Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Ware
Hi Christopher, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
West and I worked for a spirits company in San Antonio for 3 years together from February 2017 to March 2020. The Covid lockdowns forced our hands as the company we worked for wanted to lay everyone off and then rehire prior to the rehire date for PPP money. We had a pHd in what not to do so we decided to launch our own spirits company with an emphasis on bars/restaurants while building into a wine company. 4.5 years later, we created 30 spirit labels and over 40 wine labels. Two f your products, have been named Top 100 in their categories by Wine Enthusiast for 2024 – 2021 Sirin Cabernet Sauvignon and Ranch Regulator Texas Straight Bourbon. 99% of your products are sold directly t0 bars and restaurants at pricing they can afford to grow their business. Coming from bar backgrounds, we understand what it means to create profits in such a tight category. www.ranchbrands.com
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We are 100% self funded. No one would loan us money to start. We created this company from scratch but then did a small capital raise to build the tasting room. Everything we make, we reinvest in the company. If something is left, then we pay our selves. We are 100% debt free. A large oddity in this business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ranch Brand Wine & Spirits. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a wine & spirits company that focuses on quality over quantity but not losing sight that affordability is most important to our end consumer. People are tired of being ripped off and we listen. We sell to bars and restaurants between $7 to $12. We teach people the little ins and outs of the business so they can spot a cheap sales pitch. We show people our raw material cost so they can have a truth in purchasing power. Ranch Hill Country Organic Gin is my personal favorite – 92 points by wine enthusiast and Sirin Cabernet Sauvignon – we just won a top 100 wine of the world with this item – its a life changing award that shows we are going things right.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Work every job you can, no job is too small and every experience leads to something greater. I’ve been a Marine, server, bartender, bar manager, owner of restaurants, sales agent, sales manager and now owner. Always listen to those that came before and take what best fits your ethics to move forward. The alcohol business is a slimy trade, but always entertaining.
Pricing:
- Snake Charmer Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
- Sirin Cabernet Sauvignon $49.99
- Ranch Hill Country Organic Vodka $25.99 in store
- Derel Vodka $7 to bars
- La Superba Barbera $22.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ranchbrands.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranchbrandwineandspirits/profilecard/?igsh=eXRlNmVvZDFtOXZj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranchbrandwineandspirits?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Vic Gonzalez, and Christopher Ware
