Ep 45: The California Fruit, Korbel Champagne with Paul Ahvenainen

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast, today let me introduce you to Paul Ahvenainen of Korbel Champagne Cellars.

Paul began his career at Korbel Champagne Cellars in 1985, shortly after his graduation from the University of California at Davis with a degree in Enology, and two years of experience working as a distiller for a subsidiary of French Cognac producer Remy Martin. Having gained extensive experience working in Korbel’s laboratory, cellar, grower relations, and as an Assistant Winemaker, as well as teaching wine chemistry at Sonoma State University, Paul was promoted to the position of Winemaker prior to the 1996 harvest.

He has been essential to the growth, production and consistent quality that has earned Korbel recognition and numerous gold medals throughout the years. He credits his successful tenure to having the opportunity of working with a talented, creative, and quality-oriented team, all working together to produce the winery’s great products. 

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 – 07:41] Opening Segment

• I introduce our guest for this episode
• The cool parts of the wine industry that caught Paul’s interest
• What Not to Do in the Wine Industry
• Brandy is just distilled wine

[07:42 – 16:41] Korbel Champagne Cellars

• Korbel was not really about wine
• Paul tells the story of Korbel
• Korbel’s struggles with their first wines

[16:42 – 35:15] The California Fruit, Korbel Wines

• The Champagne Wine Market
• Korbel changes every time for the better
• High Quality that is Affordable: The Wine for All
• The Secret to Korbel’s wines and champagnes

[35:16 – 40:18] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected]with the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Paul plays the Tasting Round

Connect with Paul at https://www.korbel.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

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Tweetable Quotes:

“Wine is agriculture.”  - Paul Ahvenainen