feel to complement my wines was a true joy.  I couldn’t be happier with the final result.  It’s unique, elegant and timeless”

The M.A. Silva USA name is synonymous with award-winning products, customer service and innovation winning awards in both public and private domains. They have been awarded accolades for their work in both cork and glass.

About M.A. Silva USA:

Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations, for more information visit www.MASilva.com or call 877-689-7676.

About CIRQ Estate:

CIRQ Estate is the latest creation from Michael Browne.  While he is still very active in the day-to-day winemaking at Kosta Browne, CIRQ Estate is a new project developed by and cared for by Michael.  His vision for CIRQ first took shape several years ago when he discovered what he considers to be the best sites in the best region within a region for Pinot Noir, the western hills of the Russian River Valley. Michael was introduced to these vineyards by Charlie Chenoweth, who is now a partner in CIRQ. Charlie planted and manages both of these vineyards.  He made the commitment at that time to pour all of his available resources into developing these sites to produce exceptional Pinot Noir. Production is and will remain small for the simple reason that CIRQ is an estate-driven program with limited acreage.  For more information about how to acquire the wines, please visit www.cirq.com.

The cork - glass connection also makes perfect sense to Foster who says, cork manufacturers understand the importance of the connection and function of the two products working together successfully. Their innovative glass offerings include proprietary moulds for consistent quality, cork-to-bottle fit assurance and in factory quality control 24/7. 

Santa Rosa, CA – Sonoma County based M.A. Silva USA has been named Best Cork and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 by the leading North American wine industry trade magazine; Vineyard & Winery Management. The accolade holds particular meaning as voters represent wine industry insiders from across the Nation. Silva holds the distinction of winning two “Best of” honors: best cork and best bottle supplier. Voted on by 700 industry leaders, it’s befitting that they garner this type of attention, as the company has established a culture of out-of-the-box customer service practices and a focus on people first. The entire team is dedicated to leading the way in the industry with a unique level of service and in exploring the symbiotic relationship between cork and glass. 

Silva has experienced unprecedented growth in this economy, over 30% increase in business; they’ve accomplished this by focusing on elevating the industry from the inside out. They place an emphasis on the quiet details like; extremely high-quality standards and empowering their team. Management takes care of their internal and external customers, supporting and giving back to employees. This translates into a remarkably high workforce retention rate, more hires and is reflected right back out to customers from each member of the team.  President Neil Foster shares, “This award is such an honor especially coming from our industry partners. We want our employees and clients to feel part of something bigger, we know how many lives are affected each time product is processed and shipped from our plants and we strive to keep that in mind throughout each element of the process.”  The cork - glass connection also makes perfect sense to Foster who says, cork manufacturers understand the importance of the connection and function of the two products working together successfully. 

Vineyard & Winery Management magazine mentions some of the significant details about M.A. Silva receiving the two awards. The family, Portugal-based partner M.A. Silva Corticas has a 40-year history of cork production and is known as an innovator in cork processing & technology. The cork is sourced mainly from trees under long-term grower agreements, which ensures control and quality, from the time the trees are harvested to the delivery of finished corks. A full-service mechanical and organoleptic test lab, housed in the company’s Santa Rosa-based facility furthers that level of quality control. A spirit of collaboration between M.A. Silva staff members and researchers across Europe and the United States has resulted in the development of some of the most technically advanced cork processing facilities and equipment in use today. A combination of forest management, technology, processes and training has made significant advances toward eliminating TCA issues, in addition to improving the beauty and performance of its closures. Their innovative glass offerings include proprietary molds for consistent quality, cork-to-bottle fit assurance and in factory quality control 24/7.

About M.A. Silva USA:

Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations, for more information visit www.MASilva.com or call 877-689-7676.

Santa Rosa, CA – Sonoma County based M.A. Silva USA, now offers revolutionary cork laser printing technology with the highest capable image resolution for printing natural cork stoppers.   M.A. Silva is delighted to present the D-CLP laser printer within their Diamond Program of premium services, along with D-GC/MS testing. The D-CLP creates perfectly detailed 3D style imaging within the full 360° cork body spectrum. The high definition shading along with the darkest printing capability, allows for distinctive illustrative or photographic rendering to be visually sharp.

