The Wine Hustle Series | Melinda + Michèle of Lorenza Rosé
It’s been a while since my last #WineHustleSeries so needless to say, I am thrilled to be back and bring you this amazing mother/daughter duo that is killing it in the rosé game.
Coming out of Napa Valley, with love, Melinda + Michèle from Lorenza Rosé have created an intentional rosé that will awaken your senses and nudge that inspirational burst of energy hiding deep inside your soul. With their focus solely on rosé - their passion, energy and deliberateness is apparent through their exquisite wines symbolizing their style and Napa Valley’s deep roots.
As a mom of two, I’m always looking for wines that are a quick / sure thing (quality + easy to drink) for my summer sunset walks. To that end, I’m currently loving their Lorenza Spritz which is their rosé + bubbles in a can. As described, it’s an immediate '“mood adjuster” especially when dealing with two year old tantrums - an instant moment of ZEN (wink, wink).
I love this interview just as much as I love them! Enjoy the ride + feel inspired!
Website: Lorenza Rosé | Instagram: @lorenzarose
How did you get your start in wine and what was your initial inspiration?
I was born in Napa Valley where restaurants and wine were the family business. I first discovered rosé in France as a teenager and came home raving about how fabulous pink wine is. My mom and I wanted to start making wine together as a means to stay connected as I continue to travel the world. Our day one inspiration was Domaine Tempier- a wine that elevates the rosé experience. Exactly what we wanted to do with Lorenza.
I love that you are all about the rosé - in the bottle and a spritz in a can! What makes your rosés stand out compared to others?
We are focused only on rosé at Lorenza. Since it is the only wine we make, all of our decisions revolve around rosé - it's not an afterthought or byproduct. We produce True Rosé, meaning rosé made with intention and believe that our extra effort to seek old vines, harvest early for rosé and to be hands-on each step of the way creates something special, energy that can be tasted.
Michèle Lorenza Ouellet | LORENZA WINE COMPANY
At WINEFARER, we love hearing about the unexpected journeys that stem from wine. Can you share your favorite wine journey with us?
I think one of my favorite wine journey’s was when I took my mom to Provence for Mother’s Day one year. We spent a week traveling to some iconic rosé wineries, but the most thrilling was being able to visit Domaine Tempier and taste their 1999 rosé. This was a rosé that truly knocked my socks off. So interesting, full of life and complex. The entire trip felt like making a pilgrimage to the motherland of rosé!
“Wine is our passion, but variety is the spice of life! ”
It seems like you love wine as much as I do, in three words, describe your love affair with wine?
Freshness, curiosity, champagne
Michèle Lorenza Ouellet | LORENZA WINE COMPANY
Finally, what advice would you give women entrepreneurial spirits who want to start their “wine hustle” but are hesitant to take the leap?
Wine is our passion, but variety is the spice of life! We have both maintained other full time jobs, me as a model and my mom as a consultant. I’d advise someone to continue learning about wine and possibly kicking off some kind of side hustle, whether its a blog, instagram, working in a tasting room, keep furthering your knowledge and it will become apparent if/when you want to make a leap. I personally love having two careers because what I learn in one job, I can apply to the other. It helps to keep a nice, wide perspective on things. My mom has over 30 years experience in the wine business and is an awesome mentor. Anyone wanting to chat should reach out! melinda@lorenzawine.com
Michèle Lorenza Ouellet | LORENZA WINE COMPANY
