Everyday Wine with Kris Levy

In today's episode, let me introduce you to Margaux Alvarez,Owner and Founder of Celeste by MA Fitness App & the G.O.A.T. wine.

She is a small Business Owner, Winemaker, Competitive Athlete (7xCF Games, American Ninja Warrior, Titan Games, Tactical Games) and Fitness Coach.

Let's dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 13:38] Margaux Alvarez on How Wine and Fitness Connect

• Margaux talks about her journey into wine and how it connects with fitness
• Margaux talks about the process of starting a business and licensing requirements for doing business in Utah
• Margaux shares her story of falling in love with wine and the agricultural process behind it

[13:39 – 26:40] Wine and Fitness: Balance is Key for CrossFit Games Competitor

• She has a personal philosophy of balance and how it is important to enjoy life's experiences, both in fitness and wine
• She has learned through her finished journey that if it's all or nothing mentality, it won't serve you the best
• She advocates for balance in her life by drinking wine every once in a while or every day, depending on her mood

[23:50 – 32:48] Five Unique Wine Labels That Tell Stories

• The five wines featured on the label are all unique and special in their own way, with different stories and messages that resonate with people
• The goal of the brand is to promote wine as a lifestyle choice, not just a drink for special occasions, and to connect with people on a personal level by telling their stories and sharing wine tastings

[32:49 – 42:05] Closing Segment

In today's episode, let me introduce you to Michael Juergens, founder of the Bhutan Wine Company.

He is a senior partner with a Big Four consulting firm, where he runs the Winery Solutions practice, overseeing the portfolio of services the firm provides to wineries. He is also a certified specialist in wine, a certified sommelier, and a Stage 2 candidate to become the 58th American to qualify as a Master of Wine. Michael has written a number of books on wine, and runs the wildly popular Drinking & Knowing Things wine blog. He is the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, and is leading the development of the wine industry in this magical Himalayan country. He owns the award winning SoCal Rum company, which was recently awarded the highest point score in history for any silver rum (95 points). Michael is also a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of CA, Irvine. Michael plays the drums in a punk rock band, and spends his free time running adventure races in exotic locations around the world, building.

Let's dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 10:15] Getting into the Winery Program

• The importance of two professional certification tracks
• Michael shares how he started wanting to learn more about winery
• How he convinces his firm to start a winery business, and be in charge

[10:16 – 23:49] Starting Side Projects on Winery

• Starting as a small sommelier
• Deciding to write wine novels
• Michael shares his experience on Bhutan and their wine culture

[23:50 – 35:40] Lessons Learned During Winery Business

• The Importance of the story of your wine business to resonate with you and your values
• Differentiating winery as business, art or as an assignment as the spectrum
• Aligning story against demographic as a scale with economic viability

[35:41 – 44:12] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Wine: Burgundy
• Favorite go-to pairings
• • Vintage champagne with steak
  • Sauternes with caviar
• Wine Resource
• • Drinking
  • Knowing things

Connect with Michael

In today's episode, let me introduce you to Mike Sinor, Founding Winemaker of Ancient Peaks Winery.

Raised in Visalia, California, Mike attended college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, where he financed his education by working at several local wineries— an experience that ignited his career in winemaking. As Ancient Peaks' founding winemaker, Mike was an integral force in the establishment of the winery. He came in as one of the Central Coast's highest-rated winemakers and immediately reinforced that reputation with Ancient Peaks' 2006 Zinfandel (93 points, Wine Spectator) and many wines thereafter. Today, Mike continues to direct the quality and style of Ancient Peaks wines, and he maintains a guiding hand in the winery's estate Margarita Vineyard.

Let's dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 09:45] Falling in Love with Winemaking

• Mike shares his wine origin story
• Not growing up with classic food or wine and ended up working for six small brand wineries
• How El Paso de Robles is a great place to be about wine - still the Wild West

[09:46 – 23:05] The Backstory of Ancient Peaks Winery

• The birth of Ancient Peaks Winery - at the right place and the right time
• Building connections to invite opportunities in the wine industry
• Mike explains the realities of the grower and winemaker processes

[23:06 – 28:26] Work Hard and Have an Open Mind

• Mike talks about their wines
• Dealing with extremes - adapting and overcoming
• Do not make excuses and dedicate yourself to your passion

[28:27 – 33:37] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Wine
• Favorite go-to pairing
• • Tri-tip with salsa and Ancient Peaks' Renegade
• Wine Resource
• • Internet
  • YouTube
  • Podcasts

Connect with Mike

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are joined by Michael Speakman!

