@MikeMadrigale

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome to #SommChat Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale ! Tell your friends to join us to learn from #Sommelier @mikemadrigale of @grandcuveewine!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We’d like to introduce you to @mikemadrigale of @grandecuveewine #SommChat !

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Hey Everybody!! Great to be back on #SommChat looking forward to talking wine and my new company @grandcuveewine!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We're about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to #Sommelier Michael Madrigale to say hello & so he knows you're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Don't forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: W so many participants lots of great Question's are asked! Even if u don’t ask one--give a Shout out to @keepercoll & @mikemadrigale to let us know you are here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #wine with @mikemadrigale about @grandecuveewine #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Michael Madrigale @mikemadrigale how did the idea of @grandcuveewine begin? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: It was just something that I wanted to do after leaving the restaurant business. Its applying what I learned in judging and tasting wines off the beaten path like I did for @BarBouludNY and doing it on an online dtc platform

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @mikemadrigale so excited to hear about @grandcuveewine, Can you explain how it works? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Sure as were just in beta mode right now, were sending offers a bit piecemeal at this moment. Eventually we'll be sending an offer every day--mostly of wines that I directly import which will be available......

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: ....for a 24 hour period. One offer a day, everyday #SommChat @grandecuveewine

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Question fr #SommChat Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale What is your first memory of #wine and why did you decide to be involved in the #wine world?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Nice question! My first memory of wine is going to a house party and being bored. There was a tableful of wines available for the guests and I parked myself there and tasted through all of them.#SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @grandecuveewine offers a new daily #wine, How do you choose these #wines and how many do you feature at one time? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: We feature 1 wine at time for a 24hr period. I choose the wines based on the dogma of "does it taste better than the price" If it does, it’s in #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @mikemadrigale Majority of your #wines on @grandecuveewine website are priced around $40, are you aiming to stay in this range or do you see this changing? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: I find the $29-$40 range is where you get the most value for dollar. Theres so much high quality wine at that price point--especially ones that are lesser known--that I find myself fishing from that pool very often. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat @mikemadrigale You have lead #wine #tours throughout #France. Can you tell more about the experience and what you learned through teaching others about #wine?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Yes for sure, I was a guide for @BUTTERFIELDTRAV for a few years and it was my passport to seeing all of the wine regions of France, there was always Burgundy and Bordeaux but also lesser traveled wine regions like the Dordogne and Provence. I was able to spend....#SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: ....weeks at a time in these regions and not only visiting the vineyards, drinking the wine and eating the local cuisine, but also getting a real feel for the individual culture of each region.. It was the greatest education #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @mikemadrigale do you limit the #wine regions that you select the #wines from for @grandecuveewine ? What are the major areas you have done so far? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Like Master P said, NO LIMIT. We are just launching so we've only offered wines so far from Northern Rhone, Friuli, Provence and the Jura. Burgundy is coming soon and Im also going to focus on under appreciated, High quality regions like Campania, Alsace, McLaren Vale, Ontario

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat @mikemadrigale can someone join an email list from @grandecuveewine to know when the #wines are featured? How quickly does 1 need to respond to have chance to buy?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Yes you can sign up at grandecuveewine.com. Most of the wines are limited so the quicker you pul the trigger the better. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat @mikemadrigale How many people work @grandecuveewine?do you outsource your shipping and do you ship to all states? Is there a min bottle order per offer?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Its pretty much just me and my partner doing this right now....CRAZY. We are shipping to wherever FedEx, UPS, etc allows us. Each wine is usually based on 3-6 bottles. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@mikemadrigale You were head #Sommelierelier at @BarBouldNY for over 9 years and managed a #cellar with over 500 selections. What was your biggest take-a-way from that job? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: My biggest takeaway was tasting 100 wines a day, everyday for almost 10 years. I figured out that I dont need someone to tell me whats good, through those "10,000 hours" I can do it on my own before the curve catches up. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@mikemadrigale You were head #Sommelierelier at @BarBouldNY for over 9 years and managed a #cellar with over 500 selections. What was your biggest take-a-way from that job? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: My biggest takeaway was tasting 100 wines a day, everyday for almost 10 years. I figured out that I dont need someone to tell me whats good, through those "10,000 hours" I can do it on my own before the curve catches up. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Sommelier •@mikemadrigale heard U were awarded @beardfoundation Finalist 4 America’s Best Blind Palate. Where did U learn how to blind taste? Do you still practice blind tasting? Any tricks? Do you blind taste for #wine selection @grandecuveewine

