Description

We’re back with another installment of the Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator and this time we are getting some wine tasting done.  Hosts Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade are joined by Jennifer McDonald, founder of Jenny Dawn Wine Cellars talking about how her love of wine inspired her to start her own business, going against the grain to create an award- winning urban winery in Wichita.  On this episode we discuss:

• How a love of wine inspired the start of a business from an HR professional
• Leveraging a California wine incubator to get started
• Developing a supply chain and getting the necessary licensing in Kansas
• Building in a style brand to your business
• The importance of being flexible and taking feedback
• Getting started with eCommerce
• The importance of managing cash flow
• How the Launch Prep program at Wichita State University propelled the Jenny Dawn business forward
• What it feels like looking at previous business plans and how they evolve
• The value of wise counsel
• How her previous experience in HR influenced Jennifer McDonald’s business approach
• Using the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce to network and create partnerships
• Helping customers out of their comfort zone to experience something new
• Creating a family legacy
• Having the faith to never give up

Learn more about Jenny Dawn Wine Cellars:

jennydawncellars.com

316-633-3022

Founded in 2016 by Jennifer McDonald, Jenny Dawn Cellars has grown from the dream of an at-home winemaker into Wichita’s first urban winery. 

In 2017, Jenny Dawn Cellars established a working partnership with a wine facilitator in Napa, California. In 2019, Jenny Dawn Cellars opened a winery and tasting room in the heart of downtown Wichita located at Union Station. Jennifer now crafts and bottles her wines on-site, with grapes and juice sourced from the finest growers in California and Kansas. 

As of June 2020, Jenny Dawn Cellars has 11 handcrafted wines: 

Union Station Chardonnay, Black Locomotive Crimson Cabernet, Red Caboose Dry Rosé, 2019 Rosé Wine (Watermelon), 2018 Chardonnay, 2017 Pinot Noir, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Sweet Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah Blend), Wichita Passion (Blackberry Wine) and Wichita Moments (Apple Wine). 

Jenny Dawn Cellars winery and tasting room at Union Station offers charcuterie and small bites, venue rentals, private wine tastings, wine locker memberships, and Winuecation - a monthly educational class. 

Other Resources:

Kansas Grape Growers and Winemaker’s Association

Association of African American Vintners

The Jenny Dawn Cellars Story (video)

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