 The printer has the capability to add traceability and identifiable numbering and text to each closure, making every cork unique. There is no ink that touches the cork surface or drying time necessary in the D-CLP laser printing process, which is proven to have a fast turnaround time and environmentally friendly.  See all features at ON-LASER’s Décorkâ„¢ website.

President Neil Foster shares, "Being the first cork supplier to offer the highest quality cork by cork laser printing customization in the USA is exciting and will allow winemakers the ability to add a new impressive visual dimension to their wine cork closure branding.”

M.A Silva’s D-CLP utilizes ON-LASER’s newest line of Décorkâ„¢ printers, manufactured in Europe. Also, new for 2014 is the free 3D Viewer app for Android and iOS devices. The Décorkâ„¢ App allows end users to share 3D artwork simulations on cork stoppers of different formats, sizes and surface finishes.

The family, Portugal‐based partner M.A. Silva Corticas has a 40‐year history of cork production and is known as an innovator in cork processing & technology. The cork is sourced mainly from tree bark in cork tree forests under long‐term grower agreements, which ensures control and quality, from the time the trees are harvested to the delivery of finished corks. A full‐service mechanical and organoleptic test lab, housed in the company’s Santa Rosa‐based facility furthers that level of quality control. A spirit of collaboration between M.A. Silva staff members and researchers across Europe and the United States has resulted in the development of some of the most technically advanced cork processing facilities and equipment in use today. A combination of forest management, technology, processes and training has made significant advances toward eliminating TCA issues, in addition to improving the beauty and performance of its closures. Their innovative glass offerings include proprietary molds for consistent quality, cork‐to‐bottle fit assurance and in factory quality control 24/7.

About M.A. Silva USA:

Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality‐assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco‐friendly operations, for more information

visit www.MASilva.com or call 877‐689‐7676.

Santa Rosa, CA, October 10, 2014 – M.A. Silva, the leading manufacturer of cork, glass and packaging, announced today the purchase of Vintners Global Resource’s (VGR) packaging business. VGR, located in Washington, is a supplier of wine bottles, closures and packaging serving the Pacific Northwest wine industry. In cooperation with M.A. Silva’s long-time partner Oak Tradition, located in Walla Walla, the combined companies will offer a high quality product portfolio and an unparalleled spectrum of expertise and customer service to wineries in the Pacific Northwest region. Andy Brassington, VGR’s CEO and founder, and Teresa Lawrenson, VGR’s Account Manager, will join the M.A. Silva team. VGR’s Kent, Washington operations are now part of M.A. Silva.

“We’ve successfully grown our company and merging VGR into M.A. Silva is the next exciting step forward in the continuing progression of our business and enables us to continue to execute our vision to be the leading supplier of natural wine corks and wine bottles, with the guarantee of excellence in product quality and service,” said Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva. “We are committed and passionate to partner with both current and new customers in delivering the perfect packaging solutions.”

“We are excited to merge our wine packaging business with M.A. Silva, the best cork and wine bottle company in the industry,” said Brassington. “This merge is exactly what we wanted for continued growth. The vast resources of M.A. Silva provide us with more time and excellent products to support our Northwest friends and clients. The best-in-class culture, proven excellence in products and service and the family ownership of M.A. Silva make this an ideal fit,” Brassington concluded.

About M.A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. It is the first cork supplier in U.S. to offer high resolution laser cork printing of unique and variable information to each single cork stopper. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M.A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013 by the North Bay Business Journal and Best Cork and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a four-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information visit  www.MASilva.com or call 707.636.2530.

Santa Rosa, CA, August 11, 2014 – M.A. Silva, the leading manufacturer of cork, glass and packaging, has been named as a 2014 Best Places to Work winner in the North Bay.

