Why Philanthropy and Winemaking Pair Nicely
Dani is just one of those women who makes you feel like you’re lucky to be in her presence. She’s confident, yet calm. She’s a badass-wine making, business-owning, woman in a man’s world, and yet she does it in a way that begs the question, “why not!”
I interview women founders frequently, but it’s not every day that I meet a woman entrepreneur that’s so unwavering in her passion, mission, and feelings about life, business, womanhood, and the effort of giving back.
Dani Gold Wines is the product of Dani; a doting mom, loyal friend, avid philanthropist, supportive wife, and (wait for it) founder of one of the few women-owned, women-run wine-making businesses in the market. Let’s get to know Dani, and why she’s so passionate about wine and philanthropy.
You’re one of just a few women who own a winemaking business in the US; how did you get started?
I have always been entrepreneurial and willing to take risks. My husband and I owned our first winery in Paso Robles -- where we made high-end, Rhone-style boutique wines. I would pour wine in our tasting room or at events. Many of our customers knew wine and the wine world, but we also had customers come in regularly who were not as familiar and would get a bit intimidated by the wines. Sometimes they would be afraid to tell us what they smelled or tasted in the glass for fear of looking foolish or ignorant. My philosophy has always been that if you like it, it's a good wine. That’s when I started to have the idea of making an unpretentious, easy-drinking wine -- a wine that you can open on a weeknight and not feel guilty about drinking only a glass or two.
After we sold our first winery, this idea stuck with me. While managing our first business, I also learned how few women are winemakers and owners in the wine industry. The industry imbalance inspired me to become one of the few women-owned wine brand’s in the marketplace.
What are three things about being a woman-run business that you want budding women entrepreneurs to know?
Here are a few of the lessons I’ve learned thus far:
You have to be extra tenacious and focused.
There are a lot of women’s resources and networking groups now to tap. Utilize the women-focused resources!
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Many women don’t feel as comfortable asking friends, associates, potential buyers -- the list goes on -- for what they want. Women, myself included, tend not to want to seem “pushy” or ask for too much. Be strong and ask for what you want and need!
Dani Gold Wines focuses significantly on philanthropy and giving back. Why is this such a large part of your company mission?
I was a girl who would fight for the underdog and stick up for the kid being teased or bullied from a young age. I’ve always been driven by empathy and compassion. When I was 10 years old, I stopped eating meat when I saw a show about factory farming. And, in college, when I didn't have two nickels to rub together, I donated to Greenpeace and gave all of my recyclables to the homeless man outside of the recycling facility so that he could collect the money. I love to support research and have walked to raise money for aids and cancer research. Long before it became “in-Vogue” to donate or partner with a charity, I was volunteering and helping to raise funds for various philanthropic groups. Being a social advocate is who I am, and in turn, it has become part of the Dani Gold mission.
Winemaking and the business of selling wine have historically been a male-dominated industry. How do you navigate this as a woman-owned business?
As a newer wine brand, I am learning as I go. Several wine companies now have female owners, but I’ve discovered that they are typically trendy or owned by celebrities, many of which hire out the day-to-day work. There’s nothing wrong with being the face of a brand, but as a woman who started a wine label by myself, with no “celebrity” backing, all while negotiating every aspect, I can say that a lot of work, love, and hardcore effort goes into building a wine business. From glasses and corks to capsules. From designing the label, managing the business features, to actually making the wine. Every part of growing a thriving wine-making brand takes time, cultivation, good partnerships, and practice.
The wine industry is highly competitive, and obtaining financing in the traditional way just didn’t work for me. The truth is that less than 4% of women seeking capital for their business ever receive any money. See this article from Harvard Business Review for more on that topic.
In fact, I had many successful men that invested in their male friends' businesses pass on mine -- companies that were much riskier or more competitive. Because I am a woman, a mother, a volunteer at school, AND a business owner, I don’t think many male investors took me seriously. So I found my own way!
As a working mom, how do you gain support for your needs in business, as a mother, and as an individual?
Lots of wine!!! Our motto at Dani Gold is that “Life is complicated; choosing a wine shouldn’t be.”
It does take a village, as they say. Fortunately, I have a great group of women at my son’s school, and we support each other constantly. We carpool together and can count on each other. If one kid needs a ride or forgot lunch or cleats, one of us moms steps in to help. My husband is also extremely attentive when parenting our son—helping with household chores, not so much! LOL!
Sometimes, it can just be too much, and I want to lock myself in my bedroom and binge-watch Schitt’s Creek with a bottle of wine!
PS sometimes I do. It’s called self-care! 😉
If you could give your younger self three pieces of advice, what would they be?
It sounds cliche, but really, don’t sweat the small stuff. I have had life throw a lot of difficult and unpleasant situations at me. Save your energy for those hard times.
Go with your gut. To this day, every time I don’t listen to my gut and intuition, I make the wrong choice.
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and need! And REALLY ask.
What do you hope to progress in the world for your child(ren) as they grow into adults?
More kindness, compassion, and empathy for others, especially those who are “different.” Greater love and respect for our planet. I am a tree-hugger at my core!
Where do you gain your energy and inspiration?
I am a very social person and typically find those good ideas come from being out and about with my friends. I love to watch fun or funny videos and read different articles on a variety of topics. I love it when I find an unexpected great idea that can translate to my business or marketing.
I like to listen to music -- everything from Halsey, to Dave Matthews -- which can often inspire an idea or marketing vision. Ted Talks are always a place for great ideas and inspiration, as are many of the videos from Master Class.
Where can our readers find you?
Online for now, at www.danigoldwines.com, or @danigoldwines on Instagram, but stay tuned! We’ll be in retail locations soon.
