The three Charleston natives and founders of Don Luchi Prosecco are a long way from where they began their journey of wondering what it would be like to have their own beer label. For years, musings were just that, conversations, a lot of them, as they spend most of their free time together traveling and dining out. Justin Wages, Andre Grundy and David Kinloch each bring a different expertise to the partnership, which provides a recipe of success for the group.
“The research I had been doing into wines, sparkling and champagne, for a year and a half led me eventually to prosecco, because the market was wide open,” says Wages. He built a partnership with a winery in Italy, Valdobbiadene, that wanted to break into the U.S. market, and that is how Don Luchi was born.
Don Luchi’s DOCG designation provides an additional “garantita” or guarantee, by the Italian government as a wine of especially high quality. Each DOCG-labeled wine must pass a wine quality tasting panel.
“We knew it was good, but we needed people to try it,” said Wages. Selling 2,500 bottles in under three months was a great start. Currently, Don Luchi is one of the top selling minority-owned prosecco’s in the world. Besides the notoriety it would lend the brand, “we wanted to begin selling in our hometown of Charleston,” Wages said. Plans for expansion include the Southeast, specifically Atlanta, Charlotte, NC and other parts of South Carolina. Numerous Charleston retailers are on board, with others being added soon. The unique taste of Don Luchi has to do with its originality” says Wages. “It is its own person, not as sweet (as a typical prosecco), and it’s smooth, with more depth.”
Don Luchi Events in Charleston are on the calendar including a Friendsgiving hosted by the distribution reps, a 5th Annual Oyster Roast, “Pearls and Prosecco, as well as a New Year’s Eve Party. “We really want people to engage with us and subscribe to our newsletter, as well as follow us on social media, Wages said. When asked how much it means to three best friends to enjoy the success of the brand while working together, he continued, “It really is a surreal moment for us to see where we started and where we are now. Ever since launch, we sell out in all our stores.”
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A seasoned PR pro and food photographer, Susan is an inspirational writer who travels the world planning her trips by dining reservations. She started the GA Lottery in the 90’s and turned to food watching Public TV with Jacques Pepin, Natalie Dupree and The Frugal Gourmet. She is an accomplished home cook and lover of all cuisines.
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