“It’s a great honor to have been named a North Bay’s Best Places to Work. This is the fourth time we have achieved this incredible recognition,” said Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva USA. “We have a talented group of individuals that help make M.A. Silva a success. I truly value and appreciate our employees’ accomplishments and dedication. I am thrilled about their feedback and comments that contributed to this distinction. As we grow our company, we will continue to provide a supportive working environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

Over 120 companies from across the North Bay area were anonymously nominated to participate in the annual North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work assessment. Winners were determined through the evaluation of an employee survey including questions about respect, fairness, family friendliness, community involvement and areas of improvements. 97% of the M.A. Silva staff submitted their opinions. M.A. Silva is one of the 45 companies in Sonoma and Marin counties to receive this recognition within the 15 – 50 employee category.

About M.A. Siva USA: Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. It is the first cork supplier in U.S. to offer high resolution laser cork printing of unique and variable information to each single cork stopper. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M.A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013 by the North Bay Business Journal and Best Cork and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a four-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information visit www.MASilva.com or call 707.636.2530.

Santa Rosa, CA, October 30, 2014 – M.A. Silva, the leading manufacturer of cork, glass and packaging, broke ground for a new manufacturing facility across from the existing building located in the Westwind Business Park adjacent to the Sonoma County Regional Airport in Santa Rosa. The new construction is custom designed by DES Architects + Engineers and built for M.A. Silva by Alston Construction. Once completed, the new 70,000-square-foot structure will accommodate storage room for wine bottles, sensory and working laboratories along with a multimedia training room, office space and a gym for employees. The expansion will bring M.A. Silva to over 100,000-square-foot of operational
space in Santa Rosa.

Investments in innovative technology processes and a focus on consistent personal customer service have made M.A. Silva a leading cork and bottle supplier in the North American wine industry. The new facility was planned to meet the growing demand for their cork and glass products. “This expansion is ultimately the result of the substantial growth we’ve seen in the cork and bottle business over the last years,” explained Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva. “It will allow us to increase our cork production and expand our glass storage capacity. With our new state-of-the-art laboratories we will be able to offer more services to customers and further our R & D capabilities.”

The new facility incorporates latest technologies that increase energy efficiencies using an advanced insulation and a night-air cooling system. A solar panel upgrade is planned in a few years. “Being good stewards of our resources has always been a priority at M.A. Silva,” said Foster. “Whether that means green building standards, recycling and reducing waste in our production area, or giving back to the communities we live and work in.”

The construction of the $7.5 million building began in October with completion scheduled for late spring 2015.

About M.A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County, California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. It is the first cork supplier in the U.S. to offer high resolution laser cork printing of unique and variable information to each single cork stopper. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M.A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013 by the North Bay Business Journal and Best Cork and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a four-time winner of theNorth Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information visit www.MASilva.com or call 707.636.2530.

Santa Rosa, CA, August 17, 2015 – M. A. Silva, the leading manufacturer of cork, glass and packaging, is pleased to announce the hiring of Barbara Robertson as an Account Manager for the Pacific Northwest region.

“Barbara will strengthen our ability and capability for growth in the Pacific Northwest region,” said Neil Foster, President of M. A. Silva USA. “We are well-positioned to continue providing superior cork and wine bottles combined with our exceptional customer service.”

Barbara’s passion for wine has given her over a decade of experience in the wine industry including distribution, production, buying and selling. She saw the promise of the developing wine industry in Washington State years ago and dedicated herself to obtaining certifications through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust so that she could educate both the local fledgling wineries and consumers in North Central Washington where she resides. Besides helping wineries with their marketing efforts over the years, she also judges at the North Central Washington Wine Awards competition, writes a regional review column in the Foothills Magazine and pops on the KPQ-AM radio station once a week as the “Ag Alchemist.”  Barbara’s experience will prove indispensable in assisting customers with integrated cork and glass solutions. Contact Barbara at 206-669-9463 or brobertson@masilva.com.

About M. A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. It is the first cork supplier in the U.S. to offer high resolution laser cork printing of unique and variable information to each single cork stopper. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013 by the North Bay Business Journal and Best Cork and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 & 2015 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a five-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information visit www.masilva.com or call  707.636.2530.

