Everyday Wine with Kris Levy

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, a Russian vodka, and cognac producer. 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. currently, He is 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] Nest Vodka Becomes Trending Beverage in Kansas City NEFT is a Russian-owned, Austrian-based vodka brand. 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 kris@krislevy.comwith 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 Website: www.neftvodka.com Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “It’s a misconception that all vodka can be made from whatever and taste the same. It's, it's wildly untrue. Just like anything else in the world, any other beverage, alcohol, your base grain affects your output, your final product” - Erik Chapman

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Mara Smith! Mara is a former attorney, corporate strategist, and stay-at-home mom who is the founder of Inspiro Tequila. She started drinking tequila when she was looking for a clean, gluten-free spirit that fit into her active lifestyle. Mara searched for a tequila brand that was additive-free with a look, taste, and aroma that appealed to her. That perfect tequila did not exist, so she decided to create one. Mara's goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, it was also to bring another female voice to the spirits industry.  Women are a part of every aspect of Inspiro Tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves. As a female founder, Mara's mission is to inspire and support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys through financial support and mentoring.  [00:01 - 15:41] Mara’s Journey and Goals, Bringing Empowerment to Women  Mara’s goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, but also to bring another female voice to the spirits industry. Women are a part of every aspect of Spirit tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves. As a female founder, Mara's Mission is to inspire and support other women The challenges of starting a tequila company, include finding distilleries and finding a master distiller. The unique flavor profile of Inspiro Blanco tequila is rested in oak barrels and aged for a minimum of 30 days. [15:41 - 23:06] A Fresh Look from A Design Perspective from Labels to Bottle designs  The name Inspiro came about after hemming and hawing the moment it came to her she knew she wanted to name it that way The brand story is just her story and wasn't developed by a team There are three customer groups: distributors, retailers, and end-users Getting started can be overwhelming, so it's important to do research and have a plan You have to be strategic when entering new markets and one market at a time" [23:10 – 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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Favorite Spirit or Cocktail  Tequila Soda Favorite go-to pairing Sushi & Tequila Chips and Guacamole Tequila Resource Tequilamatchmaker.com Tequila Aficionado Podcast Connect with Mara Smith Instagram:@inspirotequilaFacebook: www.facebook.com/inspirotequila LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/inspiro-tequilaPinterest: www.pinterest.ph/inspirotequila Or visit their website at https://inspirotequila.com Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “It's just about trying to help other women,  as they get started. So we provide grants and mentoring and that’s the part that is really fun for me.” - Mara Smith “I really wanted something, even from the bottle design. It's super sleek and sophisticated. It looks very different than a standard tequila bottle." - Mara Smith

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Jack Espy! Jack Espy. Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Santa Barbara, Jack currently splits his time between Nashville and NYC.  He has a real estate finance background, but amidst a global pandemic, a few too many homemade quarantine cocktails became sticky - literally! - situation. He came out of quarantine with an idea inspired by many nights concocting honey-based drinks for “Hive,” and embarked on a new career as the founder of Spirited Hive. Sparked by a desire to not return to the world of finance, Jack poured his energy and life savings into creating a new line of canned cocktails, all sweetened with a bit of honey. Let’s dive into his story! [00:33 - 07:33] Spirited Hive Founder Shares Tips for Crafting Unique Spirits Spirited Hive was created as a way to use higher-quality spirits and organic sweeteners, and Jack differentiated his brand by focusing on friends and creating drinks for friends. Spirited Hive currently offers vodka, cranberry lime, ginger tequila, watermelon, blueberry lemon, and grapefruit ginger. [07:33 - 15:28] Hive Spirits Makes a Mark in Nashville Hive uses high-quality spirits, honey, and other ingredients to create unique cocktails. The brand has faced challenges in getting its products into stores due to the competitive nature of the industry. To overcome these challenges, Hive has developed strong relationships with retailers. [15:29 - 22:20]  Spirited Hive's top seller The natural soccer club is a brand that specializes in creating and selling alcoholic drinks inspired by soccer. The first product released was a vodka infused with cranberry, lime, honey, and natural flavor. Since then, the company has released other alcoholic drinks including tequila ginger, bourbon ginger, and honeydew ginger. All products are 7% alcohol by volume. [22:20 - 29:09] Hive Craft Cocktails: Nashville's Best-Kept Secret Hive Craft Cocktails come in four flavors: bourbon, rosemary, gin, and vodka. The Nashville market was targeted because people there are already familiar with high-quality spirits and are willing to spend more money on them. Be sure to have a good brand story and target a demographic that is interested in your product. [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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Favorite Cocktail Mexican Meal Favorite go-to pairing Merlot and Rib-eye Wine Resource Can Cocktails Reserve Bar Connect with Jack Espy Instagram: @spiritedhive Website: www.spiritedhive.com Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this in your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: "I always go back to the sense that this drink and this whole brand was built with friends and for friends." - Jack Espy

