They started a life together, building friendships along the way

and met people in the wine industry who were influential People like Juan Mercado, who not only is one of the nicest people but a skilled winemaker who, like the Reinerts, came outside of the industry to make great wines with Realm Cellars. John reflected about how he and Stacy decided to jump in with both feet. “There’s a 15 year age difference. For me, I’m the creative in the relationship. I constantly think of things from an artistic sense. Stacy is more realistic& more pragmatic in the process.” Stacy chimes in, “John is the driver. I don’t know that I would have gone as far as we have, put as much money in as we have to this point. John’s dream is so big, he can see the future, and I look at how we get there. “

The decision to do Cabernet also came from their mentor,Juan Mercado.

Their strengths as a wine geek/visionary and a social butterfly/practical strategist have supported not only each other but the business growth and extending relationships as well. They met their first winemaker, Rebekah Wineberg (at that time with Buccella Wines)while inquiring about wine barrel recommendations. What came next was completely unexpected. Rebekah took her role one step further by not only introducing them to a barrel maker but meeting them there and spending the afternoon with them. After that initial meeting, they made it their business to learn every essential step of the process. Rebekah handled their 2013 vintage and introduced them to the winemaker who would handle their 2014 wine. Maayan Koschitzky was known for his wines at Screaming Eagle and his work with Atelier Phillipe Melka. The 2014 vintage would carry them into another arena.

Brilliant Mistake Wines is a brand drawing attention from top innovators including Phillipe Melka.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a mainstay in Napa Valley Wine.

It’s one of the most recognized and widely grown grapes in the region. Napa Cabernet is known for its soft tannins, exquisite layers, and responsible for some of the most expensive wines here. Both Stacy and John love Cabernet Sauvignon, and decided to make an ultra-premium wine in small quantities. It was important to them to get grapes that had east to west sunlight (more time in the sun). They found the perfect vineyard in the valley. When it came time to blend with their winemaker they tried several combinations, none that took their breath away. Stacy explains, “I kept going back to 100% Cabernet.” The decision to do Cabernet also came from their mentor,Juan Mercado. John knew doing a Cabernet would make sense but he wanted to think bigger. In doing so he felt like he was a bit all over the place. Weinberg recommended they call Mercado. John put him on the call “I’m a huge fan of this guy’s story, so I was nervous about phoning him. He came down to visit us for lunch and spent three hours advising.  I was completely blown away he did that. Mercado told us Napa is known for Bordeaux-style wines.” The stage was set.

“It’s either going to be brilliant or…”

The business of wine start-ups is about scaling. Starting small, refining the processes, the technique, and perfecting what makes it to the bottle.  The Reinert’s began with 55 cases in 2014 to 160 in 2015. They chose to make the best wine they could and marry it with the best in glass bottles (from Italy). Brilliant Mistake Wines is a brand drawing attention from top innovators including Phillipe Melka.  When the wine was ready, Phillipe tasted it and said it is amazingly underpriced while adding “Put me on the list.” That list is the wine club list. Wine clubs enable members to get the first shipments of a release. Convenient, because you never miss a vintage of good wine.

With wine already so recognized, why call it Brilliant Mistake? Stacy says some of the best things in life happen by mistake.  While talking over the initial venture with John, she said: “It’s either going to be brilliant or…