AROMA IS CRITICAL

Alexandre Schmitt, known as the “Nose of Bordeaux,” can precisely identify the aromas of more than 1,500 compounds. As one of the world’s foremost olfactory experts, he travels the globe training winemakers, sommeliers and other industry professionals in how to pinpoint the aromas found in wine.

We enlisted Alexandre to apply his considerable skills in a blind sensory analysis comparing natural corks processed with SARA ADVANCED technology to those without.

SARA ADVANCED SETS THE NEUTRALITY STANDARD FOR NATURAL WINE CORKS

INNOVATION: Proprietary state-of-the-art technology improves natural cork quality

NEUTRALITY: Sensory performance of wines is remarkably enhanced, with far fewer off-aromas and flavors

METHOD: Innovative process uses pressurized steam to volatilize and extract TCA and other unwanted compounds

LEARN MORE ABOUT SARA ADVANCED »

EXPLORE OUR NATURAL CORKS »

Santa Rosa, CA, March 5, 2015 – M.A. Silva, the leading manufacturer of cork, glass and packaging, has been named 2015 Best Cork and Bottle Supplier by the Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. This distinction was determined through the evaluation of a survey conducted among 1,000 wine industry professionals. Cork clients appreciate receiving a “very consistent product” with “no TCA” and “a guarantee of quality.” They also touted the company’s “quick fulfillment,” “excellent responsiveness” and “awesome company representatives.” Bottle customers say M.A. Silva “never disappoints,” offering “good pricing and responsiveness,” “superior customer service” and “impeccable product quality.”

“We are honored to be selected again as one of the top wine industry suppliers,” said Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva USA. “Our unique approach to providing superior cork combined with wine bottles engineered for an ideal seal has led to an overwhelmingly positive response from wineries seeking a reliable, perfect and proven packaging solution. This recognition is a testament to the quality and service we provide.”

M.A. Silva has experienced unprecedented growth. A new building across from the existing facility will be completed this summer. This 70,000-square-foot structure will allow M.A. Silva to increase their cork production and expand their glass storage capacity. With new state-of-the-art laboratories they will be able to offer more services to customers and further their R & D capabilities.

About M.A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its qualityassurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. It is the first cork supplier in U.S. to offer high resolution laser cork printing of unique and variable information to each single cork stopper. The company operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M.A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013 by the North Bay Business Journal, Best Cork and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 & 2015 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a four-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information visit www.MASilva.com or call 707.636.2530.</p?

Neil Foster

For the last 15 years, M. A. Silva, a leading manufacturer of natural corks, bottles and packaging for North American markets, has been focused on meeting or exceeding expectations for quality products, on-time delivery and excellent customer service.

As a result, the company has doubled its size over the last four years and recently completed the construction of a new manufacturing facility that allows for continuing expansion and an even wider array of service options for its customers.

President and co-owner Neil Foster notes that the company was created in the year 2000 as a response to an increasing demand for high quality clean cork- and it has taken off from there.

“The industry was looking for a supplier to meet a particular quality criteria,” Foster recalls. “Manuel (Silva) and I saw the demands for better quality clean cork and superior customer service.”

Foster says the subsequent introduction of wine bottles to M. A. Silva’s portfolio was a natural fit for their customers who were already excited about the company’s cork product performance.

“We imported wine glass from China and monitored operations inside their factories 24/7,” Foster attests. “We use very tight controls, tighter than our competition. There’s no problem with cork seal ability on bottle necks or issues during bottling.”

Foster says many customers eventually came to rely on M. A. Silva 100 percent for their complete cork and bottle manufacturing needs.

“They appreciate our quality,” Foster explains. “We always have on time delivery and back it up with excellent customer service. It’s perfect execution and delivery.”

“We also implemented laser printing technology on the bodies and ends of corks for complete customization with the addition of two new, state of the art machines,” Foster continues.

M. A. Silva recently celebrated the grand opening of a new 70,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in the Westwind Business Park near the Sonoma County Regional Airport in Santa Rosa, CA.

“The new building is an investment in the future of our company,” Foster attests. The construction has allowed the company to expand its technical services and laboratories, as well as provide increased space for visiting customers and for more comprehensive research and development.

