Mark and Allyson Liebendorfer: The Country Vintner
Perched atop a tall, rocky bluff at the far eastern edge of the state, overlooking the chilly, clear current of the Potomac River, with views east towards Virginia and the country’s capital, The Bavarian Inn is abuzz throughout this sunny fall day. It’s a Sunday, when most guests are lazily checking out after devouring the inn’s famous Sunday brunch. But today, the check-in crowd is just as prominent.
Country Vintner, the wine distribution company known throughout the state for its excellence in selection and service, is hosting their annual trade show. Its founders and proprietors for the last 20-plus years, Mark and Allyson Liebendorfer, host dozens of wine makers, sellers, and reps in the Bavarian Inn conference center, tightly packed into the sprawling room along with customers that range from resort sommeliers and renowned chefs, to shop owners and retail managers.
But the crowd didn’t happen overnight. The Liebendorfers moved to Greenbrier County in the 1980s, where they began working for The Greenbrier resort. Mark eventually become the maître d’ of The Main Dining Room, where in the absence of a working sommelier he became the de facto wine director.
“I was calling these little wineries in France or Italy or wherever and talking directly to the people making the stuff,” he remembers. “Before I knew it I had a great network going on, with some of the best wines in the world.”
In essence, he learned his own way into the world of wine until, one day, he and Allyson traded in their resort careers to start Country Vintner. Today Country Vintner is renowned throughout the fine dining industry in West Virginia and Virginia. Mark and Allyson have curated an impressive portfolio of international and U.S. wines over the past two decades. Their wine lists are integral to the many of the top dining experiences throughout West Virginia.
“We have known the Liebendorfers for over four years and continue to be impressed with the level of quality and service that Country Vintner provides,” say Arthur Forgette and Debbie Porter of The French Goat in downtown Lewisburg. “They are our main supplier of wines for our restaurant and have become friends as well. We really love having people with their knowledge and professionalism to help us enhance our business.”
Many professionals from the wine business have visited Lewisburg for tastings and dinners with the Liebendorfers, and regardless if they are from Europe, South America, South Africa, California, or “Down Under,” their impressions are always the same. They are astonished how great Lewisburg and the Greenbrier Valley has become.