Expert Talks

Custom crush has become an increasingly important part of the wine industry. Whether you’re a winery looking to scale without major capital investment or a facility considering opening your doors to new clients, navigating custom crush successfully requires strategy, clarity, and trust. Few people understand this better than Alison Crowe, Vice President of Winemaking at […]

In this episode of Expert Talks, we explore the evolving landscape of winery mergers and acquisitions (M&A) with Erik McLaughlin, Managing Partner at Metis. Whether you’re planning for the next generation, facing financial headwinds, or eyeing strategic growth, Erik breaks down what sellers and buyers really need to know to navigate a successful transaction. Why […]

Hot Takes & Hard Truths: Barrel Cleaning, TCA, and Smoke Taint Every winemaker knows that harvest is a sprint, but what happens between vintages can have just as much impact on wine quality. In part 2 of our recent Expert Talks episode, we sat down with a seasoned Napa winemaker, Jim Duane, to talk barrel […]

Managing Wine Faults and Small Winery Resources: Insights from Jim Duane In the world of winemaking, understanding common wine faults and efficiently managing a small winery’s resources are key components of a successful operation. In this episode, we gain insights from Jim Duane, a renowned expert with years of experience in the industry. Understanding Common […]

Bottling season is one of the most critical—and often stressful—times in wine production. Whether you’re managing a small or large winery, ensuring a smooth, error-free bottling run can save you from costly mistakes and inefficiencies. In our latest Expert Talks episode, we sat down with Melissa Hackett, owner of Wine Unfiltered Consulting, to discuss the […]

Financial literacy isn’t just for accountants and CFOs—it’s a crucial skill for professionals at all levels. Whether you’re just starting out in the wine industry or you’re a seasoned professional looking to deepen your understanding of the financial side of your winery, building financial knowledge can be a game-changer for your career. In this episode […]

Winery compliance is a cumbersome yet necessary part of running a winery and filing the TTB report is a critical component of it. If you don’t get it right, it can lead to legal headaches down the line. Luckily, Ann Reynolds, owner of Wine Compliance Alliance, joined Expert Talks to share her wisdom and help […]

When it comes to running a successful winery, the interplay between winemaking and accounting is crucial. Yet, these two worlds often feel like separate entities, speaking different languages. In a recent episode of Expert Talks, we sat down with Rachel Smith, owner and operator of Northwest Wine Accounting, to discuss how wineries can align their […]

How to Understand the Six Segments of DTC Customer Data In this episode of Expert Talks, Lauren Heindel sits down with Paul Leary, owner of Assemblage Strategy Group, to discuss a crucial topic for wineries looking to optimize their Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sales: understanding and leveraging customer data. The Importance of a Data-Driven DTC Strategy The […]

Wine Compliance 101 with Nicole Elizabeth Introduction In the wine industry, compliance is often an overlooked yet critical aspect of running a successful winery or brand. Whether you’re a winemaker launching your own label, a new winery owner, or a General Manager navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements, understanding compliance is essential for operational success. […]

Running a business without a dedicated HR manager can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Whether you’re a small winery on the verge of expansion or a flowing custom crush facility, having a solid HR foundation can make all the difference in keeping your team engaged, productive, and legally compliant. To help you navigate the […]

The financial side of running a winery is just as crucial as the winemaking itself. From grape costs to barrel depreciation, understanding cost accounting concepts can make or break your financial strategy. In this episode of Expert Talks, we sat down with Frances Spangler, CFO at Bricoleur Vineyards, for a deep dive into winery cost […]