Michael Cruse has amassed a passionate following of wine lovers since he first launched Ultramarine, a wine light ruby in color and full of fine bubbles, in 2008. So much so that you now have to join a waitlist to get a bottle. Using sparkling wine to examine uniquely Californian soils, in 2013 Michael opened Cruse Wine Co. based in Petaluma, California.In 2016 he was named the San Francisco Chronicle's Winemaker of the Year. He also happens to be one of Stephen’s favorite winemakers in the world.On this episode, Michael shares the realities of running a successful craft wine business and what it takes to run an enduring company year after year. If you want to try Cruse Wine yourself you can find them at https://www.crusewineco.com/ Follow us on IG and Threads @whetstonemedia. Learn more about Whetstone Media at https://www.whetstonemagazine.com/Produced by Whetstone Radio Collective