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 German Chardonnay.

Here's what you'll learn:

• The evolution of German wines from sweet Rieslings to a diverse array of high-quality varieties.
• The challenges and strategies of introducing lesser-known German wines to the American market.
• The role of organic and biodynamic practices in producing superior wines.
• Techniques for educating sommeliers and consumers to broaden their wine preferences.
• The impact of online platforms and wine clubs in boosting the visibility and sales of German wines.

Topic timestamps
🎤 Introduction and Background of Zack Musick (00:00:09)
🛤️ Zack Musick's Career Journey (00:00:37)
🍇 Role and Vision of the German Wine Collection (00:03:35)
🚧 Challenges in Introducing Diverse German Wines to the U.S. Market (00:06:15)
💻 Importance of Online Sales and Digital Presence (00:11:04)
📚 Impact of Wine Education and Storytelling on Sales (00:09:27)
🎯 Strategic Targeting and Market Expansion (00:17:18)
🍷 Experiences with Wine Tastings and Industry Events (00:28:15)
🍾 Favorite Wine Memories and Personal Preferences (00:32:31)

Zack Musick
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-musick-9110521a/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

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 brands.
• How customer data platforms enhance personalized marketing and customer retention.
• The balance of online presence and physical customer engagement in the alcohol industry.
• Strategies for navigating regulatory challenges in the digital marketing of alcohol.

Topic timestamps
🎤 Introduction and Jeff's Background (00:00:27)
🍷 Jeff's Transition to the Alcohol Industry (00:02:10)
🌐 Challenges and Strategies in Online Alcohol Sales (00:05:11)
🛒 Adoption of Direct-to-Consumer Models (00:07:03)
💻 Integrating Technology and Customer Data (00:10:07)
🚧 Overcoming E-commerce Hurdles in Alcohol Sales (00:12:03)
🤝 Building Effective Customer Relationships and Marketing Strategies (00:14:20)
📈 Discussion on Business Strategy and Innovation (00:16:32)
🔮 Exploring the Future of Direct-to-Consumer in the Alcohol Industry (00:18:23)
📊 The Importance of Data and Consumer Insights (00:19:26)
🎯 Strategies for Customer Retention and Acquisition (00:20:44)
🔗 Integration Challenges with New Winery Acquisitions (00:24:18)
🔚 Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect with Jeff Meisel (00:37:16

Jeff Meisel
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymeisel/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

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 focus on resilience and innovation, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Join the conversation today to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of the alcohol industry.

Topic timestamps
🎙️ Introduction to Michael Cella and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (00:00:00)
🍷 The macroeconomic environment for wineries and the alcohol industry in 2024 (00:02:07)
📉 Mistakes made during the COVID boom in online alcohol sales (00:05:30)
🛒 Inventory challenges and supply chain issues in the alcohol industry (00:07:43)
📈 Valuations and market dynamics amidst the current challenges (00:08:35)
🌱 Shifts in consumer preferences, including the rise of experiential retail and non-alcoholic alternatives (00:09:24)
🌿 The impact of cannabis as a substitute for alcohol and its regulatory landscape (00:14:06)
🍹 The opportune timing for starting an alcohol business amidst market fluctuations (00:19:49)
🍾 The fun questions (00:22:17)

Mike Cella:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cella-54a49a2

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon