Why I am Taking this Class

I have been interested in learning about the business aspects of the wine industry for some time now. Wine touches so many different facets of life (business, social, personal etc.) for so many people, yet it is an industry that I do not know much about. I want to learn more. Whenever I peruse a menu at a restaurant, walk the wine aisle in a grocery store or visit a vineyard, I wonder what separates each player from their competitors and what differentiates the various players in the overall ecosystem. The global nature of the industry adds another layer of complexity. Tasting wine in various regions of the world such as Chile, New Zealand and Greece during my time at the GSB has only piqued this interest.

More broadly, I am also looking forward to going in depth in a consumer-focused industry. Much of my experience to-date has not involved analyzing consumer companies and I want to learn more about the intricacies of what make great consumer businesses. Wine represents a unique area to study since it is also heavily regulated.

I am also looking forward to learning from Alyssa’s leadership style. I will be going in to private equity after school and want to learn what skills, leadership learnings and business lessons Alyssa has been able to apply from her experience in the wine industry towards running a successful PE-backed company in a different industry.

Finally, I am excited to become a better and more knowledgeable consumer of wine so that I am no longer completely overwhelmed when choosing between different wine types and brands at the grocery store.