S3E16 Cori Omundson | How Rising Wines Expands Access to Great Wine: Rising Wines Collective · DARE summary

Key takeaways

Rising Wines Collective champions small production winemakers, providing them a platform to reach consumers directly.
The wine industry is highly competitive, with small producers struggling to find shelf space against large distributors.
Small production wines offer unique flavors and experiences that differ significantly from mass-produced wines.
Changing consumer preferences, especially among younger drinkers, create an opportunity for the wine industry to evolve and adapt.
Building relationships with consumers through engaging experiences can help maintain a strong connection to winemakers.

Summary

Introducing Corey Omundson and Rising Wines Collective

In this episode, we meet Corey Omundson, founder of Rising Wines Collective, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce marketplace dedicated to selling wines from small production wineries. With a wealth of experience in business and marketing, Corey shares her passion for wine and how she saw an opportunity to connect consumers with these small producers, particularly during the pandemic. Rising Wines Collective has onboarded 30 winemakers and offers unique wine clubs focusing on wines from Washington, Oregon, and California.

The Wine Industry Landscape

Corey discusses the dynamics of the wine industry, particularly the challenges small producers face in getting their wines to market. Unlike the major mass-market producers that dominate shelf space, small wineries often struggle with limited budgets and resources. Corey elaborates on how Rising Wines Collective aims to fill this gap by providing these small producers a platform to reach consumers and establish a connection beyond the tasting room.

The Unique Value of Small Production Wines

The conversation dives into the artistry and uniqueness of small production wines, with Corey emphasizing their superior quality and distinctiveness. Small producers often have the freedom to be innovative, leading to products that reflect their unique terroir and personal styles. Corey encourages consumers to explore these wines as they provide not just a drink but an entire experience tied to the craft of winemaking.

Adapting to Consumer Preferences

Corey addresses changing consumer behaviors, particularly among younger demographics who are turning to new beverage options like ready-to-drink products and non-alcoholic wines. She shares insights from research that show these changes don’t eliminate the desire for wine but rather create opportunities for diversity in consumption choices. Rising Wines Collective aims to play a role in bridging the gap and promoting wine consumption.

Building Relationships with Consumers and Winemakers

To foster a connection between consumers and winemakers, Rising Wines Collective not only sells wine but also enhances the consumer experience via their wine clubs, which include curated experiences such as music playlists and chef-recommended recipes. Corey believes that by engaging consumers in this way, they can maintain a relationship that keeps them coming back to both the wines and the wineries they love.

Show notes

Cori Omundson is the Founder, CEO and chief Winemaker at Rising Wines Collective -- an innovative company that is opening the doors to quality small-production wines you might only find by traveling to wine country. Rising Wines gives access to wines all over the country for any consumer.

S3E16 Cori Omundson | How Rising Wines Expands Access to Great Wine: Rising Wines Collective