About Underdog Wine Merchants
Underdog Wine Merchants is the champion of the more interesting, albeit sometimes misunderstood or under-appreciated wines and wine styles. In a word…the “underdogs” of the wine world. We are a wine producer (not just an importer) and we partner with viticulturists and winemakers from around the globe to craft and introduce unique, esoteric wines that are distinctly characteristic of their origins and variety. Our current portfolio includes wines from Argentina, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the western coast of the United States and more. Our selection of varietals is just as vast, from Merlot and Chardonnay to Grüner Veltliner and Tempranillo-Grenache.
Our goal is to introduce these premium and super premium wines to a generation of wine-drinkers with fresh perspectives on both tradition and technology. We want to produce quality wine in new, innovative packaging that is more practical and sustainable, yet still appeals to wine lovers at all levels of experience. We hope that by exploring and presenting lesser-known varietals from exciting regions all over the world, we will be opening doors to intriguing new wines for people just as enthusiastic and adventurous as ourselves.
Adam Richardson, our head winemaker, carries a philosophy to create wines that are truthful to their origins-by expressing the character of the region, the qualities of the variety and the personality of the creators. Adam strives to carefully craft wines that are in harmony with both the label and the brand personality. Finally, Adam wishes to over-deliver in the quality of our wine and to create immense value so that great wine can be enjoyed everyday. To us, it is all about the wines!
David Bowman, Lead Dog
El Presidente, the Head Honcho, the Boss Man – David is our “alpha dawg” at Underdog Wine Merchants. David started his career in the beer industry of post-grunge Seattle in the mid-90′s. It wasn’t until he left graduate school at UC Berkeley that he answered the call of the wine biz. Since then he’s been sniffing out underdog wine values from around the world.
As a pup, David was raised on a healthy diet of fresh Utah powder, 80′s punk rock and Atari videogames. When cornered, this dog barks that “Paul’s Boutique” by the Beasties and The Clash’s “London Calling” are true sonic masterpieces- though these days he begrudgingly gives props to Green Day and Jay Z. David and his wife have two young pups of their own, who he intends to corrupt with his musical tastes and train to become the Tony Hawks of the next generation.
It should come as no surprise that our top dog’s method of transportation is a bit of an underdog as well. The odometer on his 2001 Volkswagon Jetta just broke through 150,000 miles. Despite regular harassment from the rest of the pack – and in true underdog fashion – he vows to see the 200,000 mile mark before letting that puppy rest.
Adam Richardson
International Winemaker for Underdog Wine Merchants and a native of Western Australia, Adam Richardson has been making wine professionally for more than twelve years both in Australia and California. Throughout the year, Adam travels to the great wine regions of the world, collaborating with winemakers in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to craft the Underdog Wine Merchants’ international portfolio of fine wines. Adam recently launched his own wine label, Chockstone by A.T. Richardson, which he makes in the cool-climate Grampians region of Australia.
Prior to winemaking, Adam was an aviator in the Royal Australian Navy. But ten years and many glasses of wine later, he jumped ship to begin his second career as a winemaker. When he’s not making wine, he is in the mountains, skiing, climbing, or barreling down ‘single tracks’ on his mountain bike. And at the end of these adventure-filled days, he always relaxes with a glass of wine.
Jennifer Franklin, Wine Bar Guard Dog
Jennifer Franklin is the guard dog, aka Manager, of the Underdog Wine Bar. Coming from a breed of deeply rooted Italians with a palate for food and wine, she found her calling in the hospitality world where she started as a hostess, swiftly moved to the head of the pack to a position as a Sales & Marketing Director, and eventually landed two terms as V.P. of Communication on the board of the International Special Event Society (I.S.E.S.). She boasts a youthful appearance but don’t let that fool you—this gal’s talent, knowledge of the industry, and charismatic demeanor has earned her a WESTIE Wedding Award, and many gigs planning events for celebrities, socialites, and dignitaries.
A Bay Area native, Jennifer lives with her husband and daughter, with whom she enjoys day-long family gatherings, walks up and down the local farmers market, and yearly vacations relaxing pool side at the Melia Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, complete with drinks in tote.