Wine Culture Unleashed: Delighting Customers! with Opimian's Mike Howe

Back to Business: Calgary

In this episode of Back to Business, wine expert Mike Howe shares his advice on creating a unique wine culture experience for customers.

"Never turn down a conversation because you never know where it's going to go."

Meet Mike Howe, an expert in crafting unforgettable wine experiences for customers and growing a community of wine lovers across Canada. His journey began in Montreal, working at a restaurant and exploring the world of food and wine. After traveling extensively throughout Europe, experiencing various wine cultures and immersing himself in them, he transitioned into the marketing and sales side of the wine industry. As the Head of Growth for Opimian, Canada's premier nationwide, non-profit wine club, Mike is focused on building a national community of wine enthusiasts by offering unique tasting events and educational opportunities for all. His passion for wine and dedication to sharing it with others make him a remarkable guest to learn from.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the key components for establishing a prosperous wine venture.
• Uncover the secrets to selecting and maintaining the finest wines.
• Learn tactics to expanding your network as an entrepreneur in the wine industry.
• Gain insights into the latest wine trends and top recommendations.
• Explore how to craft a unique wine experience that keeps customers coming back.

Guest Experience at a Wine Event

Creating memorable wine events can be an effective way to promote a unique wine culture experience. From intimate tastings to larger gatherings, it's crucial to ensure that the guest experience is at the forefront of every event. This involves careful planning, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable environment for attendees to learn, socialize, and savor new wine experiences. In discussing his own approach to wine events, Mike Howe shared the importance of cultivating an inviting and engaging atmosphere that promotes education and socialization around wine appreciation. By offering experiences that cater to both novices and aficionados, Mike's events are designed to instill a sense of excitement and wonder in each guest, fostering a love for the world of wine.

Networking Strategies

Fostering meaningful connections within and outside of the wine industry is imperative for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business. Effective networking strategies include engaging with people from diverse professional backgrounds, embracing open and honest communication, and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and collaborate with others. Mike Howe emphasized the value of establishing connections beyond the wine industry during his interview with Kim. By interacting with individuals from a variety of fields, entrepreneurs can discover innovative ideas that can be applied to their businesses. Mike suggests never turning down a conversation, as each interaction can potentially lead to business opportunities.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Join Opimian's wine club as a member for exclusive access to unique wines and spirits.
• Purchase one of Opimian's subscription options: Founder's Choice, Master's Case, or White Wine Select.
• Attend Opimian's community-focused events to learn more about and appreciate food and wine
• Visit the Calgary Petroleum Club for a wide selection of premium wines.
• Read Opimian's Cellar magazine for insider information about wines and spirits.
• Follow Opimian's on social media for updates on events and new products.

Connect with me here:

• https://www.facebook.com/https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.youtube.com/https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/https://www.