Une Femme Wines Company Profile

Background

Une Femme Wines was founded in 2019 by siblings Jen and Zach Pelka, inspired by the women, values, and wines that fueled The Riddler Champagne Bars in New York City and San Francisco. The company's mission is to celebrate and uplift women by producing award-winning, women-made sparkling wines that contribute to female-centered charities. Une Femme aims to create a modern sparkling wine brand that resonates with contemporary consumers, particularly women, by offering high-quality products that are both accessible and meaningful.

Key Strategic Focus

Une Femme's strategic focus centers on crafting premium sparkling wines that are approachable and scalable. The company collaborates with women winemakers and partners to produce its wines, emphasizing a capital-light model. By utilizing the Charmat method (tank fermentation), Une Femme ensures faster production cycles and scalability. The primary markets targeted include national retail chains, airlines, and luxury hospitality groups, aiming to make their products widely available and synonymous with celebration.

Financials and Funding

Une Femme has experienced significant growth since its inception. In 2022, the company raised a $10 million Series A funding round, propelling its expansion into thousands of new stores and partnerships. Notable investors include Chaos Ventures, KarpReilly, XFactor Ventures, and angel investor Claire Diaz-Ortiz. The capital is intended to support product development, expand distribution channels, and enhance marketing efforts to solidify Une Femme's position in the sparkling wine market.

Product Portfolio

Une Femme offers a curated selection of sparkling wines, each crafted in collaboration with esteemed women winemakers:

• The Betty: A California Sparkling NV Brut, characterized by aromatic notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom, and Meyer lemon peel. This wine delivers flavors of crisp Asian pear, white peach, and Central Valley fruits, with a soft and delicate finish. A portion of proceeds from The Betty supports Dress for Success, a nonprofit aiding women on their journey to financial independence.

• The Callie: A California Sparkling Rosé NV Brut, offering juicy notes of ripe strawberry and rose petal on the nose, with elegant flavors of warm blackberries and a dry finish. Proceeds from The Callie contribute to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

These wines are available in various formats, including 750ml bottles, 187ml bottles, and 250ml cans, catering to diverse consumer preferences and occasions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Une Femme employs the Charmat method for wine production, a tank fermentation process that allows for faster, more cost-effective, and scalable production compared to traditional methods. This approach enables the company to meet growing demand while maintaining product quality. Additionally, Une Femme's collaboration with women winemakers and sustainable vineyards underscores its commitment to innovation and social responsibility within the wine industry.

Leadership Team

• Jen Pelka: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Jen brings extensive experience in the food and hospitality industry, having held roles at Daniel Boulud’s DANIEL and serving as the U.S. Competition Director for the Bocuse d’Or under Boulud and Thomas Keller. Her vision for Une Femme is to create a brand that celebrates and uplifts women through exceptional sparkling wines.

• Zach Pelka: Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and President. Zach oversees the operational aspects of the company, ensuring efficient production and distribution processes. His strategic insights have been instrumental in scaling Une Femme's operations.

• Samantha Barnes: Chief Revenue Officer. Samantha leads the company's revenue generation strategies, focusing on expanding retail partnerships and enhancing sales performance.

• Evyn Cameron: Winemaker. Appointed in 2023, Evyn oversees the development and production of Une Femme's flagship California sparkling wines and special edition offerings. With over 15 years of experience at esteemed wineries such as Crocker & Starr and Cliff Lede, she brings a wealth of expertise to the team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The sparkling wine market has seen consistent growth, driven by increasing consumer preference for celebratory beverages and the rising popularity of sparkling wines among younger demographics. The market is characterized by a mix of established brands and emerging players, each vying for market share through product innovation and strategic partnerships.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the sparkling wine segment include:

• La Marca Prosecco: Known for its approachable and affordable Prosecco offerings, La Marca has established a strong presence in the U.S. market.

• Chandon: A subsidiary of Moët Hennessy, Chandon produces a range of sparkling wines in California, leveraging its parent company's heritage and expertise.

• Mumm Napa: Combining French winemaking techniques with California grapes, Mumm Napa offers a variety of sparkling wines that appeal to a broad audience.

Une Femme differentiates itself by focusing on women-made wines and aligning its brand with social causes, appealing to consumers seeking purpose-driven products.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Une Femme has established significant partnerships to enhance its market presence:

• Retail Expansion: In 2023, Une Femme expanded its retail footprint with national launches at Target and Sprouts Farmers Market stores, making its products more accessible to consumers nationwide.