Introducing Starboard
On Global Drink Wine Day (February 18), I formally introduced Starboard to the world.
Starboard is an exploration project in Port wine that’s on a mission to uncork the world’s only digital-first, crowdsourced Port wine, brought to you by you.
Port wine is something I first tasted in my early 20s during one of many long, summer dinner parties in Maine where you linger a bit longer than usual at the table.
I was intrigued at best, but it wasn’t until my work in the beverage industry encouraged me to revisit my fascination with it. In my role as an editorial director, I’ve interviewed dozens (if not hundreds) of founders and entrepreneurs who’ve spun up globally recognized brands. From tequila (the fastest-growing U.S. spirit) to ready-to-drink canned cocktails, I was surprised to learn that Port wine as a whole was largely untouched, at least among American consumers.
And therein lies an opportunity.
Combining my love for bringing people together to share stories; my enduring enjoyment of wine; and my unabashed enthusiasm for sailing, the idea for Starboard was born.
And if we look back through the history books, there was a time in my 20s when I declared among friends after a day teaching sailing that I would one day launch my own Port wine and call it Starboard.
I owe it to my younger, albeit more reckless, adventurous self to see that through.
