Brand Launch Episodes

In an increasingly digital world, there is still little substitute for wine in people’s mouths. Doing in-store tastings is one way to get directly in front of consumers and get immediate feedback on products. Jessica Kogan, CEO of HSP Brands, is focused on providing both an engaging consumer experience and capturing the data from in-store tastings to drive real insight and ROI for bev alc suppliers. Detailed Show Notes: Jessica’s background: co-founder of Cameron Hughes Wine, sold to...

With the goal of living a purposeful life, Vida Valiente was founded in Napa as a combination luxury winery and charity. The foundation is focused on providing last dollar scholarships and mentorship to 1st generation college students. The winery is establishing a newly planted vineyard as the next “grand cru” site in Napa. Hayes and Susana Drumwright combine these two elements into a pathway to connect people who have succeeded with grit to the next generation through wine and impactful experie...

As the birthplace of wine and the vinifera grape species, Georgia (the country), has wine deeply embedded in its culture. Yet, having survived conquest by three empires, fine wines are not the current norm in Georgia, where the Russian Communists focused on quantity over quality. Irakli Gilauri is launching Gilauri Wines to change that and to give wine collectors all over the world a chance to taste and connect with the best of the Ancient Terroir that is his home country of Georgia. Detai...

With 143 years of history, Wente Family Vineyards is the US’s longest continuously family owned and operated winery, even producing wine through Prohibition. Aly Wente, Chief Revenue Officer, discusses how Wente leverages its rich history to re-launch historic brands, connect with younger consumers, and embed the messaging in social media and hospitality to differentiate itself. Detailed Show Notes: Aly’s background covered in prior episodes, but she is now in charge of all revenue v...

After retiring twice, Chris Baker, President of Brassfield Estate, was lured back in by a unique opportunity to build one of the world’s largest monopoles in the High Valley AVA of Lake County, California. Its unique volcanic terroir is now being scaled nationally with a 10 year contract and national alignment with Southern Glazers. Chris describes the best practices in working with distributors and partnering together to create a successful brand, built on trusted relationships. Detailed ...

Building the white wine category in the Douro

The Frescobaldis have a long-term view which has enabled Ornellaia to become a global icon.

Pairing their need for a complex substitute for wine, for both pregnancy and professional network, Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger and friend Constance Jablonski enlisted Maggie’s husband, Champagne and Cognac winemaker Rodolphe to found French Bloom. With four years of R&D prior to launch and constant refinement since, French Bloom aims to redefine the alcohol free premium sparkling wine space. Maggie & Rodolphe delve into the creation of French Bloom, exploring its core markets, target customers, ...

Occhipinti focuses on expressing terroir through natural farming and winemaking

The Vice is showcasing the full spectrum of Napa Valley starting at $29 a bottle.

Kyle MacLachlan details his journey of starting Pursued by Bear

Une Femme was supposed to be an in-house wine brand for their Champagne Bars The Riddler to now the fastest-growing sparkling wine in the US.

The idea to start Jetway came from drinking Aperol Spritzes in Italy and thinking it should be canned and modernized.

Sparkling wine is trending at the moment and no brand best embodies the trend more than cult California sparkling wine producer Ultramarine.

Hear about how Terratorium is creating brand alignment with its Millennial customers.

Having studied what was important to wine consumers working at Oddbins, a British wine retailer, Nicholas Hammeken, Founder and Director of Innovation at Hammeken Cellars, founded a company focused on crafting Spanish wines that match consumer preferences

Wondering why there was only beer and spirits, but no wine at Crossfit events and races, Mark Warren and Tom Beaton, Founders of FitVine, decided to start their own brand. With a goal of making wine more transparent and approachable, FitVine aims to “fit