Wine in a coffin? Sharon Hill man markets unique Halloween spirit
BBBBBBBBBBB Silvio Lelli, founder of Nationwide Wine & Spirits, is marketing a wine that’s “to-diefor” this Halloween season.
The importer, wholesaler and distributor of wine and spirits in Transylvania — or rather, Pennsylvania — is offering a wine from Spain called Actum Sinister. The beverage, made from grapes sourced in D.O. Valencia by Bodegas Nodus, a familyowned winery, is giving residents of the tri-state area something “to wine about.” Actum Sinister is packaged in a coffin box, making it a perfect choice for the season of “spooky chills and thrills.”
Nationwide Wine & Spirits focuses on family-owned, earth-friendly wines and exclusive spirits, distributing imported brands to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
“We prefer small production, family-owned vineyards and distilleries that offer the best value for the money,” Lelli said, explaining his company’s goal. “Our philosophy is to scour the earth, run our fingers through the ground, smell the fruits of labor and sample the wares with the winemakers and distillers until we find just the right wines to distribute.”
Lelli founded the Nationwide Wine & Spirits company in 2007.
According to Lelli, “Our focus was initially Saké from Japan, as well as Italian, French, California and Oregon wines. But we since shifted our focus to Spain, Portugal and South Africa because of the greater value.”
Lelli came into the wine business, through a windy road of life experiences that developed into an extensive and expert knowledge of wine and spirits.
Lelli is a first-generation Philadelphia-area Italian
American. His parents Giuseppe and Giuliana Lelli immigrated to America from Cologna Spiaggia and Roseto d’ Abruzzo Italy. Lelli’s relatives in Abruzzo grew Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo grapes and sold them to the market. Giuseppe and Giuliana moved to the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia before eventually settling in Havertown, where they raised Silvio and his five sisters, Fiorella, Marilena, Lorenza, Patricia and Rossana.
Lelli attended Devon Prep from grades 7-10 and then graduated from Haverford High School. His own son, following in his father’s footsteps, is now a student at Devon Prep. After high school, Lelli enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years. Initially, he was assigned to Helicopter Squadron HC-4 in Sigonella, Sicily. Before his service was complete, Lelli had served in four Military Operations: Operation Sharp Edge in Liberia Africa; Operation Desert Shield in
Saudi Arabia; Operation Desert Storm and Operation Provide Comfort in Northern Iraq.
Lelli received a letter of commodation from RearAdmiral Peter Cressy for his
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