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today let me introduce you to Jesse and Aaron Inman, Owners and Winemakers at Lucky Rock Wine Co. Jesse Inman had what one might euphemistically refer to as humble beginnings. After wandering around California and Europe in search of inspiration outside of art and drinking, he joined August Briggs Winery in 2006. After nearly 16 years of making wine for several different brands, including a few of his own. Aaron Inman was introduced to Sonoma County when he visited his winemaker uncle in Calistoga, Napa Valley. During his visits, he realized he would move to Santa Rosa and attend the Junior College there during his teenage years.He became passionate about winemaking and considered pursuing an enology degree at UC Davis or Fresno State. Instead, he enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College. Jesse and Aaron have decided to make great wines with an emphasis on inclusivity rather than exclusivity. In other words, making wine less intimidating while providing a product that people can support is the driving force behind Lucky Rock Wine Co. Let’s dive into their wine story! [00:01 – 7:22] Opening Segment Aaron and Jesse shares their wine origin story Catching the winemaking bug and starting a winemaking company [7:23– 17:13] The Origins of Lucky Rock Wine Co. Creating a specialized brand that caters to high-end wine enthusiasts Rebranding the business to reflect what personal mission and goals Knowing why you are different and what make you unique  [17:14 – 40:18] Our Wines Show Our Uniqueness Maintaining quantity of sales without sacrificing the quality of the wine  Discovering vineyards that are the gems in the rough Customers might feel more connected to what they're buying if they know the vineyard and wine's history Wine is supposed to make people happy as they drink it  Be clear in your marketing and message so customers understand why they should buy your product [40:19 – 42:59] 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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Favorite Wine Sauvignon blanc Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly Gamay  Favorite go-to pairing Gumbo with a good Pinot Napa with steak and ribeye Wine Resource Wine Seminars Self learning through wine magazines and other resources  Connect with Jesse and Aaron Instagram: @luckyrockwineco, @messybob Youtube: Lucky Rock Wine Lounge Website: https://luckyrockwineco.com/ Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram!  JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “My advice to people is make sure you know why you're different.” - Aaron Inman “It's not supposed to be the most sophisticated wine in the world. it's meant to make people happy while they're enjoying it.” - Jesse Inman

Kris Levy is speaking with Leto Cellars’ co-founder and operator Lisa Warner about her wine marketing and sales career. Warner has over three decades of experience in the wine industry, working for self-producers as well as Leto Cellars, which she and her husband Brad founded in 2008. While not every aspect of their business is perfect, Warner and her team are still working toward creating a unique wine experience that will attract their ideal customers. [00:34 - 08:35] Opening Segment Lisa Warner is a co-founder of Leto Cellars and has been in the wine industry for over 30 years. She started out as an administrative assistant at Robert Mondavi Winery and then switched to marketing and sales. In 2008, she and her husband Brad launched Leto Cellars, a self-produced wine brand. In 2012, they rebranded the company. [08:37 - 17:15] Lisa Shares Tips for Selling Wine Lisa took a wine entrepreneurship program at Sonoma State. Lisa learned to create customers, she needed to first be their friend. Lisa started working in a cellar for a few years to learn more about wine production and how to sell it. [17:15 - 35:16] Lisa Discusses Sourcing The winery's core values are that they don't grow grapes, but they want to buy grapes from small, independent growers and support other families in the valley that mirror their values. They source grapes from Sonoma County, Mendocino County, and Lodi, California. They are open to sourcing wine from outside of Napa because of where they are located in the industrial park. [35:16 - 37:31] Closing Segment Tasting Round with Lisa Connect with Lisa: Instagram: @letocellars Website: letocellars.com Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast with someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this with your stories, and tag me on Instagram!  JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month from up-and-coming wineries, winemaker-owned brands, and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: " I think a lot of people take for granted ... how long it takes to make a bottle of wine" - Kris Levy " You can make wine all day, but then you have to figure out how you're gonna sell it." - Lisa Warner "The dream is still alive. It's just going to be more focused going forward." - Lisa Warner

