Amy Hoopes holds the position of chief revenue officer at The Wine Group. She became a part of The Wine Group as the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer in 2021, contributing her extensive expertise gained from nearly 25 years in the wine industry. Before her role at TWG, Amy played crucial roles in innovation, planning, and strategy at E&J Gallo, and her most recent position was as the President of Wente Family Estates. Additionally, she has taken leadership roles in various industry and humanitarian associations, further showcasing her influence and contributions to the wine industry and beyond.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
With nearly 25 years of experience in the wine industry, you’ve held various key roles. Could you share some significant milestones and experiences from your career journey that have contributed to your expertise in the wine industry?
I was fortunate to start my career at E&J Gallo and be part of their Management Achievement Program (“MAP”). This program gave me the unique opportunity to gain training and exposure to critical areas within sales, marketing, international, and management at an early age. Building on that foundation, I was also able to raise my hand for various experiences in a growing business. In roles ranging from traditional brand management to new product development to sales leadership, I was able to develop a well-rounded foundation and apply my skills. My time at Wente allowed me to develop these skills further, and now at The Wine Group, my focus is on driving company growth through commercial strategy and leadership.
What initially drew you to the wine industry, and how has your passion for it evolved over the years?
From the beginning, everyone I met in the wine industry was passionate about the work they were doing. Whether in sales, marketing, or winemaking, the joy that was being shared was contagious. This industry is one in which the more you learn, the more engaged and passionate you become.
What aspects of your role as Chief Revenue Officer do you find most fulfilling, and what motivates you to lead The Wine Group to continued success in the industry?
There are many aspects of my role that I enjoy, but what is most energizing is the diversity of working across teams. One minute I’m collaborating with sales, the next I’m ideating with brand marketing, and then I’m off engaging with our direct-to-consumer marketing team. It’s never a dull day, and the variety as well as the ability to collaborate across all teams within the commercial organization, is truly fulfilling. Across it all, I’m always focused on helping people attain their career goals. I’ve been so fortunate throughout my career to have had incredible training opportunities and mentors. The most important thing I can do in my role today is to pay this forward and help others reach their goals.
What advice would you offer to wine industry professionals looking to develop innovative products or strategies to meet changing consumer demands?
Always put the consumer first by taking a consumer-led innovation approach. Look at consumer behaviors in adjacent categories, and always keep your head up and your eyes open. Opportunities to build emotional connections with consumers are everywhere, so it’s important to closely track where the consumer is going to create products that will resonate and have staying power. Finally, not all products are going to be winners, and that’s ok. Don’t be afraid to test a new product, and be prepared to change course quickly if it doesn’t pan out. As I like to say, there is no losing, only winning or learning.
You’ve led several industry and humanitarian associations. How has your involvement in these associations influenced your perspective on the wine industry, and what valuable insights have you gained?
My involvement with a variety of humanitarian associations has reinforced just how important it is for everyone to have access to programs, mentors, financial resources, and support networks to help them reach their educational and career goals. I’m committed to championing the efforts of organizations with missions to drive greater diversity and equity within leadership and all roles across industries.
What are some key initiatives or causes that you’re particularly passionate about within the wine industry or the broader community?
I’m passionate about developing the next generation of leaders—within the food and beverage industry and beyond. I believe in providing opportunities to everyone, no matter gender identity, race, background, or economic circumstances, and enabling them to reach their goals. At TWG, we fund an annual scholarship program for our team members’ children to receive financial support for college. Additionally, through our partnership with Les Dames d’Escoffier, we fund the annual ‘Scholarships for Impactful Change’ program, which gives us a direct channel to help women pursue their educational goals within the food and beverage industry.
The wine industry is subject to evolving consumer preferences and market trends. What trends or developments do you see shaping the future of the wine industry, and how does The Wine Group plan to adapt and excel in this dynamic landscape?
As we’ve all seen, consumers increasingly want convenience as well as products that reflect their unique perspectives: innovative, bold, and fun. Because of this, we are embracing a consumer-led mindset more than ever before when it comes to our innovation efforts. We are driving insights from data and trends and keeping a close eye on where consumers are headed. While TWG will continue to lead in wine, you can also expect us to expand our portfolio into other adult and functional beverage categories. As our track record shows, The Wine Group is a company that will continue to shape the industry by bringing to market first-of-a-kind offerings.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for The Wine Group, and how do you envision the company continuing to thrive and innovate in the wine market?
As we look to the future, our focus on innovation and portfolio expansion will only grow stronger. With our global scale, operational excellence, innovation muscle, and experienced team—including new executive leadership team members—we’re well positioned to continue growing our portfolio in the alcoholic beverage space, within and beyond wine.
Website: The Wine Group
