Maybe it was Serendipitous Destiny?
Every good story starts with a glass of wine, right? The story begins with a glass of a new vintage release of Chardonnay.
But, let’s cut to the chase…
Sara’s go to wine is traditionally white wine, Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc; both being amongst the top contenders. It was like Brian knew. This Chardonnay Brian made, friends, was truly a work of art.
Brian and Sara met while working at a winery in Southern California. Brian was the Winemaker for the Winery and Sara was the Tasting Room Manager. During COVID, Brian and Sara were considered a part of the ‘Essential Workforce’. After having to let their teams go, management ran the front porch wine pick ups and curbside deliveries.
The front porch was busy but they found time to talk about wine, food, travel, family, life and goals. One day there was an epiphany and a glass of wine after work seemed right. The Chardonnay must have been good that night because soon these two colleagues turned lovers, put a dream into motion.
Jumping ahead, their decision to leave the Southern California Winery and start Consulting lead them all over the United States helping everyone from winery owners to home winemakers with Wine Production, Wine Club, Tasting Room Management and overall Winery Operations. As you may have guessed, it also led them to Upstate New York.
Many of you probably already know, they fell in love with Naples, New York. They couldn’t help but to make this home and the dream of Hometown Wine Company’s Tasting Room a reality.
We are thrilled to invite you to join the Hometown Wine Company’s story and adventure! Thank you for your continued support and patience as we learn and grow.
About Us
Brian
Owner, Vintner, Tasting room SErver & Janitor
Brian grew up in the small, upstate village of Manchester, New York. The Hulbert family owned a business in the village and the community in which they valued. Brian would spend his early adulthood learning and making wine in the basement with his Dad as a hobby. Brian’s Dad, a self taught home winemaker, taught Brian how the land near the Finger Lakes region impacted the wines.
A graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Business Marketing Degree and a minor in Environmental Studies, Brian then later moved to Northern California where he graduated from UC Davis with a Winemaking and Viticulture Degree.
Professionally he has over 30 years experience in the wine industry with 25 vintages as a Winemaker. Brian has made some of the most iconic wines throughout the states of California, Oregon and New York with a variety of brands including Kendall Jackson, Caymus, Gallo and Clos du Bois. He has learned different winemaking and viticulture techniques from the very best individuals in the business, working on over 200+ brands and garnishing countless highly reviewed and sought after wines.
Sara
Owner, Vintner, Tasting Room Server, Marketer & Dishwasher
Sara, a Southern California native, grew up in Fallbrook, California, home of the avocado. In Fallbrook, she learned from her parents’ acreage the value of working the land and sense of hometown belonging. Sara would spend her childhood summers either playing in the avocado groves or traveling. Travel has always been an important part of Sara’s life as she loves learning about different cultures and noticing each place she visits resonates.. home.
Sara graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, with a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences with a minor in Anthropology. Sara has also completed UC Davis Graduate School of Management Wine Executive Program, UCLA Leadership Program, WISE Academy and Level 2 WSET.
Professionally she has over 19 years of experience in the wine industry working and building from the ground up direct-to-consumer focused wineries in California, Oregon, Texas, Georgia and New York. Sara is very passionate about wine, food (we’ve got a foodie here!) and sense of place.
But, where are the Vineyards?
Hometown Wine Company has the pleasure of partnering with farmers, family friends and colleagues from coast to coast to source grapes. While Hometown Wine Company produces all of the wine, limited production is done at 203 N. Main Street in Naples. Hometown Wine Company focuses on specific appellations for high quality wines and hometown flavors.