Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Reneé Ventrice of ReneeVentrice.com for sharing your story with us. Congratulations on being a finalist for the 30th Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards! View all finalists here and event info here.

Credit: www.studio151photo.com

Tell us the story of your business and how it’s evolved.

ReneeVentrice.com started as simply a way to stay busy during the COVID quarantine of 2020. Since my tour company was closed until restrictions lifted, I mentored entrepreneurs who were struggling, and several nights a week I jumped into our business’ Mercedes Sprinter in our driveway and did wine tastings live on Facebook. They evolved into wine and karaoke nights, which became quite popular!

Meta got wind of the videos and filmed a spotlight on my method of staying relevant through the pandemic that went viral with over 18M views.

When the quarantine ended,  restaurants and private groups began asking me to do wine tastings and wine dinners for them, and I branded it as Go Be Grape as a fun way to flex my wine educator skills! I literally worked for food and didn’t think about it becoming a business.

After selling Cork and Keg Tours in 2023,  I leaned fully into being a Community Connection Strategist and WSET2 Certified wine educator,  and became known as a Pairing Professional: pairing clients with collaborators in their communities by day,  and pairing wine with life by night!

I rebranded my events as WineauxClock Culinary Experiences and partner local, national, and international wineries, and with brands like Marriott, Salesforce, and the Conche to create unique experiences both in person and virtual.

Credit: D3D Photography

What are you most proud of when it comes to your team?

I’m humbly proud of the way that my husband and I transitioned our tour company to the new owners,  throwing them a launch party and introducing them to industry and community leaders to get them off to a strong start.

I’m a team of one now, and I’m proud of the success my coaching clients have had! From getting Mango Creek products into the Salamander Resort boutique to creating “Pop-Opp” events at Paint Nail Bar to showcase other businesses in cross-promotion campaigns,  it’s beyond rewarding to watch their continued growth and success!

I’m also so proud to have brought the James Beard Taste Award-winning show V is for Vino to Virginia and locking us into the international wine community as THE next big wine traveler destination!

In what ways do you give back to the Loudoun community?

Since 2019, I’ve volunteered for Veterans Moving Forward (VMF),  a nonprofit that trains service dogs for vets in need.  As a US Navy Veteran myself,  I know firsthand what a huge problem veteran suicide is in America.  We raised more than $20k over the years for VMF and even have a service dog named after our uncle Charlie,  who was an army veteran and sadly passed away after a tragic fall.

I’ve been a mentor for the Young Entrepreneur Academy,  serve on the board of directors for Visit Loudoun,  and continue to donate time and services to pour into rising entrepreneurs on the journey into becoming Loudoun business owners.

What would it mean to you and your business to win a Small Business Award?

This Award is validation that my unique approach to marketing effectively brings revenue and success to multiple local businesses by teaching them to thrive by lifting others.  Being recognized and a valued business leader in Loudoun is a massive honor. I would use the platform to continue to support the success of others and spread the word about our county’s reputation for innovation and commitment to small business growth through national speaking engagements.

Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

My recent success is largely due to the coaching and mentoring through the FyreSavvy coaching cohort.

My coaches. Shanel Evans,  Dawnna St Louis, and Doug Stampfli changed the course of my career through strategies that craft strong,  impactful offers, but more importantly, they helped me charge what I’m worth and BELIEVE what I’m worth.

As a woman and business owner without a college degree, I often marginalized myself and lacked the confidence to take big risks. They helped me to value myself, beat self-doubt, and stamp out limiting beliefs. I pass those same lessons to my clients and am thrilled to see women stepping up to love themselves and appreciate their personal and professional gifts.

What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

I wanted to be a veterinarian until the first time I saw a dog get hit by a car,  at that moment I KNEW I wasn’t cut out to see animals in pain.  Then I wanted to be a journalist,  and backup dancer for Janet Jackson.  The dream is still alive to get in stage with Janet if anyone has a connection!

If you’re not in the office, where can we find you/what is another passion you have?

I love traveling around the world with my husband, Don,  so you’ll find me on a plane on our way to our next adventure! I also love reading and cuddling at home with my 18-year-old Jack Russell while listening to yacht rock,  and teaching my 26-year-old son,  Gino, all about wine and why music from the 70s is better than EVERYTHING he listens to today! Except for Dua Lipa, I LOVE her!

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5 years?

The 3-year plan is already in motion for retail products around WineauxClock®️ and a book sharing how I pair wine with life and human experiences. I also plan to film a documentary involving a local winery,  details are a secret for now!

My coaching business will evolve fully into my latest trademark, Bizlationships™️, which brings businesses together with clients and collaborators through five-star reviews and proven excellence. I intend to take Bizlationships™️ NATIONAL.

In five years, my husband and I will be retired and focused on philanthropy to support veterans and create resources for teens in and aging out of foster care and financially strapped situations to access higher education and fulfilling career opportunities. Oh, and I will create a wine brand and my final act as a dedicated Wineaux!

Learn more about Renee and her businesses on her website.