Welcome to The Cru Corner

There is a certain romanticism attached to the word "winery." Most people imagine golden hour sunsets over rolling hills, the rhythmic clinking of glasses, and the dusty charm of a barrel room. It’s a beautiful image—and it’s part of why we fell in love with this industry.

But as we’ve learned, before the wine hits the glass, there is the mud, the late-night spreadsheets, the regulatory hurdles, and the constant, humbling realization that Mother Nature is the ultimate CEO.

Welcome to The Cru Corner.

The Boyds & Mama Janice (Left to right: Matthew, Alexander, Jackson, Janice, and Jon’ll)

Why This Blog? Why Now?

When we decided to start this business, we looked for a roadmap. We found plenty of technical manuals on viticulture and glossy marketing materials about "lifestyle brands." What we found less of, however, was the raw, intentional, and authentic insight into the actual world of building a winery from the ground up.

The "Cru" in our name refers to a specific vineyard or growth—a mark of quality and place. This "Corner" is our place to document the growth of our business, not just the polished final product. We believe that transparency is the best way to build a community, and frankly, the journey of entrepreneurship is too wild not to share.

The Book Nook area in our tasting room.

What You Can Expect

This won’t be a curated feed of only our "wins." Instead, "The Cru Corner" will be a space for:

  • Thought Pieces on Lessons Learned: We’re going to talk about the mistakes that cost us sleep (and money) so that maybe you can avoid them—or at least feel less alone when you make your own.

  • The "Why" Behind the Business: Why choose this specific grape? Why this business model? We’ll dive into the intentionality required to build a brand that lasts.

  • Opportunities & Innovations: We’ll explore where the industry is heading and the gaps we see for new voices and fresh ideas.

  • The "Hmm" Moments: Those curious, confusing, and sometimes hilarious observations that arise when you’re deep in the weeds (literally). These are the reflections that don't fit into a business plan but define the culture of our company.

Join the Conversation

Whether you are a fellow entrepreneur, a wine enthusiast, or someone who just loves a good "startup" story, we’re glad you’re here. We aren't experts with all the answers; we are builders in the middle of the process.

So, pull up a chair. We’re officially opening the doors to the Corner. There’s a lot of work to do, and we’re excited to have you along for the ride.

Cheers,

Jon’ll Boyd