Ep. 52: Discovering the Passion in the World of Winemaking with Jesse and Aaron Inman

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today let me introduce you to Jesse and Aaron Inman, Owners and Winemakers at Lucky Rock Wine Co.

Jesse Inman had what one might euphemistically refer to as humble beginnings. After wandering around California and Europe in search of inspiration outside of art and drinking, he joined August Briggs Winery in 2006. After nearly 16 years of making wine for several different brands, including a few of his own.

Aaron Inman was introduced to Sonoma County when he visited his winemaker uncle in Calistoga, Napa Valley. During his visits, he realized he would move to Santa Rosa and attend the Junior College there during his teenage years.He became passionate about winemaking and considered pursuing an enology degree at UC Davis or Fresno State. Instead, he enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Jesse and Aaron have decided to make great wines with an emphasis on inclusivity rather than exclusivity. In other words, making wine less intimidating while providing a product that people can support is the driving force behind Lucky Rock Wine Co.

Let’s dive into their wine story!

[00:01 – 7:22] Opening Segment

• Aaron and Jesse shares their wine origin story
• Catching the winemaking bug and starting a winemaking company

[7:23– 17:13] The Origins of Lucky Rock Wine Co.

• Creating a specialized brand that caters to high-end wine enthusiasts
• Rebranding the business to reflect what personal mission and goals
• Knowing why you are different and what make you unique 

[17:14 – 40:18] Our Wines Show Our Uniqueness

• Maintaining quantity of sales without sacrificing the quality of the wine 
• Discovering vineyards that are the gems in the rough
• Customers might feel more connected to what they're buying if they know the vineyard and wine's history
• Wine is supposed to make people happy as they drink it 
• Be clear in your marketing and message so customers understand why they should buy your product

[40:19 – 42:59] 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] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Wine
• Sauvignon blanc
• Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly Gamay 
• Favorite go-to pairing
• Gumbo with a good Pinot
• Napa with steak and ribeye
• Wine Resource
• Wine Seminars
• Self learning through wine magazines and other resources 

Connect with Jesse and Aaron

Instagram: @luckyrockwineco, @messybob

Youtube: Lucky Rock Wine Lounge

Website: https://luckyrockwineco.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:

“My advice to people is make sure you know why you're different.” - Aaron Inman

“It's not supposed to be the most sophisticated wine in the world. it's meant to make people happy while they're enjoying it.” - Jesse Inman