Australian winemaker Brendan Carter's business was nearly obliterated overnight when Australia went into coronavirus lockdown.

Inspired by the unprecedented challenge, Brendan and his team adapted quickly and took their small beverage empire online with daily happy hours, "isolation 6 packs," and lighthearted junk food pairings.

In this episode, Brendan discusses:

• How his thriving business came to a grinding halt in the middle of harvest season
• How each of Unico Zelo’s products is inherently built to fight isolation and uphold cultural identity, and
• What he and his team have done to build a virtual community and maintain a sense of normalcy for people seeking to decompress after a day working from home — including trolling-turned-reality junk food wine pairings.

Brendan also shares invaluable advice for other businesses who are facing difficult times.

Links / Resources:

• Unico Zelo
• Applewood Distillery
• Isolation 6-Packs (US-based listeners can purchase wines through Winehouse)
• “Wine for the People” Daily Happy Hour via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch
• Specific episode referenced with Nikki Friedli

About Change of Plans:

Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.