In this video below, Kevin O’Leary, best known as the prickly Merchant of Truth on CBC’s Dragons’ Den as well as on ABC’s Shark Tank, talks about his latest venture in launching his own wine brand. He has also built a software company that was acquired for more than $4 billion dollars and now runs O’Leary Funds, an investment firm with assets of more than $1.5 billion.
It was just coincidence that Kevin’s smartphone dinged as I introduced him, but it seemed that he was instantly beamed down from the Investment Mother Ship for our conversation at the right moment…
Can you remember the first wine you tasted?
What drew you to good wine?
When did you first get the idea to launch your own wine brand?
You’re a cash flow kind guy: Why not launch a spirits brand where the profit margins would be higher?
You’re a Burgundy-Bordeaux man: why Niagara?
Why not a premium Niagara brand, both your wines are under $15?
Why Vineland Estates not a bigger operation for distribution and marketing weight?
What was the process? How many wines did you taste?
Production? Distributed in LCBO Ontario only now?
Here’s part two of our conversation about launching a wine brand.
You can also watch more celebrity wine video interviews.
O’Leary Wines Unoaked, Vineland Estates Chardonnay 2011, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Crisp, crisp and refreshing like a balanced year-end statement. What you see is what you get: lively green apple notes not masked by any oak. Whets your appetite for more. Pair with fresh seafood, salads and lively conversation. Drink: 2012-2015. 779327110074 12% MD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100.
O’Leary Wines Vineland Estates Cabernet Merlot 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: Smoky with mocha richness that wraps around fleshy black plums. Shows pride of place along with a jubilant P/T multiple (price: taste). Pretty darn amazing really for the price. Drink: 2012-2016. 779327110067 13% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100.
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Is there someone else with a fascinating wine story whom you think I should interview? Please e-mail me: [email protected].
Pinot franc? Hey Kevin, new Ontario varietal?