Eric Flanagan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Russian River Partners, as well as owner/founder and proprietor for Flanagan Wines.  In this episode, Eric shares his experience on how he grew his wine business.  Let’s dive into his wine story! [00:01 – 16:40] Opening Segment Leaving a career in finance to make a winery business Eric compares small wineries with horse racing Growing by putting out more money The Key is to Not Make Any Mistakes [16:41 – 27:09] Buying and Selling Vineyards with Wine Investment Groups This is going to be a really good deal! How to Create Productive Vineyards Bringing in People to the Plan [27:10 – 42:35] Quality Vineyards and Wineries Eric is lucky with his friends who have contributed to his business growth Building an exclusive use of grapes Evan compares wine to real estate Know your vineyard and create relationships [42:36 – 51:04] 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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Eric takes on the rapid-fire questions with a twist Connect with Eric Website: flanaganwines.com Email: eric@flanaganwines.com Instagram: instagram.com/flanaganwines Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “When you’re in touch with a lot of people, you get pretty wired in with what is really going on.” – Eric Flanagan “If you have the thing that is the best of the best, the demand for that is very solid and stable.” – Eric Flanagan “Building a wine brand is very hard.” – Eric Flanagan

Following a two-year term as the 40th PGA President, Paul K. Levy was named PGA Honorary President at the 2018 PGA Annual Meeting. Previously, he also served two-year terms each as PGA Vice President and PGA Secretary. As PGA President, Levy was influential in the decision to relocate the PGA Headquarters to Frisco, Texas, and spearheaded growing the employment consultant arm of PGA of America‘s Career Services and executive search. The $550 million PGA Frisco development will bring 26 PGA of America championships, approximately 150 jobs and a new Northern Texas PGA Section Headquarters. Let’s dive into his wine story! [00:01 – 06:45] Opening Segment Let’s welcome my dad, Paul Levy, to the show! How Paul got into golf, food, and beverage Holistic Golf and Country Club Experience Paul’s Wine Origin Story [06:46 – 14:03] Golf, Wine, and a Shared Passion between Father and Son How to Sell Wine at a Club Finding talent for the food and beverage team Educating the staff and members of a country club on wine [14:04 – 21:13] Professional Advice for Country Clubs A piece of advice for the new country clubs Wine training and tasting country club staff The Need for Great Managers in the Golf Industry [21:14 – 25:43] 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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Favorite Wine Cabernet Favorite go-to pairing Cabernet and charcuterie Wine Resource The internet Club Manager Association of America Connect with Paul Email: paul@kkandw.com Website: https://kkandw.com/ Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “Golf courses have to always keep in mind that every part of food and beverage is part of the experience.” – Paul Levy “At the end of the day, the golf industry is really in need of top-of-the-line general managers.” – Paul Levy

Jane Khoury obtained her Bachelors of Science in Viticulture and Enology from the renowned University of California, Davis. She continued on to earn her Masters of Business Administration in Wine Business from Sonoma State University. Jane not stopping there, went on to critique her craft and acquire experience by working under masterful California winemakers. Her aspirations led her overseas to learn beside legendary French winemakers in the French wine regions of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Jane continues to push the winemaking boundaries and regenerative agriculture while also being an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse. Let’s dive into her wine story! [00:01 – 12:12] Opening Segment Born and raised in the vineyard in Minnesota County Jane tells her story of leaving UC Davies for wine What Brings Minnesota County Apart: Every type of grape grows here! Jane Khoury, Registered Nurse and Winemaker [12:13 – 30:31] Breaking down Biodynamic, Organic, and Sustainable Wines It takes a lot of balance and coordination as a winemaker and registered nurse at the same time Jane’s father started Elkfield Wines in the 1990s by creating sacrificial wine Continuing the sustainable practice of Elkfield and adding biodynamic and organic ways Biodynamic is its own ecosystem Making Wine that is Healthy for You Elkfield Wine’s 2022 Plans [30:32 – 34:58] 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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Favorite Wine Solstice Favorite go-to pairing Duck and Pinot Wine Resource Travelling to other countries Connect with Jane Twitter and Instagram:@elkfieldwines Website: www.elkfieldwines.com Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “When you’re doing you’re passionate about it doesn’t really seem like another job.” – Jane Khoury “Not all wine is healthy for you.” – Jane Khoury

