Marc Wölffer undoubtedly inherited his father’s passion for business—his career expertise has spanned the international restaurant, real estate, and wine industries simultaneously. Born in Mexico City and raised in Germany, Marc attended Munich International School, earned an undergraduate degree in Hotel Management from Cesar Ritz in Switzerland, and then a Master’s degree from the Cornell University program in Paris. Marc has managed restaurants in Manhattan and Havana, Cuba, and, alongside co-owning Wölffer Estate with his sister, Joey, he also owns vineyards in Spain and Mendoza, Argentina.
His diverse background has given him a global perspective and a multifaceted approach to business, enabling him to excel in various industries and contribute significantly to his family’s legacy at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. His initiatives there include launching and scaling Wölffer’s non-alcoholic options to meet the demand of this expanding market.
Beyond Wölffer’s options, here are Marc’s top non-alc picks:
Aplós
I’m a big fan of Aplós! Their Ume Spritz is made with Aplós Calme, ume plum, oroblanco grapefruit, white tea, and sea buckthorn. It’s delicious both poured over ice and enjoyed straight from the can. Personally, I love mixing their Aplós Arise with our Spring in a Bottle sparkling alcohol-removed wine to create a unique and refreshing spritz!
Athletic Brewing Company
Athletic is a true pioneer in non-alcoholic craft beers. Their mission was to create high-quality, flavorful non-alcoholic beers for those who want the full craft beer experience without the alcohol. Starting with just two beers, they have since expanded to 19 varieties available across the US and beyond.
My personal favorite (and one of their best-sellers) is Run Wild. Brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops, it offers a delightful balance of approachable bitterness and a rich malt body. Perfect for any occasion, it pairs wonderfully with burgers, pizzas, tacos—pretty much anything! Enjoying it year-round is a real treat.
The Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is a hemp-based, non-alcoholic gem with remarkable complexity and character. Its unique blend highlights the bittersweet flavors of amaro, the renowned European liquor known for its intricate mix of citrus and spice.
This versatile spirit makes an excellent substitute for amaro, whiskey, or vermouth, adding a delightful twist to any cocktail. Personally, I enjoy mixing it with our Verjus—it makes for an outstanding cocktail!
