Meet Matheus Meneghel | Founder & Master Brewer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matheus Meneghel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matheus, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The inception of Casa Meneghel Brewing sprang from a blend of passion and serendipity. My journey into the world of brewing began back in 2010, initially with beer and hard apple cider. This laid the groundwork for my brewing skills and piqued my curiosity about fermented beverages. By the time the pandemic was tapering off, I started brewing kombucha, a drink I had enjoyed for years. The process was not only fun but also creatively fulfilling.

As I shared my kombucha—infused with flavors like orange, apple, passion fruit, and ginger—with friends, their enthusiastic responses encouraged me. Their positive feedback, combined with my background in graphic design, allowed me to craft unique labels and names for each blend, adding a personal touch to every bottle.

The turning point came when a former co-worker and friend, who owns a restaurant in Marietta, proposed I supply them with my kombucha. I decided to brand my kombucha as “Hypnosis” and went to market with that theme, which captured the enchanting and mesmerizing qualities of the flavors. After the first batch sold out in just 10 days, I realized there was a real demand for uniquely crafted kombucha. Encouraged by this success,

Casa Meneghel Brewing is now expanding into more retail locations as we scale up our production to meet increasing demand. Each step forward is driven by my love for brewing and the joy of sharing these flavors with others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Casa Meneghel Brewing is at an exciting juncture as we aim to grow and extend our reach to more retail locations across Atlanta and its surrounding areas. Our city boasts several fantastic local kombucha brands, yet there remains a niche for something distinctly unique kombucha that is intricately tailored to the tastes and cultures of our community.

Transitioning from brewing kombucha just for friends and family to operating at a commercial level has been both thrilling and challenging. It’s a starkly different ball game where the scale of production changes the dynamics completely. I’m still in the process of navigating this shift towards larger-scale production, learning invaluable lessons about both the art of brewing and the science of scaling up.

Casa Meneghel prides itself on standing out from other brands in a few significant ways, especially with our choice of ingredients. Our unique approach to brewing involves incorporating a blend of traditional teas with yerba mate, a South American leaf that imparts a distinct flavor profile, setting our kombucha apart. We infuse our drinks with a variety of fruits and flavors that enhance the overall taste and appeal. Overcoming the challenges of scaling up and perfecting our recipe has taught us resilience, the importance of community feedback, and the continuous pursuit of quality and innovation.

Excitingly, we are also expanding our portfolio to include tepache, a traditional fermented pineapple drink from Mexico. Like kombucha, tepache is rich in healthy probiotics and offers a refreshing pineapple flavor that’s perfect for those who enjoy a tropical twist. This addition underscores our commitment to diversity and innovation in our product offerings.

I want the world to know that Casa Meneghel is more than just a beverage company, it’s a brand that celebrates creativity, community, and the joy of sharing something truly unique. We’re not just brewing kombucha—we’re crafting experiences that bring people together,

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start our mornings energized with a run at Piedmont Park, followed by a relaxing coffee break at Perc Coffee near Oakland Cemetery. Right next door, we’d indulge in some delicious baked goods from Little Tart.

Post-run, we’d explore Atlanta’s craft beer scene. A visit to Wild Heaven Brewery at the West End by the West Side Beltline is a must for tasting some local brews. Another great spot is Three Taverns’ Imaginarium at the Atlanta Dairies, perfect for unique craft beers in a vibrant setting.

In the afternoon, we’d dive into the local art scene at Cat Eye Creative in south downtown, where we can admire impactful works by ATL artists.

For dinner, we would head to Gaja in East Atlanta Village, a fantastic Korean restaurant that offers a taste of Buford Highway’s diverse culinary landscape, right in EAV.

To cap off the night, we’d soak in some Brazilian vibes at Buteco, where we can enjoy caipirinhas and lively Brazilian music, right in the heart of where the old Graveyard used to be.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The journey of Casa Meneghel Brewing has definitely been a collective effort, and there are several key influences and supporters I’d love to acknowledge.

Firstly, a huge shoutout to Manuel Ortiz, the owner of Taco Loco. As a former co-worker and a good friend, Manuel not only encouraged me to pursue this new business idea but continues to inspire and push me to evolve and expand. His support has been invaluable.

I also owe a lot to two pivotal books that shaped my creative and business perspectives. “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin opened my eyes to the artistic process from the viewpoint of a legendary producer, igniting the initial spark for Casa Meneghel.

Similarly, “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield, recommended by my dear friend Ben Gabelman, helped me combat creative blocks and finally channel my passions into starting this business with intention and vigor.

Every one of these people and their work has been a huge part of my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for their influence and support.

Website: https://matheusmeneghel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casa_meneghel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matheusmeneghel

Image Credits
Kendrick Disch
Andrea Gill