At first glance, winemaking and business might seem as distant as vineyards and boardrooms. But peel back the layers of a great bottle of wine, and you’ll find lessons that resonate far beyond the cellar door.
What did I love about wine that meant I spent 15 years in the wine trade? It wasn’t just about indulging in endless tastings or memorising obscure varietals. It was the process, the transformation. How a humble grape—little more than skin, pulp, and seeds—becomes a bottle of something extraordinary. On its own, a grape is pleasant enough. But through fermentation, care, and time, it becomes something that delights, inspires, and elevates experiences.
Greatness takes time
The best wines aren’t rushed. A fine Barolo can spend decades maturing before it’s truly ready. Open it too soon, and you might get something nice but not truly memorable. The same is true in business. Growth hacks and quick wins might create temporary buzz, but real success comes from patience and perseverance. Companies that focus on sustainable growth, laying solid foundations, and making incremental improvements are the ones that endure. A shortcut might get you to market faster, but at what cost?
The Importance of Fundamentals in Scaling Startup Business
In winemaking, everything begins in the vineyard. The health of the soil, the age of the vines, and the care given throughout the growing season determine the final product. Winemakers can’t control the weather, but they can nurture the conditions for success so the vines can withstand the stresses that inevitably arrive with each vintage. In business, the fundamentals are just as crucial. Strong structures, clear processes, and a well-aligned team create an environment where success can thrive, even when the times get tough. Ignore the groundwork as you scale your startup business, and no amount of clever branding or marketing will salvage the end result.
Elevation
What makes wine particularly magical is its ability to elevate everything around it. A good bottle enhances a meal, turning a simple dinner into a celebration. At the same time, the food brings out the wine’s best qualities—a perfect pairing is symbiotic. Businesses, too, have the power to elevate. A purpose-driven company adds value not just for its customers but for its employees, its community, and sometimes even its competitors. The ripple effects of a well-run business can be profound, making the world just a little better.
But here’s the catch: wine is as much art as science. The chemistry of fermentation can be precisely calculated, but the magic lies in what can’t be measured. Why does one vintage shine while another, with identical conditions, falls flat? The answer often lies in the winemaker’s intuition—the small adjustments, the willingness to let nature take its course, and knowing when to intervene. Business is no different. Data and analytics are indispensable, but gut instinct, creativity, and vision play equally critical roles. Success isn’t a formula; it’s a balance.
Authenticity breeds quality
In the wine world, mass-produced bottles that prioritise efficiency over character are abundant. They serve a purpose, but they’re rarely memorable. The wines that stand out are those with a sense of place, a story, and a connection to their origins. In business, authenticity matters just as much. Customers and employees alike are drawn to companies that have a clear purpose and stay true to their values. They want to know the “why” behind the product or service.
So, what did the wine trade teach me about business? That excellence requires patience and persistence. That the fundamentals can’t be ignored. That the greatest results come from a blend of science and intuition. And, most importantly, that both wine and business, when done well, have the power to transform and elevate everything around them.
Great wine is a triumph of nature, science, and human touch. Great businesses are no different. Both require vision, care, and time—and both, when done right, are worth the wait.