Noting that the new facility is designed for maximum energy efficiency and sustainability, Foster points out that “through M. A. Silva’s ongoing investment in technology, we’ve pushed the envelope on quality control. It’s proof that we are a business that will continue to strive and grow to meet our customer’s expectations and beyond.”

Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Web: www.masilva.com

By Dawn Dolan

Ninety or so people gathered at the Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa, CA on Wednesday, April 3rd to hear world–renown flavor expert Alexandre Schmitt speak on the topic of “Decoding Aroma Molecules in Wine & Cork” hosted by M.A. Silva USA. Introducing Monsieur Schmitt to the crowd was Neil Foster, president of M.A. Silva USA, which is based in Santa Rosa, CA. Foster discussed his company’s goal to, “Improve quality of natural wine corks, and invest in the best technology to improve the quality, continuously.” Yet, he introduced Schmitt, with the phrase that audience members were nodding their head to, “You can’t distill flavor perceptions through science.”

For this particular exercise, Schmitt’s focus was entitled, “Freshness in Wines, Distinction between Rising Freshness, Minty Notes, Aniseed Notes, the Concept of Licorice.” He began by leading the audience through a tutorial on how we categorize and recall scents; noting that our evolutionary development went from a basis in olfactory recognition to visual recognition. When man stood up sight became the best sense and protect modern hominids. Thus, our descriptors for olfactory input are limited, whereas we use, he said, one-third of our vocabulary to describe visual things.

In an interesting and related example, Schmitt said, “We only have about a dozen words to describe taste. We use other senses’ analogies to describe wine, like the word silky,” which is a word drawn from our tactile sense. In another example, the difference between pear and apple is often misused, as what we are really referring to is the texture; pear being grainier.

Quoting French philosopher of the 20th century, Jean-Paul Sartre, “To perceive is to judge,” Schmitt noted that all aspects of wine drinking affects our perception; the weight of the bottle, the label, the smells and quality of the cork—all these external cues create a preconceived notion of what we are about to taste. And sometimes our taste only corroborates this perception.

Schmitt lead the participants through a series of ten scents. “It’s always difficult to determine freshness in wine,” acknowledged Schmitt. “Flavors are related to our subjective perception.” We identify flavors based on our stored memories of having encountered them before. When we have not previously been exposed to a flavor or scent before, our brain searches for the nearest thing that we know.

Aroma sticks were handed out to each seminar participant, and Schmitt treated each of the ten as a mini-lesson in olfactory identification, asking for the audience’s perceptions at the start of each of the ten scent mini-lessons. His dry sense of humor gently mocked or praised the audience’s answers, keeping the feel lively without being too biting. “Your education is visual. You never received any olfactory education,” he excused them.

Describing them in detail once the audience’s guesses were all in, the scents he taught the crowd to distinguish included pine resin, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, minty (spearmint), minty +menthol light (peppermint), laveo carron (a minty compound found in Cabernet Sauvignon), Fennel (Anise-like), anise +mint (caraway), and black licorice.

Schmitt also described the rising notes of freshness, with the most “cold” being menthol and pine, followed by eucalyptus and camphor. He admonished listeners to educate themselves on these smells, and cautioned that menthol is not a wine smell, and spearmint but never peppermint could be found in wines. Spearmint is a warming scent, by the way, and “rosemary” is a better herbal descriptor than “eucalyptus.”

A delightful foray into the world of highly nuanced elemental smelling, Schmitt took the audience through the fine detail of this corner of freshness in wines. Schmitt, is based in Bordeaux, France, where he conducts seminars through his company, Wine & Flavors, which is dedicated to olfactory education.

Santa Rosa, CA, July 5, 2016 — M. A. Silva USA, the leading manufacturer of cork, glass and packaging, has been selected as one of the companies to be honored at the North Bay Business Journal’s 2016 North Bay Maker Awards. This award — formerly known as Manufacturing Awards — is given to the most outstanding and innovative manufacturers in the North Bay.

