Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Skinner.
Hi Christina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Really this started as a journey of discovery for me. I initially didn’t think I even liked wine… until I had the RIGHT wine, and then I realized I needed to drink more wine! Trying different varietals and from different areas, vintages. etc. became a very enjoyable hobby. This led to my meeting some pretty amazing people over the years. Not only did I meet those who were like me, just trying to figure out what exactly was in my glass, but also, I met people working in the industry who have been downright incredible educators and motivators.
Besides working temp jobs off and on, I mostly volunteered and worked from home while my daughter was growing up. After she graduated high school I started running my own small business and although it was nice, it was not really what I could see myself doing long term. My husband and I started discussing what it was I really wanted to do. Looking back at these conversations I can sort of laugh because the answer was almost always right in front of me… considering these discussions normally and somewhat ironically happened while we were enjoying a glass of wine. “What’s that dear? What is my most favorite hobby in the whole world? Oh gee I just don’t know… whatever could it be?” Haha!
Eventually, a good friend in the wine industry, who now works as my consultant, helped to convince me that I should look into wine distribution or something that would get me in the business. In doing my own research though, I uncovered a desire I didn’t know I had to create my own wine. I wanted to do more than just ask questions and figure out what was in my glass… I wanted to be in control of what was in my glass. From that moment forward, there’s been no looking back.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say the road has been necessarily smooth. There have definitely been some interesting challenges. The positives far outweigh any negatives, but, my greatest struggle has probably been overcoming my unbelievable shyness! I have never been very good at public speaking, or being “in the spotlight”, so even though I absolutely love people and I love the opportunities that connecting over wine brings, just thinking about presenting my wines in a group setting created panic. At times I felt borderline paralyzed with fear, and to compensate, I would overthink and talk too much and too fast, making it all very awkward. One time, at a retailer’s formal tasting, I actually lost my shoe while pacing in the front of the room. I had to sort of hop backward to find the shoe without losing my place and put it back on my foot before continuing my presentation. Needless to say, I’ve had to work pretty hard to find the courage to present my wines publicly, whether to retailers, large groups or simply intimidating personalities. The best I can do is just be genuine, laugh at myself and then keep moving forward. Even the most embarrassing things I learn from, and am grateful for the experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My small boutique winery in Friendswood, TX is passionate about producing hand-crafted, quality wines from grapes sourced out of Napa Valley. Organic and Biodynamic farming practices are followed in each of the vineyards we contract with and our Head Winemaker, Rudy Zuidema uses a natural, respectful, and non-manipulative approach to winemaking. I travel, coordinate, quality check and verify every step of the process and get to share a lot of delicious wine with my husband along the way. From the soil, grapes, barrels, bottling, and everything leading up to Middle Oak’s wine being in your glass… from the first sip until the last, and everything in between, literally everyone I’m working with cares. The results speak for themselves! Each wine has its own personality and it is incredibly cool to acknowledge the expressions of each. I am so proud of these award-winning wines!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I have been able to work with other small businesses and really enjoy the mutual support and sense of community that creates. I’m looking forward to meeting even more local shops and restaurants who might consider pairing our wines with their customer’s needs and vice versa.
The ultimate consumer support comes from those who have given my wines a try and helped me bring awareness to the brand via honest reviews and social media posts. Tag Middle Oak Wines in photos and keep drinking the wine!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.middleoakwines.com
- Instagram: @middleoakwines
- Facebook: Middle Oak Wines
