Meet Daniel Satola, a passionate advocate for discovering and sharing hidden gems in the wine world. As the Founder and Co-Owner of Credo Imports and a Regional and Category Ambassador representing Hungary at the Sommeliers Choice Awards, Daniel has carved a niche for himself by introducing small-production, family-owned European wines to the U.S. market.

Daniel’s company Credo Imports helps some of the finest wine houses in Hungary and Germany like FEIND Balatonfőkajár, Hungary, JUWEL Alsheim, Germany, Koch Borota, Hungary, Lajver Szekszárd, Hungary, Legli Balatonboglár, Hungary, Pangold Tolcsva, Hungary, Sankt Annaberg Burrweiler, Germany.

His journey from falling in love with European vineyards to becoming a dedicated importer offers insight into the evolving dynamics of the global wine trade.

From Left Matthew Goss and Daniel Satola at the Hungarian Wine Summit

Founded in 2019, Credo Imports is not your typical importer. Focused on working with multi-generational, family-owned wineries, Daniel’s company brings unique, small-batch wines from lesser-known regions of Europe to the U.S. market. Credo Imports champions the heritage and traditions of these producers while making their wines accessible to a broader audience in the United States.

Based in Pennsylvania, Credo Imports works with distributors and wholesalers across the country, offering wines that are often unfamiliar to American wine drinkers but rich in history and quality. Daniel’s aim is to ensure that consumers can experience wines with character, authenticity, and a strong sense of place.

“We look for wines with stories,” Daniel says. “Our goal is to create demand for not just the wines, but also the producers' ideals and sustain a process where quality rules over volume.”

Why Hungary? Daniel’s Passion for Underrepresented Wine Regions

When asked about his choice of wine regions, Daniel explains that Hungary has vast potential but is underrepresented in the global wine market.

Courtesy Wine Folly: Hungarian Wine Regions

"Hungary is one of the most underrepresented wine regions in the world," Daniel notes. "I wanted to represent a region with such vast potential in the wine market."

By introducing Hungarian wines to American audiences, Daniel is helping to expand awareness of the region's unique grape varieties and winemaking traditions. These wines often offer exceptional value, quality, and stories that make them attractive to a younger generation of wine enthusiasts.

The Process of Selecting Wines for Import

Credo Wine Import

For Daniel, selecting wines is more than just about taste. It’s about choosing products that represent the winemaker’s traditions, family values, and passion for their craft.

"I look for a few key factors when introducing new wines to the market," Daniel explains. "Is it a small to medium-sized, family-run business? Do they produce something unique to the wine region? Is it a small batch and high quality? And most importantly, does the wine have a story?" - Daniel Satola

This method ensures that Credo Imports continues to bring authentic, artisanal wines to the U.S. market while staying true to the heritage of the regions they represent.

Daniel Satola is also Hungary's ambassador for the Sommeliers Choice Awards

While opportunities abound, Daniel is also candid about the challenges faced when importing wines, especially from less-known regions like Hungary.

"We look at challenges as opportunities," Daniel says. "One challenge we face is that the average American wine drinker is unfamiliar with Hungarian grapes, making them less likely to buy on impulse. But the trend is changing." - Daniel Satola

He adds that rising prices and supply chain hurdles have also complicated the landscape, with shipping delays and limited inventory creating headaches. However, he sees these challenges as an opening for restaurants and retailers to explore new regions and varieties, particularly those from Hungary, which offer lower price points without compromising quality.

From Left Matthew Goss, Managing Partner and Co-Owner and Daniel Satola, Founder & Co-owner 

As a seasoned importer, Daniel has witnessed a shift in consumer preferences, particularly among younger wine drinkers who seek out unique brands and wines.

"Consumers are always looking for that new, unique wine they can showcase at a friend's house or dinner party," he says. He also notes the rising interest in low or no-alcohol wines, driven by evolving generational norms and the increasing use of recreational marijuana in the U.S. Credo Imports has responded to this trend by sourcing more naturally made wines with lower alcohol content to meet the demands of this growing market.

Advice for Winemakers Looking to Expand Internationally

For winemakers looking to expand into international markets, Daniel offers simple but valuable advice:

"We always encourage producers to consider entering their wines in U.S. trade tasting events or competitions like the Sommeliers Choice Awards. Most small producers have European ratings, but they don't mean as much in the U.S. market. A U.S. rating can make a significant difference when it comes to consumer trust and sales." - Daniel Satola

As a Regional and Category Ambassador for the Sommeliers Choice Awards, Daniel plays a pivotal role in guiding winemakers through the complex process of gaining recognition in the U.S. market. The Sommeliers Choice Awards are judged by top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-premise buyers from U.S. restaurants, bars, and hotels. This offers winemakers a valuable benchmark for understanding how their wines can thrive in one of the most competitive wine markets in the world.

"We are very pleased to have Daniel Satola represent wines from Hungary at the Sommeliers Choice Awards. Our joint mission is to advocate wines from Hungary and to help consumers learn more about Hungarian wines. If you are a sommelier or a state distributor reading this story and looking for Hungarian wines, we highly recommend you work with Daniel. The passion he shares to help wines from Hungary and Germany is really unmatched” Sid Patel, CEO of Sommeliers Choice Awards and Beverage Trade Network

Winemakers looking to enter the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 can take advantage of the Super Early Bird Pricing of $80 per wine, available until October 31, 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain visibility in the U.S. market and get your wines evaluated by leading experts.

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This Know Your Importer series helps you learn more about the wine importers and the people behind the business. Sommeliers Choice Awards aims to showcase these boutique wine importers of the USA to you and bring you their wines and stories that you as a sommelier can bring to your table.

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