Interview by Dawn Burnett | June 20, 2025
I had the distinct honor of sitting down with Eric Aafedt, Head Winemaker at Bogle Vineyards and the well-deserved recipient of Winemaker of the Year—a title earned through decades of vision, hard work, and true craftsmanship.
The setting? A sunny afternoon at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in Winter Garden, FL, where Eric was pouring for fans, enthusiasts, and curious tasters alike. But behind the bottle is a story of resilience, branding brilliance, and staying power in a crowded—and often volatile—market. Here’s what he had to say during our conversation.
🌿 Rooted in History: A Legacy Grows
Bogle Vineyards began in 1968, when Warren Bogle and his son Chris planted the family’s very first 20 acres of wine grapes in Clarksburg, California. For a full decade, they cultivated and sold their grapes to other wineries—honing their craft and building a reputation for quality.
That changed in 1978, when Bogle made the strategic decision to begin producing under its own name. I asked Eric what he considered their biggest breakthrough moment to be.
“It was the article in The New York Times on January 19, 2000,” he recalled.
‘Wine Talk: Too Good to Let Slip by Unheralded’ really put us on the map.
“Over the next three years, we saw a 100% increase in growth. It was huge.”
📉 Staying Strong in a Shifting Economy
With rising production costs and evolving consumer habits, I asked Eric how Bogle continues to thrive in today’s uncertain economic climate—a time when many wineries are feeling the pressure.
“It’s all about having a range of flexible and sustainable growing practices,” Eric said.
“We’ve built resilience into how we farm and how we produce. That adaptability has been a big part of our longevity.”
💡 Smart Branding and Strategic Expansion
What’s kept Bogle relevant while others struggle? According to Eric, it’s a combination of knowing your audience and evolving strategically—without losing the heart of the brand.
“One big move was the launch of Juggernaut,” Eric explained.
“It’s a bolder wine, priced at a higher point, and the label design is incredibly attractive. That expansion has helped bring in a new demographic while staying true to our core.”
🍷 What Sets Bogle Apart
In a world filled with wine labels competing for attention, what really makes Bogle stand out?
“Years of consistent branding, fair pricing, and—most importantly—quality wine,” Eric said without hesitation.
“That’s what builds a loyal following.”
✨ Advice for New Wine Brands
Before wrapping up our conversation, I asked Eric what advice he’d offer a new wine brand trying to carve out space in this competitive industry.
“Have a great story,” he said. “And be authentic.”
Wise words from a winemaker whose legacy is as rich and layered as the wines he produces.
Final Thoughts
Eric Aafedt’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and smart branding is exactly what makes Bogle Vineyards not just a household name—but a standard of excellence. From a humble beginning in 1968 to explosive growth after a single New York Times feature, Bogle’s journey is proof that with heart, strategy, and authenticity, great things are possible—one bottle at a time.
