We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Sullberg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.
Leah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?
As the owner of Michael Sullberg Family Wines, I’ve had my fair share of exhilarating highs and challenging lows, but not many things compares to the deep satisfaction that come with unexpected exposure to the world. One of the craziest experiences that stands out involved several magical moments where our wines were featured in pop culture, and it always feels surreal.
I remember one Saturday night, I was relaxing at home after a long week in the vineyard, watching some late night television when I stumbled upon a new episode of *Saturday Night Live*. My heart raced as I saw one of the main characters casually enjoying a bottle of our Sullberg wine
The episode was called, “The Californians”! I was completely taken aback. It wasn’t just exciting; it felt like a validation of all the hard work we had poured into crafting our wines. I immediately texted my team, and there were shouts of joy as we realized how far our wines had come. As time went on wines were featured many more times on Saturday Night Live, including a particularly funny jeopardy episode with Jessica Cain chugging a bottle of Michaelsullberg Chardonnay that turned into a hilarious meme.
Another fond memory and one of the earliest, before my father passed away in 2011, I was sitting in the office and he called me up and said turn on the “Today Show” it was a segment featured several wines for holiday gifting, and there was our Sullberg bottle front and center! I felt a mix of pride and disbelief, wondering how our small family business had captured the attention of such major media outlets. Also that year we were featured in the *Washington Post*—wow, that was surreal. The article talked about the our amazing Cabernet Sauvignon and our commitment to quality varietals at a great price. I felt like I was on cloud nine, riding this wave of recognition alongside my family’s legacy.
But it didn’t stop there. As the head winemaker for Capa Cagna, I had the amazing opportunity to create wines for Leah Vandale, and to see our collaboration come alive was exciting in its own right. The wines were also fortunate enough to be featured in *Wine Spectator* and *Wine Enthusiast*. Each feature was a rollercoaster of emotions—anticipation before the reveal, excitement upon seeing our name, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be recognized among such giants in the industry.
Our commitment to giving back has been equally rewarding. Collaborating with various charities and participating in events like the Oscars, Daytime Emmy Awards and the BET Soul Train Awards brought entirely new dimensions to our business. At these events, I’d mingle with celebrities and influencers, sharing stories over a glass of our wine. It was incredible to see attendees raising their glasses, appreciating not just our product but also supporting our mission to help others.
As thrilling as these experiences have been, they come with their own set of challenges. The visibility has attracted attention—both positive and negative. There was a time when a disgruntled customer took to social media to express dissatisfaction, and I found myself navigating the tricky waters of public relations and customer service. It was a stark contrast to the high we’d felt from the previous wine features, and it made me realize just how quickly public perception can shift.
Overall, the unpredictability of entrepreneurship—the unexpected moments of joy alongside the challenges—has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Through it all, I’ve come to cherish these experiences, as they have shaped not only my business but also my connection to our customers and the community. Michael Sullberg Family Wines has become not just a brand but a story filled with joyful collaborations, and valuable lessons learned along the way while celebrating our families legacy in wine and continuing to honor memory of our founder and my father Michael Sullberg.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Michael Sullberg Wines
As a second-generation, women-owned winery, we’re proud to continue the legacy of our beloved founder, Michael Sullberg. Since his passing in 2011, Leah Sullberg, his talented daughter and dedicated successor, has taken the reins as owner and head of wine production, distribution, and sales. With Leah at the helm, our family’s passion for crafting exceptional wines has only grown stronger. Join us in raising a glass to the Sullberg family’s enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and dedication to their craft. Every sip is a testament to the power of legacy and the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines our family’s winemaking heritage.
Our Winery’s Founder
Michael Sullberg, had a deep passion for winemaking and a strong commitment to sustainability. His dedication to quality and attention to detail earned him a loyal following of wine enthusiasts. From sourcing the finest grapes from trusted growers in Napa Valley and Monterey and other desirable california regions, Michael Sullberg created unique wines that reflected the essence of each region. Known for his keen eye for balance and innovative winemaking approach, Michael Sullberg Wines stood out in the industry, offering something truly special for those who appreciated the artistry behind each varietal.
