Taste Radio

“Give customers what they want” is a simple, yet often overlooked, business maxim. For Joe Wagner, the founder of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, it’s the cornerstone of a business philosophy that has made him one of the most successful wine entrepreneurs in history. A fifth generation winemaker with a passion for Pinot noir, Wagner introduced his first brand, Belle Glos, over two decades ago. Wagner developed Belle Glos while eschewing traditional growing techniques and winemaking processes specific to Pinot noir, a methodology shared by his second brand, Meiomi. Launched in 2006, Meiomi is known for its bold and robust flavors and encourages consumers to “go with your palate,” a credo intended to empower people to drink wine they enjoy, as opposed to the recommendations of sommeliers and critics. The strategy delivered, and Meiomi rode a wave of demand that culminated in a $315 million non-asset sale to beverage alcohol conglomerate Constellation Brands in 2015. Wagner utilized the proceeds to build out