In episode thirty-three of the Industry Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Chris Hoel, CEO and founder of Harper’s Club, a premier concierge wine advisory firm. Chris shares his journey from catching the wine bug in a Midwest poker game to working at The French Laundry and ultimately curating world-class wine collections for Hollywood elites and top-tier collectors. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of rare wines, the evolving wine industry, and what it takes to build a successful advisory business in Napa Valley.

Episode Highlights:

• From Poker to Premier Wine Curation: How a single sip of wine changed Chris’s life and set him on a path from finance to fine wine.
• The French Laundry Years: Inside stories from working at one of the most prestigious restaurants in the world and how attention to detail got him the job.
• Building Harper’s Club: How Chris carved out a niche advising A-list clients like Mark Wahlberg and Jimmy Butler on their personal wine collections.
• The Future of Wine Collecting: The challenges facing the wine industry today, from shifting consumer trends to the impact of global markets.
• Mastering the Art of Curation: Why Harper’s Club is more than a wine retailer—it’s a gateway to exclusive experiences, rare bottles, and bespoke service.

Chris’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, expertise, and navigating the intersection of luxury and hospitality. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, collector, or just curious about the hidden world of elite wine advisory, this episode is packed with fascinating insights.

This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, the go-to app for planning your Napa Valley experience. Follow @IndustryInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.