Meet Cristina Gonzales of Gonzales Wine CO

Girls Gone Grape

2019 / OCTOBER

SIP ON LIFE

Magazine

WOM EN, WINE, A DVENTURES &

LIFESTYLE

| MEET CRISTINA GONZALES | THE WINE COMMANDMENTSA DINNER WITH ZINKE WINES | RECIPES, WINE TIPS & MORE

PORTLAND, OR

MENDOZA | MALBEC | MOTHERHOOD|

Meet Cristina Gonzales of Gonzales Wine Company in Portland, OR

- whose passion for wine began while backpacking through South America in 2001 and landing in Mendoza, Argentina, the epicenter of South American Malbec. A perfect Malbec paired with an Argentinian steak was the spark that led her down the winemaking path that eventually led her to establishing her own wine brand.

Adventures working harvests in California, Oregon, Tasmania and Australia, along with working numerous roles at several wineries gave her the hands on experience to follow in her family's entrepreneur spirit to make a better life for herself and her son. This woman wants to live passionately, while encouraging everyone, especially women to believe in themselves and their dreams. She's a single mom. She's a winemaker. She's an entrepreneur. She's a Woman in Wine that we think you should get to know.

Here's Cristina's thoughts on Entrepreneurship ....

What was your inspiration for becoming an Entrepreneur and taking the twists and turns that

come along on this road?

Initially, I just really wanted to craft my own wine and see if I was any good at it! I had always had the desire to make a Malbec that was a homage to where my passion for wine came from which was Argentinian Malbec and something that was

different from the grape varietals that I had been working with. As time has gone on and I've gotten older/wiser, being an Entrepreneur has taken on a totally different meaning. Now, being an Entrepreneur means living a meaningful life where I decide my schedule and how to divide my time, while also pursuing my passion and producing a product that is made with intention and that I am proud to put out in the world.

How do you juggle personal life with business life?

This is something I still struggle with but as time goes on, I am learning that it's important to dedicate time everyday to attend to business matters and self-care. Creating a morning ritual/routine is what I'm working on now. I try to keep work to just weekdays but as a business owner, everyday is a work day. So, if that just means answering back some emails or getting a wine order prepped on the weekend, that's what I have to do to keep my business running. But I try to balance that out by doing something for myself

everyday whether it be walking my dog, watering my garden, or just eating 3 meals a day! Self-care isn't just bubble baths and pedicures, it's simply doing something for your well-being.

What sparked Gonzales Wine Company?

Gonzales Wine Company started pretty much the first year I made my own Malbec which was in 2009. It came out so damn good that I knew I could start my own wine brand. I've always been a very ambitious person, so immediately, I just began to talk to people who already had their own wine brand and began the process to create my own wine label. I really had a desire to make quality Malbec that was affordable and I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so it was just in my blood to start my own business!

What do you find is the most challenging for you in the wine business and where do you feel being a woman has its advantages

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in this business?

The most challenging thing that I find right now in the industry is that there are so many wine brands out there and how do I set myself apart from the thousands of other people making wine out there right now? The way that I am finding to do that, is to own my story of how I got into the wine industry and step into my power as a woman winemaker. This is also where I feel being a woman has it's advantages in the industry right now. Women have always been an integral part of this industry from day one but now we are getting the recognition that is long overdue and we now have a women's movement within the industry where women are empowering each other and working together to create change and equality within the industry. It's a great time to be a woman in wine!

You wanted your business to give back and have chosen Girls Inc. to partner with...can you share why this organization speaks to you and how your wines play a role?

There are so many great things about this organization that I love! The biggest thing that speaks to me is that they teach girls to value themselves and develop their strengths. I think this is something that many women struggle with; our own self-worth and value. Honoring self-worth and building on their strengths gives these girls the power and confidence to pursue science-based careers and roles in leadership and we need to see more women in these roles. 5% of the profit from every bottle of my 2015 Cedar Lane Vineyard Syrah goes to support Girls, Inc.

What books, magazines or podcasts are cur rently inspir ing you?

Right now, I'm reading The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks. I love poetry and his words and wisdom speak to me on some many different levels and have helped me understand my own heart and mind. I'm a huge foodie, so Bon Appetit is my "go-to" magazine that inspires me to make new dishes and gives me new ideas for food and wine pairings. There are so many good podcasts out here! Right now, I subscribe to Wine for Normal People. Tara Brach, Strong Babe Collective, TED Radio Hour and Inside Winemaking.

How important do you feel social media is in today' s business plan?

Social media has played a huge role in my business in the last 2 years. My business has grown exponentially due to my presence on social media and I am really grateful for that. That being said, it's also a matter of balance. Social media can be a serious time-suck and like anything, needs moderation but I do believe that businesses need to have a social media platform to engage new customers, especially those of younger generations.

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of this journey that you had to discover the har d way?

Never let anyone control your money. Never be afraid to ask questions when it comes to finances. You always have a right to know how your money is being used and for what.

What is the most challenging for you as a business owner and what resources, if any, do you use to help with those challenges?

The most challenging thing for me right now is being able to find the time to go out and make sales calls. I juggle three jobs and have a 5 year old. So between all of that, it doesn't leave me much time to get out and "hit the pavement". I'm lucky enough to have a wine broker in Southern California who represents my brand and I do have an online store on my website but that's not enough, like any business, you need to keep moving your product. So now, I'm looking into other resources available online and associations that focus on

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small producers that I have recently been introduced to and will be utilizing. Many times, it comes down to talking to other producers and sharing ideas and resources.

Give us a golden nugget of something you believe every woman should know when she takes a leap into her passions to design her life, on her ter ms?

If it makes you feel a little nervous or scared, you're on the right path! DO IT!!

Where do you find the most support as a women Entrepreneur and the energy it takes to wear so many hats?

I belong to a networking group called the MOB Nation, Mom-Owned Businesses. This organization has been a god-send for me! They have networking events once a month in numerous locations around my area and now, on a national level. Going to these meetups and seeing other women business owners doing the same thing I am and having success is always really motivating and inspiring to keep me on the path of pursuing my passions and the leading the life I want to lead.

What's your favorite wine and food pairing today, without thinking about it? The first thing that pops into your mind?

Ribeye and Malbec!

Where do you see yourself and Gonzales Wine Company in say, the next five years? In 5 years I will be producing 1500-2000 cases annually where the business is sustaining itself comfortably and I am able to pay myself an income that provides for my son and I.

What is your favorite part in the wine making process, the part that really speaks to your soul?

Being in the vineyard hands down! Going out to the vineyard in the

morning when the air is still crisp, there's dew in the grass and the vines are still is a very spiritual experience and truly makes me grateful for the career path I have chosen and the life I have been given.

Find our more about Gonazales Wine CO, Cristina and her wines over at www.gonazaleswineco.com

IG -@gonzaleswinecompanyFB - Gonzales Wine Company

Tell them GGG sent you her way!

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