“Over the last 40 years M. A. Silva has established itself as an industry technology leader and we are honored to be recognized for our achievements,” said Neil Foster, President of M. A. Silva USA. “Among the firsts, our company had developed proprietary cork cleaning processes that are recognized worldwide. Our latest innovation, the onebyone^tm cork testing method, is a fully automated process inspecting every single cork to detect any trace of 2, 4, 6 -Trichloroanisole (TCA), the chemical primarily responsible for cork taint. With this technology, which is based on cutting edge gas phase spectroscopy, we are now capable to deliver guaranteed TCA free corks for ultra-premium wines. It’s a game-changing technology in the cork industry and we are proud to demonstrate once again being a leading manufacturer of finest premium cork.”

Many winemakers who used screwcaps or synthetics to avoid cork taint are returning to cork. Research has shown that wine bottles closed with cork age more consistently and develop the richness and suppleness that age can bring. Cork stoppers don’t cause reduction as many of the screwcaps do, and wines protected by cork don’t experience premature oxidation as wines closed with synthetics often do. Cork-finished wines are also preferred by consumers. Their choice echoes a perception of quality and the luxurious feel of a cork being pulled out of a wine bottle. Since cork is biodegradable and recyclable, its use is consistent with sustainable vineyard and winemaking practices.

About M. A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. The company operates on solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013 & 2015 by the North Bay Business Journal, Best Cork Supplier 2013, 2015 & 2016 and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 & 2015 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a five-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information, visit www.masilva.com or call 707.636.2530.

M. A. Silva has developed an individual cork testing method to deliverguaranteed TCA free corks*. Our process tests for releasable TCA, down to non-detectable levels (0.5ng/L) and eliminates bad corks from the supply chain. This fully automated process is based on cutting edge gas phase spectroscopy and available for high end natural cork to seal ultra-premium wines. It inspects every single cork one by one to detect any trace of cork taint leaving no margin of human error. The one-by-one testing process is the latest innovation of M. A. Silva's commitment to provide TCA free corks. 



Over the last 40 years we have established ourselves as an industry technology leader. Our proprietary cork cleaning processes are recognized worldwide and this new testing method is a game-changing technology in the cork industry. 

With the implementation of this new state-of-the-art testing technology we once again demonstrate our determination to be the leading manufacturer of the finest premium cork. 

Please call 707.636.2530 or send an email to info@masilva.com for more details. 

*releasable TCA content below the 0.5ng/L detection limit; analysis performed in accordance
to ISO 20752. 

Santa Rosa, CA, August 25, 201 6 – M. A. Silva, the leading manufacturer of cork, glass and packaging, has been recognized by the North Bay Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in the North Bay for the sixth time. This repeated recognition underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to providing an environment where employees can thrive and make visible contributions to business growth.

“It has always been my goal to build a company where people enjoy coming to work,” said Neil Foster, President of M. A. Silva USA. “The remarkable growth we have experienced over the past
years is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to M. A. Silva’s success. We are honored to be selected by the North Bay Business Journal again this year.”

According to employee feedback, M. A. Silva is a company where leadership is fully committed to operating a best-in-class company and everyone cares about delivering the best product possible.

The North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work assessment was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in the North Bay. Winners were selected through the evaluation of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The survey included questions about respect, fairness, family friendliness, community involvement and areas if improvement. M. A. Silva is one of the 103 companies in Sonoma and Marin counties to receive this recognition.

About M. A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. The company operates on solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013 & 2015 and 2016 North Bay Maker by the North Bay Business Journal,Best Cork Supplier 2013, 2015 & 2016 and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 & 2015 byVineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a six-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information, visit www.masilva.comor call 707.636.2530.

Santa Rosa, CA, November 15, 2016 – Sonoma County based M. A. Silva USA has been selected as the recipient of the North Bay Business Journal’s Wine Industry Award of 2016 in the glass & cork supply category. From nominations, the Journal selected notable industry suppliers that rise above all others in the wine industry.

