Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Justin Scott, Co-Founder of TheGreenWine, located in Poway, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We're The Green Wine, an online wine retailer that specializes in importing wine from the Vinho Verde region of Northern Portugal to the US. We operate from our hometown of San Diego, CA, and currently ship to customers across 45 US States.

Tell us about yourself

Three years ago, when the world fell into a global pandemic and countries everywhere were closing their borders, we somehow found ourselves "stranded' in a beautiful little country called Portugal. I know, I know - Poor us…said absolutely no one! It was there we first discovered Vinho Verde, or what we foreigners call 'Green Wine.' It's a crisp, dry, low-sugar wine with a slight fizz that you'll always find at any Portuguese dinner table. And let me tell you; it's delicious. It quickly became our favorite, but when we finally made our way back to our home in California, we couldn't find it anywhere!

And that's why we launched TheGreenWine.com! Our mission is to import & sell wines that are:

  • Exclusive Vinho Verde Wines from Portugal
  • 50+ White, Red, & Rosé Varieties
  • Made with 100% Natural Ingredients.
  • Crafted by Family-owned Vineyards.
  • Contain Less Sugar & Minimal Additives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Alcohol laws in the US are very strict, complicated and vary state by state. Establishing a legal business that has the ability to reach customers in 90% of the US has been a huge endeavor and is definitely one of our biggest accomplishments.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

If I said nothing, I'd be lying - When you run your own business, all the responsibility falls on you to make sure you're successful, and that can be a lot to deal with at times. However, that's the joy of it all - Making your own determinations of what projects to prioritize and the ability to pivot quickly when you see opportunities is priceless in business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make a solid 2-year plan.
  2. Throw that plan away because chances are high that your business model will change multiple times, especially when you're first starting out.
  3. Enjoy the small victories. Not every day is going to be a great sales day, but when they do come around, remember to smile and enjoy it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thegreenwine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenWine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenwine_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegreenwine/


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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