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: The beard finalist nomination was for Americas Best Wine Program, the Best Blind Palate was during the NY Food&Wine Festival. I’ve never taken a wine class in my life. Ive just had a knack for it. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat @mikemadrigale #Sommelier can you share any surprises good or not so good @mikemadrigale in starting @grandecuveewine ?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Starting a business is so difficult, you have to be a self starter and do your best to squirrel money away until you get into the black. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@mikemadrigale when someone buys a @grandecuveewine selection #wine, how could they find that bottle again if they like it? Would you ever offer a second offering of same wine to those who purchased the first time? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: It’s pretty much catch as catch can. We're doing small quantities and also fighting off top restaurant accounts for the same wines. I'd love the chance to offer wines again that were successful offers. Ill keep you posted. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@mikemadrigale can you explain the process for someone wanting to buy @grandecuveewine #wine on the website? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: sure, very simple. Go to grandecuveewine.com. Take a look at the offer of the day, if it appeals to you, fill in your information and click BUY. You’ll then be contacted regarding shipping etc. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Sommelier @mikemadrigale your @grandecruwine selection of #wines are all sold out, Can you tell us why you think this has happened right out of the gate? Was there marketing and if so what?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Great Q. As we’re just getting started, we're focusing on wines that have small amounts allocated to us and or VERY VERY limited production. When we start firing on all cylinders, we'll have deeper quantities. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@mikemadrigale You are a two time winner of @WineandSpirits “SoMichael Madrigale @MikeMadrigaleelier Scavenger Hunt”, What can you credit these wins with? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Cool. I think our wins came from choosing the most interesting growers of the regions we chose (napa valley and McLaren Vale). Also our off-the-wall presentations helped a bit. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Sommelier many small businesses have trouble bc of having a partner involved. How did you pick your partner and what have you done @mikemadrigale to help with partnership success @grandecuveewine ?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Wow, deep question. My partner is a very close friend who loves wine. We share the same vision and have complimentary skill sets. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @mikemadrigale Did you receive any advice before starting @grandecuveewine and if so what were some golden nuggets? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Ill quote Charles Bukowski on this one "Don't Try". Meaning no playing around, if you're going to do it, you have to be all in. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Sommelier what are some 1-3 year goals that you have for @grandecuveewine @mikemadrigale ? Do you outsource accounting or do you use your excel exp fr #Sommelier days and do yourself?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Love it! My 1 year goal is to create a viable business that is true to myself and my beliefs. My 3 year goal is to offer a great private label wine named after my twins ;) All accounting done in house--I AM A SPREADSHEET JOCKEY! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Sommelier @mikemadrigale What was the biggest turning point in your career and how has it helped your new venture @Grandecruwine? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: HMichael Madrigale @MikeMadrigalem Ive been blessed with many positive events in my soMichael Madrigale @MikeMadrigaleelier career that have moved me forward. That said, when I won the Americas Best Blind Palate award, it reinforced that I had a knack for tasting wines and could depend solely on myself to make quality judgments #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @mikemadrigale Are you big on #wine and #food #pairings? If so, what R your favorites? Do you think the #wines you select @grandecuveewine are food friendly or more for sipping or both and why? Does this go into selection thoughts? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Sure, I love food and wine together. But I also love drinking wine sans cuisine. My favorites are Champagne and everything and aged burgundy with roast chicken. My philosophy is wine all the time, with our without food.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@mikemadrigale Any trend in #wine you are excited about? Why? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Yes for sure. I see things changing rapidly in the wine biz. How wine is marketed, sold etc. It seems like a great period of movement. The direct from grower to consumer biz seems to be gaining steam. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @mikemadrigale What is advice that you’d give to aspiring #Sommeliereliers? #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE TASTE and realize that you're there to serve rather than pontificate #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Sommelier is your position @grandecuveewine one that allows more time with family and work fr home rather than Floor work and was this a factor in starting the co @mikemadrigale

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Yes of course. My wife and I have been blessed with 2 identical twin boys who are 6 months old. We are rearranging our lives and careers in order to dovetail with their upbringing. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Sommelier @mikemadrigale Was there anyone or anything that influenced you in your #wine career? Did you have aspirations to own a biz when you started off in #wine?

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Sure. Ive always admired and worked and watched closely with @danieljohnnes @robertbohr & @rajatparr and their choices. Always had the aspiration of owning my own business, I come from a family of owner-operated butchers. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk with @mikemadrigale and learning about @grandcuveewine #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: It was great to have SoMichael Madrigale @MikeMadrigaleelier Michael Madrigale of @grandcuveewine join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking SoMichael Madrigale @MikeMadrigaleelier Michael Madrigale of @grandcuveewine for his time #SommChat

Michael Madrigale @MikeMadrigale: Thanks everyone!!! Keep your eyes on @grandecuveewine & grandecuveewine.com for the real