Tenacity in a Bottle: The Story Behind Our Journey to Total Wine

The Spark of an Idea

Looking back at the roots of Jardin, I’m reminded of a crisp autumn day about a year before our official launch. I was honored to bring some of my infusions to a mixer at a lake, organized by the inspiring team at @thebbfnetwork. At that point, I was still waiting for my final labels to arrive, but I brought the bottles anyway - raw, real, and ready for the world.

A Moment of Serendipity

It was there I met Ashley, a powerhouse mom who brought along some delicious Rosé. I nearly fell on the floor when I saw her label design. It featured a sun hat with a wide brim and French lines in a beautiful Hitchcock-esque style. Interestingly, I had explored that exact aesthetic for Jardin before fate led me to the «mouth» graphic I eventually chose - a design I found graciously during a simple search while looking for something else entirely.

The Cold Call and the «No»

I asked Ashley where she purchased her wine, and she pointed me toward Total Wine in River Edge. My mind immediately started racing; I wanted to co-brand with a sparkling wine brand. I called Total Wine, only to find out they had an exclusivity agreement.

I didn't let that stop me. I figured it was time to start my sales journey right then and there. I asked for the buyer, wanting to present my brand-new, fabulous infusions. I was connected to the West Orange store, pitched the buyer... and she said no.

The Power of One More Try

I pushed a little further. I told her I had a tasting event coming up and needed to buy a case of champagne anyway. «Can I buy the case at your store and meet with you since I’m there?» She gave a half-scoffing «Sure, why not?»

A week later, after finding a babysitter for my two little boys, I showed up with my taste evaluation basket in hand. Would you believe she had forgotten our meeting? She wasn't even on the schedule that day.

I waited. And waited. And waited.

The Turning Point

Finally, she returned, perhaps feeling a little guilty, but she wasn't alone. She showed up with six men - a mix of ages and backgrounds, some looking at me with a skeptical «Who are you?» expression.

I sat down and poured. I shared my infusions - flavors created from my memories of traveling, the scent of wildflowers, and the taste of the air in the French countryside.

Each person loved it. They truly loved it. I managed to turn a room full of people who wanted nothing to do with me into a group deeply interested in what I had created.

A Lesson for the Dreamers

As I prepare for my upcoming tastings, I’m reminded of the power of tenacity. If you create a dream and a massive tree falls in your path - don’t just see it as an obstacle. Look at its bark, count its rings, and realize that it is glorious. It might just be lending you a place to sit and gather your thoughts before you step over it and continue your journey.

Thanks for joining me on this memory. If you're in the West Orange area, come out and taste the results of that tenacity for yourself!