Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Wolf
Hi Alyssa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my career in healthcare, but after 14 years in the industry it was time for a change. A trip to South Africa in 2014 opened my eyes to the world of wine, and shortly thereafter Red Wolf Imports was born.
My portfolio is drawn from regions that we like to call “underrepresented.” In other words, wines and spirits that deserve to be a lot more popular than they already are. The most exciting wines that punch well above their price points are found in these regions. They are made by winemakers and distillers who are artisans and alchemists, guided by the principles of the past and the possibilities of the future. Each bottle captures the essence of tradition while embracing the promise of the new.
My passion for the beverage industry goes beyond sharing amazing wine and spirits with US wine drinkers. Red Wolf Imports gives me the opportunity to support small businesses around the world: whether helping wineries and distilleries gain access to the US market, or independent distributor partners to expand their portfolios, or providing small wine shops and restaurants unique sustainably made wines and spirits to share with the customers.
I certainly don’t hate the fact that Red Wolf gives me the excuse to travel and experience a behind-the-scenes look at vineyards around the world.
Outside of Red Wolf my hobbies include cooking, snowboarding, making my husband go hiking, and taking too many photos of my cats.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business from scratch, with no industry experience, funding, or formal training presented many challenges. My partner Ian and I overcame initial obstacles only to naturally see more arise as Red Wolf Imports grew. The pandemic was, of course, a huge struggle. Shipping logistics became impossibly difficult in 2021 and continue to be. Freight costs have skyrocketed while previously predictable and regular timelines are now unpredictable and chaotic. Growth itself presents another challenge, with increased inventory, cash flow, and funding demands. Finally, the alcohol industry itself is a tricky business that is hard to predict due to factors like seasonality, trends, shifting consumer focus, and, in the new year, unknown tariff implications.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Red Wolf Imports has a portfolio that is built on tradition, but not constrained by it. Honest wines and spirits that offer not only incredible value, but are also mindful of contemporary accountability, leaders in sustainable wine and spirits production. These wines and spirits are both familiar, and new. Products that take knowledge from the past while being open to the possibilities of the future.
The portfolio showcases classic styles from unexpected places, South Africa and Portugal. From Champagne method bubbles, crisp refreshing white wines, light and medium bodied red, to big bold reds meant for a special occasion. Got a sweet tooth? Red Wolf has you covered with easy drinking porch sippers from Vinho Verde, to rich Port wines to be savored with dessert or on cold winter evenings.
Wine and spirits drinkers have come to expect this from me. Consumer loyalty and repeat sales got Red Wolf Imports through the pandemic and allowed the us to grow. This trust is hard-earned. If you see a bottle of wine with “Imported by Red Wolf Imports” on the back you know you are getting a bottle that over-delivers on price, something classic yet unexpected. Something you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve never had formal mentorship in the wine industry, but there have been many people who have helped along the way. First and foremost my partner Ian Wolf, who came up with the idea of Red Wolf Imports in the first place. He used his knowledge from his law degree to ensure Red Wolf had the property licenses and internal structure, handled all the boring paperwork, and used his connections to find us a customs broker.
Many people in the wine industry have helped Red Wolf get to where they are today. Michelle Lim Warner from DCanter Wine Boutique in Washington D.C, generously spoke with me while Red Wolf was just an idea. Michelle has become a customer, a colleague, and a friend over the years. Red Wolf’s first retail customers in the D.C, Tony Quinn at Cleveland Park Wine & Spirits, Wardman Wines, Tim Adams at MacArthur Beverages, helped me establish myself in the industry. Global Wines Maryland, owned by Noah Stevens, took a chance on Red Wolf by representing the portfolio in D.C. and Maryland. They are Red Wolf’s biggest customer today, and have become good friends.
I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, who never once doubted the idea, offers support and of course buys wine.
Pricing:
- Majority of products: $16-$29
- As low as $10.99, as high as $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://redwolfimports.com
- Instagram: @redwolfimports
- Facebook: @redwolfimports
