Meet Dennis Carroll, Head Hooligan at Wine Hooligans, a group of California winemakers and aficionados dedicated to promoting artisanality and authenticity. With over a decade of experience working with industry giants like Purple Wine and BevMo, Dennis has acquired a business savvy that has helped him revitalize iconic brands like Cycles Gladiator and bring renown to smaller ones like Broadside Wines that are paving the way in sustainability.
Read on to learn more about Dennis Carroll with Charles Communications Associates' ongoing profiles - “Ten Medium Intensity Questions.”
Dennis Carroll. Photo courtesy of Wine Hooligans.
1. As a child, you collected…
Knowledge about 60’s TV shows. I was raised in front of a TV. Frightening to think that I could spend all day watching three channels because it would probably qualify as child abuse today.
2. Please name a book that has had the most impact on your life.
Photo courtesy of paperblanks.
Atlas Shrugged. I never thought I would see it play out in real life. Who is John Galt?
3. Recall the biggest and best mistake you ever made and what you learned from it.
The biggest mistake I ever made was not starting my own company 15 years ago. The best mistake I ever made was getting into the wine business.
4. Cabin in the woods or penthouse in the city and why?
Tough question. Kind of like Donny and Marie (who, by the way, looks better at 50 than she did at sixteen - thank you, Nutrisystem): I'm a little country, and a little bit rock and roll. I think I would like a cabin at the penthouse level. I like the idea of a cabin, but need the energy of the city.
5. What do you think about a future with driverless cars?
Photo courtesy of financialbuzz.
Can’t happen soon enough. I hate to drive and think technology can probably do a better job than 99% of the taxi drivers in NYC or anywhere else.
6. In 10 years how do you predict technology will change winemaking?
I think barrel taste replication will continue to evolve and get better. Barrels are great, but they are expensive. For wines under $20, it is hard to justify large barrel buys. In ten years, I think barrels will only be used for very high end wines...Sorry, I used to be an accountant.
7. Bacon or sausage?
B A C O N. Not even close.
8. Most memorable bottle of wine you made?
Dr. Gregory House. Photo courtesy of Wikia.
I am not a winemaker, but I do play one on TV. Just like a TV doctor, I don’t really know how to take out an appendix, nor do I know how to make wine.
9. If you weren't a winemaker, what career path might you have followed?
See 8.
10. Name one thing every person should try at least once.
Do something that scares the shit out of you. Start a business, run a marathon, give a speech, etc. Once you conquer something that scares you, you will never look back.
All the Swirl is a collection of thoughts and opinions assembled by the staff and industry friends of Charles Communications Associates, a marketing communications firm with its headquarters in San Francisco, California. We invite you to explore more about our company and clients by visiting www.charlescomm.com.