{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbusiness-of-whats-next.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Ftom-fuchs-PCvJ2m6l","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Tom Fuchs: The history, challenges, and future of the Midwest wine industry.","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/0d99ab60-4951-4b6e-8828-6d334241d109/0045bcff-7bf6-4c5d-9921-23d071c6f073/tom-fuchs-cover.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"We talk with Tom Fuchs, the general manager of Hoffman Wineries in Augusta, Missouri, who provides a fascinating look into the history and current state of the Midwest wine industry. Fuchs shares his extensive career journey in the beverage industry, from working in restaurants to eventually founding his own consulting firm, Headwaters Wines and Spirits.\n\nThe discussion delves into the unique characteristics of American heritage grape varieties and French-American hybrids that are the focus of Missouri wineries like Hoffman. Fuchs explains the challenges of educating consumers on these lesser-known grape types and the strategies used to draw parallels to more familiar wines.\n\nWe also talk about Hoffman Wineries' efforts to promote the rich history and terroir of the Augusta wine region. Fuchs describes the company's approach to maintaining the individual identities of the acquired wineries while also creating a cohesive Augusta wine experience for visitors."}