The Small Business Spotlight series features small businesses and their owners, to get a feel for what truly makes Southwest Raleigh a great place to live, work, learn, and play: the people.
This Small Business Spotlight features Phillip Zucchino, a French-trained winemaker and wine lover. Phillip apprenticed and worked for three years as a winemaker in France, and shortly after returning home to Raleigh, decided to add his palate and perspective to the Triangle’s wine scene. And if I may speak for the Triangle, we’re glad he did! Read on to learn more about Phillip, his business partner [also named Philip], and their unique contribution to Southwest Raleigh, The Wine Feed. Make sure to get all the details for a very special First Friday event coming up on Friday, March 1st.
swral: Who are the Phil(l)ips?
Phillip Zucchino joined Philip Rubin in establishing The Wine Feed in April 2011 with the shared vision of helping wine drinkers learn to judge and enjoy wines based on quality and taste, regardless of their level of experience.
Phillip Z enjoys learning about the medicinal and culinary uses of native plants and fungi. Through his travels he has explored many prominent wine-producing regions throughout Europe, and created meaningful winemaking connections with cellar hands and master winemakers. Through his passion for the entire winemaking process, Phillip hopes to inspire wine consumers to seek out wine that comes from high-quality producers who have an attachment to their land. He is a Raleigh native and Appalachian State University alumnus.
Phillip Z.’s partner, Philip Rubin, is an internationally-traveled wine enthusiast with a background in marketing and sales. He holds an Advanced degree with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and through his travels has developed an immense appreciation and fascination with all things Spanish. Through interactive wine experiences and a fantastic product line, Rubin hopes to combine the reach of online retail with a powerful and effective wine selling tool: personal recommendation. He is also from Raleigh, and an Appalachian State University graduate.
swral: How did the idea for The Wine Feed develop?
Phillip Z had returned from France with the desire to contribute to the Triangle’s wine scene. Around the same time, Philip Rubin, a fellow wine lover, had also returned home to Raleigh after extensive travels through Spain and Australia. They got together and brainstormed potential ways to start a business that would allow them to share their passion for wine with as many people as possible. They really liked the flexibility and personalized service that a small-footprint neighborhood store could offer to complement a broader-reaching e-commerce model. After culminating their vision into The Wine Feed on Glenwood South, they were pleasantly surprised to discover how deep Raleigh’s thirst was for better wine knowledge and more interactive wine events.
Since opening in April 2011, they have expanded their business to include expansive online offerings, green delivery options, regular wine tastings, classes, on and off-site events, monthly wine clubs and gift sets as well as pairing events in partnership with The Cupcake Shoppe.
Read our Small Business Spotlight on The Cupcake Shoppe.
swral: My favorite question to ask, why Glenwood South / Southwest Raleigh location?
As a start-up online wine delivery service we could have potentially settled down in a warehouse near an industrial park. However, we were captivated by the energy that Glenwood South offered. This spark and exposure helped us to diversify our business to become much more than just an online wine store. We’ve partnered with many of the other businesses and non-profit organizations on Glenwood South and in downtown Raleigh which has allowed us to engage a larger community of followers.
To finish out this interview, Phillip challenges everyone:
All of us at The Wine Feed absolutely thrive on challenges from our customers. So, send us an email to contact [at] thewinefeed.com or give us a call with your question. What are you having for dinner tonight? What type of wine does the dinner party’s host prefer? We’ll give you the perfect recommendation every time.
When it comes to wine, be fearless! It’s not like we are selling bottles infused with snakes and scorpions. If you don’t try something new when it comes to wine your palate will not evolve and you may miss out on some incredible finds. We encourage all of the readers to embrace a new variety. And if you have questions, we are here to help.
Thanks to Phillip Z. for talking with us. The Wine Feed is one of my personal favorites, and though I’ve not been to many, their First Friday wine tastings are always fun—a great way to try new and different wines. And I suppose, a great way for Phillip to prove he’s not selling bottles infused with snakes and scorpions!
First Friday Events + more info on The Wine Feed:
This Friday, March 1, The Wine Feed will be having a special French-themed evening from 6pm to 9pm. They will have an expanded selection of French wines for tasting, and will be hosting some very special French winemakers. Mark your calendars for a delicious tasting and unique meet-and-greet! Check out their website calendar for more info!
The Wine Feed is a specialty online wine retailer and event venue based in Raleigh, N.C., that combines the efficiency of online shopping with the personal experience of in-person tastings, local delivery and private wine consultations for individuals and groups. From educational events and personal interaction to community involvement and social networking, The Wine Feed works to cultivate a better appreciation of wine by helping wine drinkers identify their individual taste preferences.
The Wine Feed is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh at 18 B Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, N.C. 27603. For more information or news about The Wine Feed, join the newsletter by signing up at http://www.thewinefeed.com. Join our community on Twitter (@TheWineFeed) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TheWineFeed).