Mark O´Neill

Verde Marte is owned by Mark O’Neill and is based in Valencia, Spain. Mark has been in the wine business for more than 20 years working in sales, sourcing and marketing.  Prior to setting up Verde Marte he was Sales Director at a leading UK Distributor. He has the WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits and specialises in wines from Spain And Latin America as his real passion is for the wines from these countries.

Verde Marte (more about where the name comes from in the Essence section) fills an important role because Spanish wines provide the best variety and quality for money in the world but this was not reflected outside of Spain. Today Verde Marte works with its partners producing wines that are tailored to supplier and customers needs. Continuously creating new concepts that reflect modern Spain, such as the awarding winning ideas like ‘ñ – the essence of Spain’.

Mark’s background in three parts:

Part 1 – Born and brought up in Belfast, Northern Ireland where my family was closely linked to Spain through their fruit importing business. Fairly undistinguished academic career led to an early exit over the Irish sea.
Part 2 – London, lived there for 15 years putting my hand to many things and eventually working in the wine business.  Still love going back.
Part 3 – Valencia, Spain where I have lived for the last 15 years. It is essential to be close to the wines and to create new ideas and products. Also the sun shines for 320 days a year and I have 4 golf courses within a 30 minute radius.

Having my own business allows me to have the freedom to live the life I choose.  I am happy living in the Mediterranean with Patricia, my partner, Carlos and Oli, my kids, Lucy and Harry, the dogs.  When not tasting, slurping and thinking of names for wines, I will be on the golf course or cooking,  one of my other great interests.

Feel free to contact me at any time, if unavailable it could be because I am in the middle of vineyard where mobiles don’t always work,  but I’ll always get back to you.

Saludos