Michael Speakman bought Westerly Wines five years ago and has not looked back. From crafting high-quality Pinot Noir to big Cabernets, Westerly Wines capitalizes on everything Santa Barbara offers. Let's dive into his story!

[00:31 - 07:27] Veteran-Owned Wineries Supporting Veterans

• Michael Speakman, owner, and winemaker of Westerly Wines and 13 Stripes Winery is a veteran and retired Navy seal.
• Mike has been working in the wine industry for five years and is passionate about supporting veteran initiatives.

[07:27 - 15:36] Winemaker creates unique wines for charity

• Westerly has been around for 25 years Mike and his wife are the fourth owners.
• The difference between inferior and superior wine and a high-quality farming
• Wine can be used for many purposes, such as raising money or promoting awareness for a cause.

[15:37 - 21:22] Releasing A Patriot Wine Called 13 Stripes

• Mike started 13 Stripes Winery in 2020, In January of 2022, he received a phone call from folds of honor asking if he would donate wine to an upcoming golf event He agreed and donated two cases of wine
• In May of that year, he was contacted by folds of honor again, this time to donate wine for an event in California.
• Since then, he's donated wine to Folds of Honor events in multiple states.
• He recommends documentaries and working with a winemaker who knows verbiage about winemaking

[21:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite go-to-wine
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Favorite go-to pairing
• Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
• Hamburgers and Red Blend
• Wine Resource
• Books
• And Documentaries

Connect with Mike Speakman

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Erik Chapman! Erik has extensive experience in distilled spirits and fermented beverages, spanning multiple tiers of the industry from production and design to policy and compliance. In his current role, Erik manages production and packaging — and is helping to usher in the next chapter of NEFT. He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands while maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients and final vodka, and unique custom packaging.

He joins NEFT from the craft world having worked as a distiller and brewer as well as a consultant for wineries and cideries. With over 15 years in the industry, he has created hundreds of unique and successful formulas for a range of brands including core SKUs and white-label options for major retailers such as Trader Joe's and Kroger.

He currently resides in his native Pacific Northwest with his family. He enjoys playing around with the beverage recipes — distilling and cocktails — in his free time.

Let's dive into his story

00:32 - 07:36] Eric Chapman on NEFTT Vodka and the Future of Craft Spirits

• Erik Chapman is the Chief Operating Officer of NEFT Vodka.
• He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands, maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients, and developing unique custom packaging.
• Chapman started his career in beverage alcohol on the on-premise side, owning and operating a craft cocktail bar in Seattle.
• He then sold the business after he started distilling and brewing.
• Erik add that He was distilling and brewing for Capitol Hill's Brewery & Distillery.

[07:36 - 15:00] Sustainable Vodka Made with Local and Mineral-Rich Ingredients

• That process starts with agriculture that process starts with a grain that is typically considered a peasant grain rye.
• Rye is different in Europe than it is in the US, and Erik has worked with both
• There are different grades of rye, and some can be used to make vodka.
• Erik likes sourcing things from dry-farmed. Here in the US that is called Salmon Safe certified.
• Organic farming doesn't make a huge difference to me on the land, but it does create better sustainability for workers and the community.

[15:00 - 23:04] Neft Vodka Becomes Trending Beverage in Kansas City

• It has been selling well in Europe and India but struggles to find a foothold in the United States.
• NEFT is trading up, encouraging customers to trade up from lower - quality vodka options.

[23:05 - 31:22] NEFT Spirits: Just, You Know, That Craft Spirit in There

• The Company is positioned as a premium spirit with a craft spirit feel, focusing on quality ingredients and filtration to produce a smooth, flavorful drink.
• NEFT produces a variety of spirits, including neutral ethanol burn vodka and gin.
• For those interested in learning more about spirits, NEFT recommends looking for local resources or taking classes offered by American Distilling Institute.

[29:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Cocktail
• It's seasonal - especially now that it's raining Erik loves, Apple Brandy.
• Favorite go-to pairing
• Duck a l'Orange and Gin Cocktails
• Wine Resource
• American Distilling Institute (ADI)
• Distilled Spirits Council the United States

Connect with Erik Chapman