About Us
FlyWithWine was founded with a mission: to solve the single biggest problem faced by wine country travelers as they follow their dreams of visiting their favorite wineries around the world. How to bring their favorite wines back home with them safely and securely on an airplane so they can be enjoyed while reliving memories with every sip. And so was born the idea for FlyWithWine.
Seven years later, the company’s mission has grown to include becoming the global leader in the personal transportation of all alcoholic beverages, including wine, spirits, and beer. Behind FlyWithWine is a team of wine and spirit enthusiasts, globetrotters, and creative thinkers living and breathing in the wine industry, right in the heart of Napa Valley.
Today, our products can be found in more than 500 hundred winery tasting rooms, distilleries, and breweries, and at luxury retailers, major department and specialty stores, select airport duty free shops as well as on our own website and Amazon store. As our business has grown, so has our presence in multiple international markets, with local operations now in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, the UK, and Brazil. And of course, our products are highly sought after by all sizes of companies for their gifting and incentive programs.
So, whether you’re a wine lover returning home from wine country, or planning the next travel destination to bring along your favorite wines or spirits with you, or if you’re the wine and spirits industry professional looking to elevate your sales presentation, you can trust FlyWithWine products to protect your bottles… without spilling a drop.
Ron Scharman
CEO
Timeline for Success
2016 – Company Founded in Napa by two principals.
2017 – Launched winery wholesale business
2018 – Expanded with national and specialty retailer programs
2022 – Expanded line to include VinXplorer Wine and Beverage backpacks
2022 – Launched Duty Free and airport retail programs
2023 – Launched FlywithWine Personal Wine & Spirits Carrier line
2023 – Expanded reach with warehousing and operations in Canada, Europe, the U.K., Australia, and Brazil.
Our Team
Ron Scharman
CEO and Chief Marketing Strategist
Ron received his MBA in Finance and his B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. Before moving to Napa in 2005, Ron was CEO/COO of several national retailer chains for 14 years, including 4 years as CEO of the Morrell Wine Group. His 20-year career in the wine industry includes COO/President positions with New Vine Logistics (Wine Direct), eWinery Solutions (VinSuite), Chatterbox Wine Marketing, and VinoVisit. For 8 years, he was also on the faculty of Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute, where he taught a course in Direct to Consumer Marketing and eCommerce. During this time, he consulted with wineries throughout the West Coast and Europe on developing custom strategies for DTC success. Ron’s approach to work and play is simple. “Running an entrepreneurial wine business is a 24/7 mental challenge. But I’m still able to do that while pursuing my love for traveling to interesting places with great food & wine, art, history, and culture. Some call it work, I call it living.”
E-Mail: ron@flywithwine.com
Ryan Neergard (& Juno)
Director of Business Development
Greetings! I'm Ryan Neergaard, bringing over 13 years of rich experience in the dynamic realms of the wine industry and destination tourism marketing. Throughout my journey, I've worn various hats, but what truly fuels my passion is the intersection of phenomenal wines, strategic business development, and an emphasis of exceptional customer service.
Before delving into the world of marketing, I earned my Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers, laying a solid foundation in the art and science of wines. My early career saw me navigating some of the most prestigious dining landscapes of Napa.
Over the past 7 years, I've had the privilege of co-captaining FlyWithWine, a venture that holds a special place in my heart. As one of the proud owners during this significant period, my dedication has been centered on streamlining the process of traveling with wine for enthusiasts. Concurrently, I've been committed to devising creative strategies for our partners, enabling them to effectively use our products to enhance sales with their consumers. This journey has been defined by noteworthy milestones, including the substantial expansion of our client base and the development of innovative sales strategies that resonate seamlessly with both B2B and B2C audiences.
While my earlier roles in hospitality and marketing played crucial parts in my professional narrative, my focus and dedication have now shifted to the strategic growth of FlyWithWine.
Join me on this exciting journey where the love for wines meet strategic business development, and let's explore the world of wine together!
E-Mail: ryan@flywithwine.com