“I am thrilled that our company is being awarded again as the best cork and glass supplier in the wine industry,” said Neil Foster, President of M. A. Silva USA. “Year after year we receive these distinctive recognitions which underscore the positive response from wineries seeking a reliable, perfect and proven packaging solution. We value our reputation as one of the industry’s most trusted suppliers and are gratified by the loyalty of our customers. You don’t earn loyalty in a day. You earn it day-by-day.”

About M. A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. The company operates on solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013, 2015 & 2016, Best Glass Supplier 2016 and 2016 North Bay Maker by the North Bay Business Journal, Best Cork Supplier 2013, 2015 & 2016 and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 & 2015 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. It is a six-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work.

For more information, visit www.masilva.com or call 707.636.2530.

Breakthrough Technology Key to 100 Percent TCA Inspected Corks

M.A. Silva USA, a leading manufacturer for premium corks, glass and packaging throughout North America, has developed a cutting edge technology to eliminate TCA infected cork by examining each one individually and rejecting those found with any trace of TCA taint.

Named the “onebyone^tm Program,” this revolutionary testing method uses gas phase spectroscopy, the study of isolating molecules in the gas phase, to automatically inspect every single cork for TCA, leaving no margin for human error.

“Our onebyone^tm Program eliminates any TCA infected cork, a process designed for the high-end winemaker looking for perfection,” confirms M.A. Silva President Neil Foster. “We find that this remarkable ‘accept or reject’ technology is giving us much more reliable results with our product.”

Foster explains that through the onebyone^tm automated process, individual corks are placed in tubes within a carousel, which are warmed up, allowing the phenolic compounds, including TCA, to become volatilized, and thus identified. Foster says it takes about five seconds per sample to have each chamber analyzed.

“With an output of between 6 to 7 million corks at a time, it takes quite a few machines operating constantly to do this,” Foster reports. “Our onebyone^tm technology is primarily aimed at higher-level reserve wines, as the costs relating to testing could be prohibitive for lower end wines with a shorter shelf life.”

Foster affirms that M.A. Silva is investing in more machinery and looking into ways to speed up the process so that ultimately, it becomes more affordable for all levels of wine.

Automated cork testing has replaced manual efforts to detect cork taint through the human nose, as smelling large amounts of cork on a daily basis led to fatigue and results that were unreliable.

“We decided never to go that route and put our attention and effort into this onebyone^tm automated system, which we know is accurate and quantifiable,” declares Foster. “By eliminating cork taint we continue to secure natural cork as the finest closure for wine. When we were first able to offer this technology in 2016, it was a real industry breakthrough.”

For information and orders, go to www.masilva.com.

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Santa Rosa, CA, April 18, 2017 – Sonoma County based M. A. Silva USA has received the 2017 Best Cork Supplier award by Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine, 2017 Best Cork & Bottle Supplier award and 2017 Excellence Award for Sustainable Manufacturing by Trade Monthly Magazine. More than 700 wine industry professionals from across the nation participated in Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine’s survey this year. Voters like that it’s a “green company” with “consistent, great-quality corks,” “quick turnaround” and “excellent customer service.” Trade Monthly Magazine recognizes companies in the food and drink industry whose devotion, innovative thinking and tireless efforts have led to outstanding results.

“We are thrilled to have won four prestigious awards, confirming our status as a leader in the cork and bottle manufacturing industry,” said Neil Foster, President of M. A. Silva USA. “Our commitment to quality and sustainability combined with our unparalleled customer service are clearly pivotal to our success.  We continually invest in technical innovation, take great pride in creating partnerships with our customers and are gratified by the loyalty of our clients.”

About M. A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. The company operates on solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva earned both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmartâ„¢ certifications and received the Excellence Award for Sustainable Manufacturing by Trade Monthly Magazine. The company has been named Best Cork Supplier 2013, 2015 & 2016, Best Glass Supplier 2016 and 2016 North Bay Maker by the North Bay Business Journal, Best Cork Supplier 2013, 2015, 2016 & 2017 and Best Bottle Supplier 2013 & 2015 by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine and 2017 Best Cork & Bottle Supplier by Trade Monthly Magazine. It is a six-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. For more information, visit www.masilva.com or call 707.636.2530.