Following Michael Sullberg’s passing, his family continues his legacy and the winery’s commitment to excellence. With a diverse portfolio of varietals, from bold Cabernets to crisp Chardonnays, Michael Sullberg Wines ensures there is a wine for every palate and occasion. The winery has continuously grown into new markets while gaining recognition for their dedication to quality.
Our Winery’s Production
At Michael Sullberg Wines, we take pride in our unique winemaking techniques that are typically rare to find at this price point. We continue to leverage Michael Sullberg’s extensive contacts with exclusive growers throughout California’s most desirable wine regions. We ferment our wines in precisely controlled temperature stainless steel tanks and then age them in high-quality French and American oak barrels. Traditionally, our portfolio has featured exceptional Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot wines. However, we are constantly expanding our offerings and have recently introduced exciting new additions like Pinot Noir, Russian River Chardonnay, an enticing white blend, and a robust Red wine.
With every varietal we produce, we maintain a commitment to crafting wines that embody uncompromising quality, regardless of their price.
Have you ever had to pivot?
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, our business underwent a significant transformation to adapt to changing consumer preferences. While we previously focused predominantly on wines priced under $20 per bottle, we recognized a growing interest among younger drinkers in exploring diverse varietals and innovative winemaking styles. This evolution has allowed us to broaden our offerings, bringing a curated selection of wines from not only our vineyards in Napa, but also from exceptional growing regions such as Central Coast and Monterey.
In addition to expanding our product range, we have embraced the opportunity to collaborate with businesses and individuals by offering private label wines for various events and personalized retail sales. This initiative enables us to cater to the unique desires of our clients while enhancing their experiences with our wines.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to fostering a dynamic wine culture that resonates with both seasoned connoisseurs and new enthusiasts alike. Our focus is on delivering quality, variety, and exceptional service, ensuring that every bottle tells a story and every customer finds something they love.
How did you build your audience on social media?
In 2019, I recognized the burgeoning popularity of the social media platform TikTok and strategically harnessed its potential to enhance our online presence. By quickly adapting to the platform’s dynamics and understanding its algorithms, I was able to cultivate a significant following. This effort not only amplified our brand awareness but also opened doors for collaboration with emerging creators, One of my favourite collaborations was with Brody, Wellmaker and up-and-coming influencer on multiple platforms.
For those looking to increase their interest and attract more views on platforms like TikTok and others, here are some professional strategies to consider:
1. **Content Authenticity**: Audiences resonate with genuine content. Showcasing real experiences, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal stories fosters connection and engagement.
2. **Engage with Trends**: Actively participate in current trends, challenges, and popular sounds. This not only helps your content reach a wider audience but also positions you as part of the ongoing conversation on the platform.
3. **Utilize Hashtags Effectively**: Research and apply relevant and trending hashtags to enhance discoverability. A balanced combination of popular and niche hashtags can significantly increase your post’s visibility.
4. **Consistency is Key**: Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and signals to the algorithm that your content is active and relevant. Developing a content calendar can help maintain a consistent presence.
5. **Collaborate with Other Creators**: Partnering with fellow influencers or creators can introduce your content to their followers, fostering cross-pollination of audiences and boosting your reach.
6. **Analyze and Adapt**: Utilize analytics tools to monitor which types of content perform best. This data-driven approach allows you to refine your strategy, focusing on what resonates with your audience.
7. **Interactive Content**: Encourage user interaction by asking questions, incorporating polls, or hosting Q&A sessions. Engaging with your audience directly enhances community involvement and keeps viewers coming back.
8. **Quality Production**: While authenticity is crucial, investing in high-quality visuals and sound can elevate your content’s appeal. Simple enhancements like good lighting and clear audio can make a significant difference.
By implementing these strategies, in my opinion individuals and businesses can leverage platforms like TikTok, to create compelling content that garners interest, engages audiences, and ultimately drives growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.Michaelsullbergfamilywines.com
- Instagram: @Michaelsullbergfamilywines
- Facebook: @michaelsullbergfamilywines
- Linkedin: Leah Sullberg
- Twitter: @sullbergwines
- Youtube: @michaelsullbetgwines2228
Image Credits
Azure Calder