Welcome to the Wine Talks Podcast! This episode truly blew my mind and had me rethinking everything I thought I knew about the wine industry. Host Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with the brilliant Barbara Gorder, president of Undisclosed Location (Unlo), to uncover the untold stories and fast-paced evolution happening in the world of wine and direct-to-consumer marketing.
First, I was absolutely stunned to hear that in just five years, the number of American wineries has shot up from 7,500 to over 11,000! Barbara Gorder points out that while everyone is talking about Gen Z drinkers or the rise of neo-prohibitionists, no one seems to be addressing the sheer explosion of competition in the market. What does this mean for wineries and consumers? How do small producers survive and stand out?
The conversation dives deep into the world of DTC (direct-to-consumer) wine sales. If you thought Amazon changed retail, prepare to be amazed by the way technology, creativity, and community are shaping the wine business today. Barbara Gorder shares her personal journey into wine, starting with a magical tasting experience in a 2,000-year-old Roman cave, and how that sense of history and personal connection is vital to selling wine in a digital age. She and Paul Kalemkiarian talk about the challenge of creating authentic experiences, even online, that make wines memorable.
What really intrigued me was the dialogue on marketing and collaboration. Barbara Gorder reveals that collaboration (especially among women!) is changing the game, breaking down the secrecy and gatekeeping that has defined wine for so long. Whether you’re a small winery owner making 150 cases or part of a giant portfolio, the actionable insights and real-world advice here will blow you away—like how understanding customer acquisition costs can be the difference between surviving and thriving.
Add to that their discussion about language—should wine be described with fruity notes, poetic metaphors, or popular catchphrases? How do we make wine accessible for everyone? You’ll hear examples that will make you laugh and think—like “lead pencil” vs. “clean wine”—and what it means for the next generation of wine lovers.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of food and drink, this episode is packed with eye-opening perspectives, market insights, and lively stories. Don’t miss out—hit play and prepare to be amazed!
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