The DRINKS Podcast: The Business of Online Alcohol

Andrew Kamphuis, President of Commerce7, joins us to explore the cutting edge of wine e-commerce and direct-to-consumer innovation. Andrew dives into how his platform transforms the digital wine buying experience—from seamless checkouts and AI-driven product recommendations to building deeper customer relationships through unified CRM systems. Discover the strategic shifts that are redefining how wineries engage with modern consumers and drive recurring revenue in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Here's what you'll learn:

🍷 How digital tools are transforming DTC strategies for wineries

🤖 The impact of AI and CRM on enhancing customer engagement

📈 Key tactics for scaling e-commerce in the regulated alcohol industry

Mores resources at Drinks.com

Join host Brandon Amoroso and industry expert Roger Scommegna as they dissect the technical underpinnings of modern wine import operations. This episode delves into how vertical integration and data-driven strategies are redefining supply chain resilience, market dynamics, and regulatory navigation in the wine industry. Discover the engineering excellence behind streamlined pricing, distribution, and inventory management that’s transforming the way wine reaches consumers.

Here's what you'll learn:

🔧 Vertical integration benefits & challenges

📊 Optimizing supply chains & inventory management

⚖️ Navigating market fluctuations & regulatory pressures

💡 Leveraging digital tools for pricing & distribution strategies

Mores resources at Drinks.com

Join host Brandon Amoroso as he converses with Patrick Roney, former founder and CEO of Vintage Wine Estates and Windsor Vineyards, to uncover the evolving landscape of the wine industry. Patrick shares his four-decade journey, the challenges of navigating a highly regulated market, and the pivotal role of direct-to-consumer strategies and technology in driving success. Discover how wineries can overcome distribution hurdles, leverage e-commerce, and embrace innovation to connect with today’s consumers.

Here's what you'll learn:

📈 DTC Strategies: Building direct consumer relationships.

📜 Regulation Navigation: Understanding the three-tier system.

🛒 E-Commerce Trends: Leveraging platforms like Shopify.

🤖 AI in Wine: Enhancing customer engagement.

📉 Distributor Challenges: Overcoming consolidation effects.

🍷 Wine Clubs: Maintaining customer relationships.

🎨 Label Innovation: Advancements in wine labeling.

🌍 Market Insights: Opportunities in the U.S. market.

Mores resources at Drinks.com

In this episode, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Gaetano Peragine, Founder and Managing Director of Straitalian Winemakers, to explore the intricate world of Italian wine. Gaetano shares his journey from the media industry to revolutionizing the wine business, tackling challenges like supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, and leveraging e-commerce and AI to connect with modern consumers. Discover how Straitalian Winemakers is bridging tradition with innovation to make Italian wines more accessible and approachable for a global audience.

Here's what you'll learn:

💡 Innovative approaches to engaging customers through farming experiences and brand loyalty

🛒 Challenges and opportunities in leveraging e-commerce tools in the Italian wine market

🤖 Potential applications of AI in enhancing customer education and personalized wine recommendations

📜 Navigating complex wine regulations and simplifying appellations for consumer understanding

🍷 Strategies to make wine more approachable for younger generations and non-traditional consumers

🌱 The role of biodynamic and natural wines in today's market and their niche growth

🌦️ Effects of climate and weather on wine production and pricing

Mores resources at Drinks.com

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso sits down with Joe Chura, founder and CEO of Go Brewing, to discuss his unconventional journey from automotive to alcohol. Joe shares insights from transitioning between industries, the importance of customer data in scaling new markets, and the unique challenges of the non-alcoholic beer industry.

Here's what you'll learn:

🚗 How Joe Chura applied his auto industry expertise to his brewing business.

🌐 The benefits of focusing on e-commerce before traditional retail for Go Brewing.

🍺 Joe's approach to ensuring high-quality non-alcoholic beer.

📊 The role of customer feedback and data in shaping Go Brewing’s products and marketing.

Mores resources at Drinks.com

In this episode of the Drinks.com podcast, host Brandon Amoroso chats with Mickael Alborghetti, founder and CEO of EthicDrinks. They delve into the evolving landscape of the wine industry, discussing the shift towards sustainable practices, organic production, and innovative packaging. Mickael shares his journey from vineyards in Burgundy to pioneering a wine brand that marries tradition with modern consumer needs, including transparency in wine labeling and the rise of non-alcoholic wines.

Buy: https://wineinsiders.com/collections/ethicdrinks

Here's what you'll learn:

🍇 The transition of the wine industry towards sustainability and innovation.

🌍 How consumer preferences are shifting towards organic and biodynamic wines.

🏷️ The impact of new regulations requiring more transparency in wine labeling.

🍷 The growing popularity of non-alcoholic wines and how they are made.

🚢 Mickael's unique approach to exporting wines sustainably via sailboat.

📦 The challenges and solutions in adapting wine packaging to modern standards.

Mores resources at Drinks.com

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, Brandon Amoroso and Justin Noland, VP of Digital Experience at Treasury Americas, discuss the transformative journey of the wine industry as it merges age-old traditions with cutting-edge digital experiences. The discussion spans innovative strategies reshaping how wine is marketed, sold, and enjoyed globally. They explore the pivotal role of digital tools in enhancing wine production, from vineyard management with AI to engaging consumers through augmented reality labels and more. Join us to uncover how tradition and technology blend to breathe new life into the wine industry, making each sip a testament to innovation.

Here's what you'll learn:

• How digital innovations are transforming traditional wine marketing.
• The impact of augmented reality and AI on wine production and sales.
• Strategies for engaging modern consumers in the wine industry.
• The role of digital tools in enhancing vineyard management.
• The benefits of merging technology with traditional wine-making practices.

Mores resources at Drinks.com

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.

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.

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.

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