Amy Gross, CEO & Founder, VineSleuth/ Wine4.Me (Texas, USA)

Years in the Industry:
12 years. I started kicking around the idea for VineSleuth technology in late 2009, after a visit to Napa as a tourist. I finally began work in earnest on our learning algorithm with an applied mathematician in late 2010 then working with the sensory scientists at Cornell University and winemakers in the Finger Lakes to build out and test our wine analysis methodology along with the algorithm in 2012. In 2015, I began speaking about data integrity, digital personalization at scale and AI on behalf of IBM globally, and 2019 brought our first beer analysis and client and Master Brewer Michael “Mufasa” Ferguson joined the team. (Oh my goodness is he incredible!!)

It’s been a long, slow climb with moments of exhilaration and, of course, deep questions. One prominent gentleman in our industry told me a few years back that there is no way I could succeed at this and that I should stop.
“It’s like climbing Mt. Everest, Amy,” he said. “So many die on the way. Your company won’t make it.”
Well, I’m still climbing. And I’m feeling pretty good about the year and years ahead, especially as our industry is finally beginning to embrace digital solutions. In 2019 when I visited the south base camp of Mt. Everest, you had better believe I took a picture.

My Top Three Challenges to Wellness Are:

1. Time I want to do ALL THE FUN THINGS, and then there is this business I am running and a family I love, so there is only so much time. Travel used to take up a lot of time, but with that gone, it’s been easier to be more disciplined and to use my time more wisely. Plus, with the discovery of the Peloton app, exercise has become easier and a lot more fun, and now it is more of a priority.

2. Family Meal Planning With three teens and a husband whose favorite food just may be pepperoni and sausage pizza, it’s not easy planning meals that fit my nutrition goals and their interests. But it’s happening... Most of the days, anyway.

3. I love delicious food and wine! Like most of you reading this, delicious food and wine is a love and also a part of my business. I hosted 23 virtual wine tastings for a client in December. Of course I sipped right along with my guests and then enjoyed other wines when celebrating with my family and with dinner. Balancing that is TOUGH!

How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:

1. I budget at least 30 minutes of every morning for reading the Bible, praying and reflecting on it. I even lead full-Bible read throughs on my personal blog, MomsToolbox.com. That is super fulfilling!

2. I budget at least 30 minutes a day of exercise. I discovered the Peloton app on Easter Sunday this year and have not missed one day. Most days I cycle, but I also add yoga, strength and a mix of running and walking to my schedule.

3. I drink a LOT of water and have since I was a teen (and that was a long time ago!) I don’t track it, I just drink it all day long.

4. I try to be honest with myself about my capabilities and priorities… which is not always easy. I want to be able to do EVERYTHING, but, alas, that’s not possible. Hence the prayer and reflection time. :)

What Inspires Me:
I love learning about others who have done amazing things. I’ve met some fantastic women and mentors through Women for WineSense. Their founders, one of whom has become a mentor and a dear friend of mine, were the driving force behind that 60 Minutes story on the French Paradox which positively impacted the US wine industry as, perhaps, nothing else. They continue to promote the industry and women within it, in such positive ways.

Esther, from the Old Testament book that bears her name, was a rock star in discipline and acting in truth... and she saved a whole nation. She inspires me.

A Quote I Love:
“But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.
I will praise you forever for what you have done.
In your name I will hope, for your name is good.”

You can connect with Amy on LinkedIn Instagram @amy_c_gross YouTube and the VineSleuth website.