Mary Watson-DeLauder named Chief Wine Officer at Pyramid Global Hospitality

Ms. Watson-DeLauder, an award-winning sommelier who started her own wine consulting business in 2008 and expects to continue with this, will oversee Benchmark’s company-wide wine program and advise on new initiatives internationally. Robert Zappatelli, Benchmark’s vice president food & beverage, made the announcement. “It is with extreme pleasure that I welcome Mary to her new role within the Benchmark organization,” said Mr. Zappatelli. “We’re so pleased she is adding our company to her client roster. Mary’s relationship with Benchmark Hospitality spans 16 years and she has performed superbly in developing the wine programs at properties across our portfolio. She is a highly accomplished sommelier.” Ms. Watson-DeLauder has also developed the wine programs for Benchmark Hospitality’s newest properties, including Costa d’Esta Beach Resort, Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s recently-opened property in Vero Beach, Florida, that is operated by Benchmark; the elegant and luxurious Hotel Contessa on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas; and is developing a Chilean wine program for the company’s portfolio. She is Benchmark’s lead sommelier at the company’s annual James Beard Dinner in New York City.