Today we’d like to introduce you to Salome Hopkins.
Hi Salome, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m from Chile. I have been in California for the last 15 years and the last ten years in the Wine industry. I’m a wine lover, and I have been studying the world of wines and worked on different roles in the industry, from a Sales rep (which I love selling) to National brand manager for a well-known winery from Chile and Argentina. Nowadays, I work as a consultant for a few wineries from South America. My personal project is Vino Es Vida, an online wine boutique, which represents the heritage of winemaking from Spain, Chile, Argentina, California, etc. Three years ago, I got all the licenses needed (import, wholesale, and off-sales) to operate as a wine trader; however, after trying the import business, I figured out that due to current status of the wine industry (lots of good wines available in the market), I didn’t have to bring more wines, instead take advantages of the oversupply and sell it online. Vino Es Vida is a new business, launched in September 1st, 2020 (pandemic time), the goals is to grow organically so I have been selling most of my wines local (free delivery in LA), and soon I’ll start expanding the business to the entire state and outstate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The wine industry (because it’s alcohol) is very complex, a few struggles getting the licenses (Federal and state), a male-dominated business, very competitive business, and too many cheap & mass production wines that are killing the core idea of winemaking production which is about passion and the region where the grapes are growing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I grew up in a very small town in Chile called Calama. I always wanted to travel to learn new cultures and languages. I got into the wine industry because I was looking for something that makes me happy to talk about, so I started to take classes about wines and traveling to as many wine regions as possible. In addition, I got a job (my dream job) to represent a winery from Chile and travel throughout USA. I learned so much about all different markets because each state has their own rules and preferences to deal with wines.
Any big plans?
I would like Vino Es Vida can grow organically to become well known for their good quality wines: behind each bottle of wine, there is a winemaker, wine region/winery, and passion to create the wine…..also, of wine suppliers from other countries to look forward to featuring their wines on the website.
Pricing:
- $ 15, you can get a nice wine at this price
- $ 20-30, Wines with more complex styles
- $ 50+ great wines for special occasion
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: vinoesvida.com
- Instagram: vino.es.vida
