In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the Owner of Wine by Renée, Renée Sferrazza.
Renée is a passionate and dynamic force in the wine industry. A Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, she began her journey over a decade ago and has since immersed herself in every facet of the wine world. As the founder of Wine by Renée, she leverages her global network to create engaging TV segments, videos, articles, and events that resonate with both the wine-curious and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Her mission is to make wine approachable and enjoyable by breaking it down into “simple sips.”
Renée is a familiar face on Canadian television, regularly appearing as a Wine Personality on Global’s The Morning Show, CHCH, and Breakfast Television. Her reach extends internationally through platforms like the Canada’s Got Taste YouTube channel and the Tasted Television show DrinkUp. In print, she pens The Wine Effect, a monthly column for Distillery District Magazine, and contributes to ELLE Gourmet Canada, Foodism, Holr Magazine, and other notable publications.
As the voice behind Wine by Renée, one of Canada’s largest wine-focused Instagram accounts, Renée offers a fresh, romantic, and down-to-earth take on wine. Her content invites everyone to embrace the joy of a great glass—without pretension.
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Links mentioned in this episode:
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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
- [2:42] Renée shares how she transitioned from wine importing to launching Wine by Renée, including the discrimination she faced as a queer woman in the wine industry.
- [8:00] Discussion on how AI is impacting wine communication and how Renée uses it as a tool to free up time and boost her business.
- [12:24] Renée talks about building her personal brand during the pandemic and how she grew her Instagram following from 900 to over 27,000.
- [14:59] Calan asks how Renée balances creativity with the business side of partnerships and storytelling.
- [16:37] Renée explains her role as a translator in the wine world and why she avoids negative reviews in favor of context and accessibility.
- [17:35] A conversation about Barefoot’s Pride wine sparks a broader discussion on accessibility, inclusivity, and the purpose of wine in everyday life.
- [18:48] Renée shares practical advice for turning a passion into a brand, including getting paid for your work, offering value to loyal clients, and letting go of ideas that don’t sell.
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