Brand Launch Episodes
225
Aug. 18, 2026
Reconnecting with ancient terroir w/ Irakli Gilauri, Gilauri Wine
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...
224
Aug. 4, 2026
Making history relevant for the modern consumer w/ Aly Wente, Wente Family Vineyards
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...
220
June 9, 2026
The relationship business w/ Chris Baker, Brassfield Estate
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 ...
206
Nov. 25, 2025
Believing in your wine w/ Luisa Amorim, Mirabilis
Building the white wine category in the Douro
205
Nov. 12, 2025
The Long View to a Global Icon w/ Lamberto Frescobaldi, Ornellaia
The Frescobaldis have a long-term view which has enabled Ornellaia to become a global icon.
203
Oct. 18, 2025
Flexibility, not Sobriety w/ Maggie & Rodolphe Frerejean-Taittinger, French Bloom
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, ...
172
July 8, 2024
Do Everything with Passion w/ Arianna Occhipinti
Occhipinti focuses on expressing terroir through natural farming and winemaking
151
Aug. 21, 2023
Going Against the Grain w/ Malek Amrani, The Vice
The Vice is showcasing the full spectrum of Napa Valley starting at $29 a bottle.
142
April 21, 2023
Playful Concept, Serious Wines w/ Kyle MacLachlan, Pursued by Bear
Kyle MacLachlan details his journey of starting Pursued by Bear
126
Dec. 1, 2022
Shattering Glass Ceilings w/ Jen & Zach Pelka, Une Femme
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.
124
Nov. 16, 2022
Selling Celebrity w/ Albert Hammond Jr. of Jetway & The Strokes
The idea to start Jetway came from drinking Aperol Spritzes in Italy and thinking it should be canned and modernized.
99
May 11, 2022
Exploring American Sparkling Wine w/ Michael Cruse, Ultramarine & Cruse Wine Co
Sparkling wine is trending at the moment and no brand best embodies the trend more than cult California sparkling wine producer Ultramarine.
93
March 30, 2022
Crafting a Brand for Millennials w/ Ben Matthews, Terratorium Wines
Hear about how Terratorium is creating brand alignment with its Millennial customers.
88
Feb. 16, 2022
Crafting Wines for Consumers w/ Nicholas Hammeken, Hammeken Cellars
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
86
Feb. 2, 2022
Making Wine Approachable w/ Mark Warren & Tom Beaton, FitVine
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