Wine, Success, and Trusting Your Taste Buds
Podcast conversation with Olivia Atkin
I recently had the pleasure of joining Achieving Success with Olivia Atkin for an honest conversation about wine, career paths, and what success really looks like in a highly sensory industry.
As a consulting winemaker, I’ve spent over two decades working with grapes, people, and ideas—helping brands translate intention into wines that are both delicious and commercially viable. This episode was a chance to step back from the cellar and reflect on the journey that brought me here, along with the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Finding My Path in Wine
Like many careers in wine, mine wasn’t linear. What ultimately kept me in the industry was the balance between creativity and structure—art informed by science. We talked about how important it is to stay curious, remain adaptable, and build experience across different roles before narrowing your focus. Wine rewards patience, humility, and a willingness to learn continuously.
What “Success” Really Means
Success in wine isn’t just about scores, sales, or prestige. It’s about alignment—between the vineyard, the winemaking decisions, and the people the wine is meant for. During the conversation we explored how success evolves over time and how trusting your instincts—especially your palate—is essential in an industry driven by taste and perception.
Wine Is for Enjoyment
One of the themes I return to often is that wine should be approachable. You don’t need to be an expert to know what you like. Learning to trust your own taste buds is empowering, whether you’re a consumer choosing a bottle or a producer making decisions during fermentation or blending. Technical knowledge matters, but enjoyment should always come first.
Advice for Those Building a Career
For anyone considering a career in wine—or any specialized field—my advice is simple: say yes to opportunities, ask questions, and don’t rush the process. Experience compounds over time, and every role teaches you something valuable, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
New wine quality initiative in Livermore