Montreal Marketeers Episode 28 – Donny Mellozzi on Building a Wine & Spirits Brand

On Episode 28 of the Montreal Marketeers Podcast, we sit down with Donny Mellozzi, co-founder of Ascoli Wines and Spirits, for a behind-the-scenes look at building a successful business in a complex and ever-changing industry.

Donny shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of navigating distribution, forming key partnerships, and staying true to his passion for wine and spirits. His insights highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and deep product knowledge when breaking into a competitive marketplace. From sourcing quality products to creating a distinct brand identity, Donny offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and marketers alike. As a testament to his dedication, he’s built a reputation for bringing carefully selected wines and spirits to the local market, while balancing the demands of growth, compliance, and evolving customer tastes.

In our conversation, Donny discusses what it takes to succeed: embracing industry evolution, staying connected to suppliers and customers, and keeping the Ascoli brand authentic to its roots. If you’re interested in the realities of launching and scaling a business in the beverage world, this episode is a must-listen.

Show Highlights and Topics

• Duration: 69 minutes

• Launching a wine and spirits brand from the ground up

• Navigating industry rules and distribution channels

• Building relationships with suppliers and clients

• Sourcing quality products and creating a unique selection

• Managing growth and weathering industry changes

• The value of authenticity and local expertise

• Adapting to trends and changing customer tastes

• Balancing compliance, logistics, and brand vision