In the heart of Napa Valley in 2016, Ron Scharman and Ryan Neergaard uncorked a solution to a predicament faced by countless wine enthusiasts worldwide – how to safely transport cherished bottles from the vineyards to their homes. Thus, Fly With Wine was born, setting out on a mission to redefine the way aficionados and industry professionals travel with their favorite wines and spirits.
Taking Flight: A Journey of Growth
In its embryonic stages, Fly With Wine focused on solving a singular problem. Fast forward to 2023, and the company has soared to new heights. Today, their products grace over 500 winery tasting rooms, distilleries, breweries, luxury retailers, major department stores, and specialty shops. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
2016 – Inception in Napa: The company took its first steps, grounded in the vision of two pioneers passionate about the wine industry.
2017 – Winery Wholesale Business Launch: Recognizing the need for a broader reach, Fly With Wine spread its wings into the wholesale market, establishing connections with wineries far and wide.
2018 – National and Specialty Retail Programs: The company expanded its footprint, infiltrating national and specialty retail spaces, bringing their innovative solutions to a wider audience.
2022 – VinXplorer Backpacks: Demonstrating their commitment to evolving with the needs of the market, Fly With Wine added VinXplorer Wine and Beverage backpacks to their repertoire.
2022 – Duty-Free and Airport Retail Programs: Acknowledging the global demand for their products, Fly With Wine launched programs catering specifically to duty-free and airport retail environments.
2023 – Personal Wine & Spirits Carrier Line: Responding to the individual needs of consumers, Fly With Wine introduced a Personal Wine & Spirits Carrier line, ensuring that everyone can travel with their favorite beverages securely.
2023 – Global Expansion: The company’s influence has stretched beyond borders, establishing operational bases in Canada, Europe, the U.K., Australia, and Brazil, creating a truly global presence.
The Faces Behind Fly With Wine: Ron Scharman and Ryan Neergaard
The driving force behind Fly With Wine is a dynamic duo, each with a unique background and a shared passion for wine. Before his tenure at Fly With Wine, Ron Scharman’s resume reads like a journey through the corridors of the wine industry. With an MBA in Finance and a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University, Ron’s leadership roles in various national retail chains, including the Morrell Wine Group, prepared him for the challenges of entrepreneurship in the wine business. His dedication extended beyond business, as he also contributed to the industry through teaching and consultancy, solidifying his reputation as a stalwart in the field.
Ryan Neergaard brings over 13 years of experience to the table, weaving his way through the intricate tapestry of the wine industry. Armed with a Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Ryan’s journey began in Napa’s prestigious dining landscapes. Co-captaining Fly With Wine for the past 7 years, his focus shifted from hospitality and marketing to strategically driving the company’s growth.
Uncorking the Future: Fly With Wine’s Ongoing Mission
Fly With Wine has evolved from a local solution to a global necessity. Their journey mirrors the trajectory of a well-aged wine – improving with time, gaining complexity, and leaving an indelible mark on the world. As they continue to redefine the way we transport and enjoy our favorite libations, Fly With Wine stands tall, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and passion that fuels the heart of Napa Valley. So, whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a casual wine enthusiast, or a globetrotting spirit connoisseur, Fly With Wine has your bottles covered – no spills, just sips of memories waiting to be uncorked. Cheers to Fly With Wine, where every journey is an adventure, and every bottle tells a story.
My Take on Fly With Wine
I went to Napa Valley about ten years ago and brought home four bottles of wine from the various vineyards we visited. They were good bottles. We packed them in our suitcases surrounded by clothing. Luckily, nothing broke, but I know how rough baggage handlers treat luggage, so I was worried the entire trip. For people who are “wine tourists,” FlyWithWine is a must have item. I don’t travel to wine destinations enough to justify this purchase, but my parents are huge wine enthusiasts with a cellar of about 200 wines. They’d definitely want at least one of these cases for their world travels.
Do Sharks Like Wine?
Any time a wine related product comes into the Tank, all eyes turn to Kevin. He owns a winery and frequently makes offers on wine related products when they meet his criteria for quality. I expect a royalty type offer from Kevin for this product. I am not sure if any other Sharks will bid, but I guarentee the Sharks will do a toast while shouting “des Chevaliers du Tastevin!”
Entrepreneur, auteur, raconteur. Rob Merlino is a blogger and writer who enjoys the Shark Tank TV show and Hot Dogs. A father of five who freelances in a variety of publications, Rob has a stable of websites including Shark Tank Blog, Hot Dog Stories, Rob Merlino.com and more.
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