When I decided to start my wine brand, I heard all the reasons why I shouldn’t. I wasn’t a wine expert. I didn’t have millions of dollars. And I certainly didn’t have connections to navigate the complex, saturated industry. But here I am today: a national wine brand owner, featured in major publications, and helping others build their own wine brands through my private label program.
If you’re dreaming of launching your own wine brand but feel overwhelmed, let me debunk the five biggest myths that almost stopped me—and might be stopping you too.
1. “It’s Too Regulated for a New Brand to Enter”
The wine industry is heavily regulated, and navigating the legal maze can feel overwhelming. I spent $3,000 on a consultant to help me get my licensing, only to realize I had to do the work myself. I spent countless hours researching and digesting the laws in my state. At one point, I was even teaching the consultant! It was exhausting, but it taught me that with the right information, navigating these regulations isn’t as scary as it seems.
🍷 Nicole’s Tip: Regulations are manageable when you know what to expect. My ebook "One Sip Away"
simplifies the process, breaking down what you need to know to get started with confidence.
2. “It’s Going to Take Millions to Launch a Wine Brand”
I used to think that owning land and a vineyard was the only way to enter the wine industry. So, I went through the lengthy and expensive process of becoming a licensed winery. Later, I discovered there are multiple ways to start a wine business without the massive expense of owning a vineyard. By partnering with vineyards and wineries to source grapes and create custom blends, I was able to scale my business while cutting costs significantly.
🍷 Nicole’s Tip: You don’t need to go it alone. My private label program offers an accessible way to create your wine brand, leveraging existing resources without the heavy investment.
3. “I Need to Be a Master in Winemaking to Start a Wine Brand”
When I entered the wine business, I was a complete novice. My knowledge came from winery tours and a love of wine, but I didn’t know the formal process or the language of the industry. I dove in, asked questions, and took the time to learn. I didn’t need a degree in winemaking to create the wine I wanted; I just needed to surround myself with people who knew the craft and were willing to collaborate.
🍷 Nicole’s Tip: You don’t need to be a winemaking expert—just be willing to learn. Your passion and vision will guide you, and you can lean on experts for the rest.
4. “Wine Shouldn’t Be Your First Business”
I didn’t have a history of entrepreneurship when I launched my wine brand. I wasn’t a business mogul or someone with a portfolio of successful ventures. I was simply passionate about creating something meaningful. Through trial and error, I built a sustainable brand that has not only grown but thrived.
🍷 Nicole’s Tip: Everyone starts somewhere. Don’t let the idea of needing prior experience hold you back. A solid plan and a clear vision can take you further than you think.
5. “It’s Too Saturated for Me to Get Into the Game”
The wine industry is crowded—no doubt about it. But then I thought about Rihanna. She entered the beauty industry, a market saturated with legacy brands, and created something authentic and unique. Watching her fearlessly launch Fenty Beauty inspired me to dive into the wine world. I realized that by telling my story and connecting with my audience, I could carve out a space for my brand, no matter how crowded the industry seemed.
🍷 Nicole’s Tip: Don’t let competition scare you. Authenticity and a clear vision will help you stand out in any market.
Final Thoughts
These myths almost stopped me, but they also taught me invaluable lessons that I now share with others. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate regulations, manage costs, and find your place in a crowded industry. That’s why I’ve created resources to make the process easier for aspiring wine brand owners.
I wrote my ebook "One Sip at a Time" to be the guide I wish I had when I started—so you don’t have to break through these myths and figure it out the hard way. Whether you’re just dreaming about starting your wine brand or you’re ready to take action, you don’t have to do it alone. Let my journey be your starting point. Let’s make it happen.