Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Cosco, Owner and Wine Maker of Passaggio Wines, located in Sonoma, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Passaggio Wines is a small lot boutique winery. Producing approximately 1500 cases a year. Followers of Passaggio love the clean wine movement and those varietals that no one else has. I specialize in "off the beaten path varietals," including Pet Nat and a Zin Port. The white wines are all fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. The red wines are aged in neutral French oak barrels. These wines are made with minimal intervention possible. I have been in business since 2007, launching my first varietal, Unoaked Chardonnay.
Tell us about yourself
It all began in 2004 when I began working at Chateau St. Jean in California wine country. I began taking enology courses at Napa Valley College in hopes I could carve out a path in the wine industry that would be meaningful to me. Soon after, in 2007, I decided to pursue a winemaking career, joining a custom crush facility in San Francisco called Crush Pad as a lab manager. I first established my own label — Passaggio — the following year, with 50 cases of Unoaked Chardonnay, my flagship wine. Soon, I was leading Crush Pad's white wine program.
In 2014, Passaggio's dedicated tasting room opened on Sonoma Square, and in 2016, I launched my own production facility. Fast forward to today. The label's annual production of 1500 cases is split between sparkling whites and reds, sourced from various vineyards. The 2021 vintage will be a departure, with my attention returning to whites and rosés(No explanation needed). I take great pride in my craft, assessing each vineyard and choosing the optimal time to harvest the grapes. I work hands-on throughout the entire process, from pressing, vinification, and bottling. Winemaking is all about taking the fruit you are given and bringing out its very best. "I love making different varietals that people rarely hear about or have tasted. That's what's fun.
My vision is about a great deal more than the production of outstanding wine. Wine is a passion of mine. I grew up watching my grandfather make wine. I remember these incredible dinners around the table with family, food, and wine. It's no surprise that my wines are lighter in style and made to pair with food.
Passaggio means "passageway." The term is a tribute to my grandfather, who immigrated to the United States in 1902. It also describes my very personal journey. This has been an awesome journey, to say the least. I can't wait to see what happens next.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think the biggest accomplishment is the friends that I have made in this business. Those who have gathered around me to support my passion and dreams.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me in this business is marketing. There are so many wineries out there that I feel I get lost in the crowd. Social media has made it possible for anyone to launch and market their brand. It's a lot of information coming at people. It takes time and effort to set yourself apart from everyone else.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- What's your story?
- Know your audience.
- Be true to yourself.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
"I love bringing people together. There's something magical when you get together with friends and family to share a glass of wine."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.passaggiowines.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passaggiowines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passaggio_wines/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiacosco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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