In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Zack Musick, Director of Education for the German Wine Collection. Zack delves into his journey from a budding sommelier in Laguna Beach to a pivotal figure in promoting German wines in the U.S. He shares his unique insights into the diversity and complexity of German wines beyond the typical sweet Riesling, advocating for a broader appreciation of Germany's wine offerings including dry wines, Pinot Blanc, and the emerging...

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso engages with Jeff Meisel, VP and General Manager of DTC Wine and Spirits at Constellation Brands. Jeff shares his journey from the restaurant industry into the vanguard of direct-to-consumer strategies in wine and spirits, offering a glimpse into the innovative approaches reshaping how brands connect with consumers.Here's what you'll learn:Insights into the evolution of direct-to-consumer strategies within established alcohol bra...

Join host Brandon Amoroso as he delves into the fascinating world of the alcohol industry with Michael Cella, a seasoned expert in consumer investment banking. In this episode, Cella shares valuable insights into the macroeconomic landscape of wineries and alcohol, challenging prevailing narratives with a contrarian perspective. From the impact of COVID on online alcohol sales to the rise of experiential retail, Michael and Brandon explore the trends shaping the industry's future. With a focu...

In this episode of the Drinks.com podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Jota Tanaka, the master blender of Fuji Whisky. They delve into Tanaka's remarkable journey from brewing and winemaking in California and Kentucky to his role at Fuji Gotemba Distillery. Jota shares his insights into whiskey blending, market trends, and the impact of global demand on Japanese whiskey. He also discusses the delicate balance between tradition and innovation while introducing the special 50th-anniversary...

Step into the world of wine innovation with host Brandon Amoroso and special guest Johan Eide, the mastermind behind Region and Sampl. Together, they unravel the complexities of wine production, the power of direct-to-consumer sales, and the future of tasting room experiences. Join them as they uncork the secrets to authentic wine engagement and toast to a future where tradition meets innovation.Topic timestamps:👨‍💼 Introduction to Johan Eide's Background (00:00:00)📜 Transition from Law to Wi...

Join Brandon Amoroso as he explores the dynamic world of online alcohol sales with Philip James, the visionary founder of Firstleaf, on The DRINKS.com Podcast. Delve into Philip's journey from the UK to pioneering the digital wine industry in the US, and uncover the innovative approach of Firstleaf in personalized wine recommendations. From discussing wine production intricacies to navigating the challenges of brand loyalty and the impact of the pandemic on the industry, Brandon and Philip of...

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Joe Fisch, the CEO of Wine Access, a premier platform for expertly curated wines. Joe shares his journey from working in retail and consumer-focused roles, including Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and TWC, to his passion for e-commerce, retail, and wine, leading him to Wine Access. Wine Access, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform renowned for sourcing the world's finest wines, offers not only exceptional wines but...

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso chats with Brian Rosen, Chairman of Growth Beverage,  whose rich background as a scion of Chicago's first post-Prohibition liquor license holders sets the stage for an enlightening discussion. Discover the keys to success in this competitive landscape, from sustainable business models to the role of e-commerce. Plus, learn Brian's investment criteria, emphasizing financial acumen and receptive leadership. Through this...

In this episode, Brandon sits down with Quinton Jay, the founder and managing director of Bacchus Consulting Group and a seasoned expert in the beverage alcohol industry. Throughout their conversation, Quinton Jay shares a wealth of insights and experiences, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in the wine industry. Together, they delve into a wide range of topics, including the evolving consumer trends impacting the wine industry, the profound influence of...

Kristin Olszewski is the visionary founder and CEO of Nomadica Wines. Kristin's journey from being a sommelier to becoming an entrepreneur in the wine industry is not only inspiring but also a testament to her unwavering passion for wine and her mission to redefine how we perceive and enjoy it. Throughout the episode, Kristin shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the world of wine. From the inception of Nomadica Wines to navigating the tumultuous waters of the COVID-19...

Michael Bowen is co-founder and COO of Speakeasy, the platform that's revolutionizing the world of online alcohol and e-commerce. He shares his journey, from working with digital first companies to e-commerce startups, and how his passion birthed Speakeasy. Learn about how his move to Shopify entirely transformed their business, allowing them to manage a staggering 300+ brands more effectively and enable these brands to tell their own story. We unravel how challenging the 'old guard' can...

We sit down with acclaimed Michelin-starred chef and industry legend, Geoffrey Zakarian. Geoffrey invites us into his fascinating world, sharing business insights, entertaining anecdotes, and a wealth of knowledge from his years at the Food Network and managing his own restaurant empire. You'll also get to hear about his love for wine and cocktails, and how they add that touch of magic to any dining experience. We'll transport you to the charming and simplistic dining scenes of Italy and...

E-commerce and alcohol is intersecting and Blake Moore, Director of E-Com at RNDC and our guest for this episode, is here to demystify the complexities around that. Blake brings his unique understanding of the traditional three-tier system and the role of marketplaces like Instacart to the table, emphasizing on the absolute necessity of having a hefty budget for investing in the right channels. He also shares RNDC's e-commerce strategies during the trying times of the pandemic and their plans...

Let’s explore the journey of a wine bottle - from a vineyard to your table. Joe Megibow, the mastermind behind Bright Cellars, shows us the way. Raised in the company of wine, Joe sought to disrupt the exclusivity of the industry and make it accessible to the younger generation. His data-driven approach analyzes customer preferences, from their favorite type of coffee to sweets, and curates wines that match these tastes. The wine industry has its fair share of challenges, but Joe believes...

Dive into the world of beverage alcohol branding and market innovation with our latest episode, featuring the industry trailblazer, Guillaume Cuvelier. As the driving force behind powerhouse brands like Svedka, Aviation Gin, and Davos Brands—and co-owner of Cuvelier Los Andes—Guillaume’s contributions to the world of alcohol are nothing short of iconic. Hosted by Brandon Amoroso, founder and President of Electriq, this episode is a deep dive into Guillaume's illustrious journey. He shares the...

Technology and wine are well on the way toward an entirely new era.  The DRINKS.com Podcast launches with an in-depth chat with our esteemed guest, Jessica Kogan, the Chief Growth and Experience Officer of Vintage Wine Estates and the founder of Cameron Hughes Wine. Jessica is at the forefront of blending tech with tradition, leveraging AI and other technologies to better connect with customers. From the vineyards to the glass, the journey of wine is changing dramatically. The heavily...