Albert Dahan is currently seizing the beverage market with a totally unique brand of off dry rosé wines, crafted from an old family recipe. Before Maison Marcel, Albert caught the entrepreneurial bug with his first company, American College USA. It was a stylish venture looking to revamp bulky sports jackets for a fashionable crowd. The brand was featured in every major fashion and lifestyle magazine, and Bradley Cooper even accepted an MTV Movie Award in his favorite American College bomber. Soon though, the success of American College USA catapulted him into life as a CEO. Now between New York and Paris, Albert is focused on brand management, product development, customer engagement, and strategic partnerships. Let’s dive into his wine story! [00:01 – 09:56] Opening Segment Albert’s Wine and Company Origin Story Originally, from the music industry before exploring the world of wine Passion has always been the leading force in everything he has started [09:57 – 17:16]  Blending Wines, Notes, and Aromas How Albert Applied His Past Lessons to His Own Company The Power of Marketing: Product First Persistence, the most important characteristic you need as an entrepreneur What’s Missing with Wine Profiles [17:17 – 32:43] Tastings of Wine Rosé in the Summer Albert took 2 years to find his perfect winemaker The Wine World is Tough [32:44 – 35:08] 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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Favorite Wine Château Cheval Blanc Favorite go-to pairing Chocolate cake Wine Resource VinePair WineFolio Connect with  Albert Instagram: @drinkmarcel Website: www.drinkmarcel.com Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “If the product is good enough and if you’re persistent, then the rest will follow.” – Albert Dahan

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Chuck McKahn, Owner and Winemaker at McKahn Family Cellars Chuck is a small town kid from Ripon in California's Central Valley.  He caught the wine bug very early at the age of 15 (supervised by his parents of course!) and after high school made his way to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Wine and Viticulture program.  In 2011 Chuck moved to the Napa Valley to work for Phillip Titus at Chappellet and has since moved onto winemaker posts at William Harrison and various smaller wine brands.  Chuck's family and he started McKahn Family Cellars in 2014 where he was fortunate enough to craft Rhone varietal wines, a personal passion of Chuck's. Chuck and his wife Brittany live in Napa and their favorite hobby is drinking Champagne. Let’s dive into his wine story! [00:01 – 10:11] Opening Segment Chuck shares his wine origin story Choosing Cal Poly because of its proximity to the beach, studying wine, and identifying his wine career path [10:12 – 16:49] McKahn Family Cellar’s Humble Beginnings Chuck’s Biggest Takeaway from Chappellet Know what you’re doing and know what you don’t know in a vineyard Blending Must-Knows Talking about wine more deeply and sharing the knowledge through starting McKahn Family Cellars [16:50 – 37:06] Building a Family Business while Crafting Rhone Varietals in Napa Valley Wine Evolutions at McKahn Family Cellars A Unique Charcuterie Aroma in Chuck’s Rhône WineVarieties The biggest challenge is because they are Rhône WineVarieties! Chuck talks about their wines [37:07 – 42:59] 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 kris@krislevy.comwith the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp Favorite Wine Sparkling wine Favorite go-to pairing Desert wine and something salty Sparkling wine and oysters Wine Resource The Wine Bible The Story of Wine Connect with Chuck Instagram: @mckahnfamilycellars, @chuck.mckahn.wine Website: mckahnfamilycellars.com Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at kris@krislevy.co. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! LEAVE A REVIEW + help us get the word out there! Share this podcast to someone who wants to join the wine conversations. Go ahead and take a screenshot, share this to your stories, and tag me on Instagram! JOIN THE CLUB through this link and handpick wines every month, from up and coming wineries, winemaker owned brands and wineries with unique stories while supporting those wineries directly. You can also join our Facebook Group to connect with other wine lovers, get special tips and tricks, and take your wine knowledge to a whole new level. Tweetable Quotes: “Knowing what you’re doing and knowing what you don’t know in a vineyard are so important.”  - Chuck McKahn “It takes time to be successful in the wine industry.”  - Chuck McKahn