We recently connected with Alexandra Mcdonnell and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

People often ask the story behind Vinoteca. For me, it is so much more than just selling wine. I wanted to create a place where people could learn about different wines and tell the stories behind each bottle that are often not told. From the vine to the bottle, there is so much that goes into the wines before they are in your glass. Each glass holds a story of places, people, and passion.

Vinoteca was inspired by the traditional Italian “enoteca” wine bars and the numerous wine makers I met while studying Viticulture and Enology in Italy. Not only did I learn about vineyard management and the winemaking process, but also about the stories behind each wine. During my time abroad I spent countless evenings at various “enoteche” discovering new wines and making unforgettable memories. Visiting wineries and talking to winemakers, I learned so much about the tradition and passion that goes into making wine. Each winemaker has a story – a story of their land and family that is expressed in the final product. Returning to the U.S., I had the dream of creating a place where people in my community could experience something similar. We want to introduce this part of the Italian culture I fell in love with while also introducing new lesser known varieties of wine and telling the stories behind each bottle. We believe in the importance of educating consumers while having fun at the same time. Wine does not have to be intimidating, as many people think of it. Wine is part of everyday life – to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Alexandra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My passion for wine started when I spent a semester studying abroad in Rome during my time in university where I was studying International Relations and Italian. During my time in Italy I fell in love with the culture, the food, and most importantly the wine. I came home with the dream of one day returning to Italy and possibly having my own vineyard. After completing my MBA program during Covid, I decided to continue my studies and moved to Piacenza, Italy to pursue a masters in Viticulture and Enology. While my intention was to work in winemaking, my plans changed during my time in Italy. I was inspired by the various “enoteca” (wine bars) my friends and I would go in the evenings. Literally translating to “wine library,” these enoteche offered numerous selections of wines to try. Here it is where I learned about and tried different varieties and made incredible memories. These quiet and intimate wine bars gave the opportunity to learn about different wines, but also to learn the stories behind the different producers.

I realized that there was no place like this back home in Miami. I came home with a new dream to create a place where people could escape the busyness of life in a big city. A place where people could come to try new wines and I could help tell the stories of the places and people behind the bottles.

I started the business last year, with my mother, Sandra, who shares the same passion and goals. We opened last August as a wine shop and have been working towards becoming a wine bar since. We plan on opening this portion in the next few weeks. Our focus is on small family run wineries, unique varieties, and high quality wines that are reasonably priced. Something that sets us apart from others is being able share our knowledge and to get to know our customers. Our small family run business offers a unique and tailored wine shopping experience. We are so happy and proud that we have been so welcomed by our community and are excited for our next chapter!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I’ve known my business partner my whole life. When I was finishing up my studies in Italy, I told my mom my dream and plans of opening a wine bar, and she was not only supportive, but wanted to join me on this journey. Coming from a background in fashion and design, the world of wine was new to her. However, she was excited to start learning as much as possible. With her prior design experience, we worked together to design and buildout the store inspired by different European wine bars and cafés we had visited. We are a good team because we both bring a different perspective to the business. With her previous hands on business experience along with my business studies and experience in the wine industry we are able to work together and solve whatever comes our way.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During my undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, I pursued a degree in International Relations. Although politics was not something I was very not passionate about, this major gave me the opportunity to study the globalization of the modern world and gave me a better understanding of different cultures and ways of thought. I also obtained a minor in foreign languages, focusing on Italian and French, which further peaked my curiosity of understanding people from different cultures.

After graduating I decided I wanted to focus my career in business rather than politics. I worked two years with a startup company and decided to pursue an International MBA, with the intention of continuing my same work.

When the world froze in 2020, I was in the middle of my MBA studies and unsure what the future had in store. For me, this was a time I had to pivot and ask myself, “if I could do anything what would I do?” Realizing that life is short I decided to try to pursue a career in something I was very passionate about. I knew I wanted to live abroad again and I knew that I dreamed of one day owning my own vineyard. I realized that if I ever wanted to be in the winemaking business, I should learn how to make wine. I applied to a masters program focusing on Viticulture and Enology in Piacenza, Italy (a small city in the heart of Emilia-Romagna), packed my bags, and embarked on a life changing adventure. With the intention of returning to the US with winemaking knowledge and hope to work hands on in winemaking, I discovered what I was truly passionate about.

I learned that life is full of surprises and how important it is to be open to change. I never thought I would be where I am today, and I am so happy being able to share my passion for wine with my community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vinotecamiami.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vinotecamiami

Image Credits

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