About Matty Grapes

Matt’s journey started in his great-grandmother’s flower garden in Connecticut, where he witnessed the seasons through sight and smell. His family of artists, naturalists, and outdoorsfolk fostered a lifelong love of Mother Nature and taught that communion is greater than dominion.

Those early lessons set the foundation for a lifelong career championing small, family-run wineries, breweries, distilleries, coffee plantations and roasters, and the people who sell them.

For nearly three decades, Matt has worked across the wine industry - from wineries in Napa and Sonoma to Michelin & James Beard recognized wine programs on the east coast. He has turned ideas into products and products into market share across beverage alcohol categories.

When not in front of a large group explaining the intricate details of intracellular fermentation, sharing estate-grown wines with sommeliers, or helping hospitality groups get the most out of their beverage programs, Matt can be found in his Orlando rose garden, playing with his (many) cats, or deep in the Florida woods, once again experiencing Mother Nature through all his senses.

Matt currently serves on the Board with the Alliance of Sommeliers, established in 1972.