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

Hi Kimberle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always knew I wanted to work for myself at some point, my mom has always been an entrepreneur so I saw the benefit of working for yourself. I spent so many years tied up in my career that I couldn’t even take the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. When I was forced to slow down during the pandemic an opportunity in wine fell in my lap. It was through that opportunity my passion for wine got reignited and I knew that creating a company around wine was what I was going to do. I decided to further my wine education taking advance certifications so I could then pass the education onto others, I’ve always loved teaching. I found during my interactions with people during wine tastings there was a real lack of knowledge around wine but a real desire to learn. I created my company to provide wine education to those seeking it in a fun and creative way. My goal from the beginning has always been to make wine more approachable and less intimidating through educating and to create a community of people who love wine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is the attention to detail I put in every class or tasting. I carefully select wines that support smaller production and present it in a way that is visually appealing and easy to understand. I’m most proud of sticking to what’s important to me as a consumer and not giving into big business. I support the small guy whether it be the farmer, wine maker or the local wine shop where I source the wines. There is a lot of push back to go with the name brands but I make it a priority to introduce people to new producers who are doing things “the right way”. I make sure all the wine is vetted before I will bring it into any of my classes or tastings. My tastings, while fun, are very educational and designed for people who want to learn.

It hasn’t been real easy trying to balance two toddlers, a house build, a wine consulting business, my education and starting this business but I take it one day at a time. I’ve learned to ask for help and only do what I can do and be okay with my list not always being accomplished in the same day. I use to say yes to every event, every opportunity to get in front of people but I’ve learned to become a little more selective. Quality over quantity. There will always been challenges but without challenges there will be no growth.

What I want people to know about myself and my brand is that I give everything 110% and I am so passionate about educating people on wine. I am authentic, my brand is authentic. My brand is about building community through wine and making a product that can be so intimidating much more approachable. It’s a special thing to gather together and have a shared experience with a group of friends/family and wine does that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite hangout is at Halcyon in Alpharetta. They have really great restaurants and a big grass area where you can relax while having a drink. They have live music on the weekends and it’s pet friendly. Attached to Halcyon is a large greenway that is really nice to get some exercise in a beautiful setting. If we’re not at Halcyon we’re getting Italian food at Campania or Tex-Mex at Superica. If we have time to head up North then I love Wolf Mountain Vineyards, not only are they making the best wine in North Georgia, their food is out of this world.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout my family – my husband who has supported this journey. My kids for whom I do this for and my parents for always being my #1 supporters with any ideas I’ve ever had. I have an incredible support system with not only my family but my network of friends.

Website: southernsunshineandwine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/southernsunshineandwine

Facebook: facebook.com/southernsunshineandwine

Other: Email: hello@southernsunshineandwine.com

Image Credits
Kierston Parks Photography

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