Ep. 769 Erica Crawford | Uncorked

Welcome to episode 769 – in which host Polly Hammond interviews Erica Crawford on this week’s installment of “Uncorked”. Erica Crawford is an absolute legend in the wine industry. Erica has been ahead of the curve from day one, first building one of New Zealand's most iconic brands and nowadays as the driving force behind Loveblock Wine. Again, she's setting a new standard for how we make and how we sell wine, with a dedicated focus on sustainable principles, innovative winemaking, and a human-centred approach to business and marketing. Ever candid, Erica talks with us today about the lessons she's learned in over 25 years of wine, and where she sees the next 25 years taking us. More about today’s guest: Erica started adult life as an aspirant research scientist in cardiac medicine, but it is her skill in building brands and exports that gained her international recognition. She co-founded Kim Crawford Wines in the back room of her central Auckland cottage and proceeded to build a stellar NZ wine brand, later sold to Constellation Brands. Kim Crawford is now the biggest NZ wine brand in the lucrative USA and Canadian markets. Erica now focuses on organic farming and winemaking, and is recognised as an expert in sustainability. She recently gained a degree in Viticulture. Erica was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs in 2016 and was a finalist in the inaugural Woman of Influence Awards and. She sits on the Advisory Board of the NZ US Council and mentors young women via Global Women, the Co of Women and Women in Wine organisations. If you want to learn more about today’s guest, you can by visiting: https://loveblockwine.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/loveblockwine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/loveblockwine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveblockwines More about the host Polly Hammond: Polly is Founder and CEO of 5forests. She splits her time between Barcelona, Auckland, and Napa, consulting, writing, and speaking about the trends that impact today’s wine businesses. She’s an advisor to New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, host of Uncorked with the Italian Wine Podcast, cohost of the Real Business of Wine with Robert Joseph, and, occasionally, a knitter. Polly is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she earned degrees in International Relations and French. Those studies led to a deep and abiding love affair with behavioural Economics, and her wine work is based on insights into all the crazy and irrational reasons consumers engage with brands. With over 20 years experience in growing successful companies, Polly knows first hand the challenges faced by independent businesses. She approaches each client experience with empathy and understanding for what it takes to adapt and thrive in the real world. To learn more about Polly Hammond visit: Twitter: @mme_hammond Instagram: @5forests website: https://5forests.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!