Redefining Healthy Libations

UN’SWEET wine is a new generation of zero-sugar wines. Transparently labeled, health conscious, and free from unnecessary additives, all of our products are externally lab tested keeping them zero sugar, and gluten free. The brand is founded by Lisa Agerman and Malin Eklund together with Tracy Tutor, TV-star in Bravo's Million Dollar Listing LA.

“The wine business has for far too long been flying under the radar with its high and unnecessary sugar content. We were missing a wine that was free from sugar and unnecessary additives, with still a great taste for an affordable price. That’s why I co-founded UN’SWEET wine! “ - Tracy Tutor, entrepreneur, real estate agent, author, TV-star in Bravo's Million Dollar Listing LA, and co-founder of UN’SWEET WINE.

1. Tell us about yourself. When did you first know you were interested in the beverage industry?

(Tracy) I’m a California native and have lived all over Los Angeles. Growing up the daughter of Ronald Tutor (Tutor/Perini), one of the country's most successful contractors, I was introduced to entrepreneurship at an early age. As someone who cares about her health but also loves her wine, I knew there needed to be a product out there that would allow you to not settle in either department. There needed to be a wine that did not compromise on taste or one's health. So we founded UN’SWEET!

2. How do you / your team generate new ideas?

Being in the wine business, traveling to local California wineries is one way we seek inspiration in order to provide the best products to our customers.

3. Do you have any specific rituals for resetting creativity?

When I feel I am lacking creativity and vision, I can often attribute it to stress. Over the years, I have found working out to be my greatest solace. Exercising actually reduces stress hormones and stimulates endorphins so even if it is only for 10 minutes, I find that exercising allows me to recenter and reinstill that creativity.

4. How do you identify trends? What resources do you use to spot trends and consumer insights within your industry?

We talk to people in the business, to wine makers, but we also value our customers' opinions. We pay close attention to trends in the food industry, which are usually ahead of those in the wine industry. For example, vegan food has been gaining traction at a rapid pace as well as the importance of nutrition labels, so naturally we need to pay attention to both these things with our own products.

5. What is the biggest challenge you face when innovating within your field?

We love that every state in the US has its own personality, but it’s also a challenge of course when trying to cater to the entirety of the US! Some are more with the vegan trend than others but we know that this is a universal trend that will keep expanding and will one day be a universal staple. So our biggest challenge is to jump on trends before they happen.

6. Has there ever been an instance where another industry has influenced your work?

I think there is something to gain from every industry regardless of the industry your work falls into. As mentioned, we naturally look to the food industry for inspiration but also realize the value of going outside of your typical box to find new influences to expand and keep your brand interesting. As a “better for you” wine company that doesn't require you to compromise your health with your wine, we are often looking toward the health industry.

7. What makes an innovative work culture? How do you create a culture of innovation?

We are a super small team, which we truly value. I believe a small, close-knit team where people feel comfortable expressing their ideas is what will foster the most creativity and, therefore, an innovative work culture.

8. Looking to the future, how will your brand continue to be a leader in innovation?

As one of the first zero-sugar wine companies, I would consider us a leader in the industry. In order to continue like this, we know it's important to lean on and find inspiration from industries other than food and wine that at first glance may be seemingly irrelevant to us. One trend that we have spotted right now is that CAVA will be the new prosecco, just wait and see!