Today we had a wonderful opportunity to speak to Alexandra the curator of the Instagram account @mh_alexandra. Check out her full story below and don’t be shy about DM her on Instagram to talk about wine or marketing.
Alexandra, please tell us a little about yourself and how you found yourself immersed in the world of wine.
AT: I am a Canadian wine student/blogger/lover. I started on this online journey just under a year ago and am so grateful I did! I have met so many amazing people and have had so many opportunities I could have only dreamt of before.
I started working in restaurants when I was 18 years old and was even able to travel and work in Dubai for a portion of my career in that industry.
I found myself digging deeper into the world of wine when I was working in restaurant management for a premium casual dining chain once back home in Canada. I had always been intrigued by wine but it was my husband who finally convinced me to sign up for WSET 2 and start my formal education about 3 years ago now!
I currently work in marketing and am so fortunate to be able to combine so many of my passions in my day to day life!
Why did you start your Instagram account as opposed to another social media platform?
AT: I think I chose Instagram because it was a platform I already used for personal use. So I was most familiar with it. I also took a short course on how to market your brand on Instagram so there were a few things I wanted to try out. I like Instagram because it’s interactive and my followers help hold me accountable and keep me motivated to continue my education!
I also have a website, www.BlackDogBold.com, where my wine blog is hosted. I started the wine blog as a way to help force myself to study the material for WSET 3! I use Instagram to drive traffic to that as well.
What has been your most memorable wine experience thus far? and most memorable wine bottle?
AT: Ooooh! This is a tricky one. I can’t pinpoint just one bottle… but definitely, one memorable bottle is the Opus One we received as an Engagement gift when we were in Palm Springs a couple of years ago. Other than that I try and make every bottle special and take the time to really “listen” to what the wine I’m drinking is telling me.
Another special bottle is one I haven’t even received yet… But I can’t tell you about it because my Husband will probably be reading this and it’s a gift for him/us. I can tell you that it’s been a crazy adventure trying to track it down though! So that would probably be my most memorable experience in the wine world so far too! (Besides not dying during the WSET exams haha)
If you had to pick one wine today, price not an issue, which wine would you go with and why?
AT: Probably the one I’m waiting for! It was my first experience buying a bottle like that! But we probably won’t drink it for many MANY years… Maybe on our 25th or 50th wedding anniversary or something!
Other than that I love any wine I get to experience with my husband or close friends. It’s all about the experience and enjoying with the people you love.
What advice would you give wineries or wine companies looking to use the Instagram social media platform to grow their brands’ image?
AT: Engage with your audience! Like and comment on your follower’s posts and repost their stories they tag you in! It’s so fun to get to know the people who enjoy your brand. And it’s just smart business to take advantage of the free marketing your followers who tag you in posts are providing you!
What are your favorite varietals and why?
AT: If you’ve been following my Instagram or Blog, you have probably seen me talk about Pinot Noir! I love this varietal because of its versatility! I think it can pair nicely with so many foods and I also LOVE that it’s used in sparkling wine production. And it can even be used to make white wines!
In all honesty, I haven’t really found a varietal I can’t at least appreciate! And I hate saying I don’t like certain grapes because there are so many different expressions of each varietal that maybe I just haven’t found a bottle of that particular grape variety that is right for my palate. But I’m always searching!
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
AT: I love anywhere warm! I live in Central Canada so I will take any excuse to get away during the Cold Months.
But during the summer it’s absolutely beautiful here so I love to travel the hour or so to the cabin and spend sunny days on the balcony enjoying the lake with my family and some whites and rosés.
The greatest lesson you’ve learned in this business is…
AT: Try to not take it too seriously. I think with Instagram it’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself to keep up and create content and go go go! But what’s the point of doing all that if you’re not enjoying it? The wine industry is really an industry that is built on enjoying and appreciating the little things. So take time to be present at the moment. And always keep an open mind and be ready to learn!
And whether you’re in the industry full time or after you’re home from your full-time job (like me) it’s important to enjoy what you’re doing!
On a personal note, what are some of the most important things in your life?
AT: My Husband, our dogs who we call The Monsters, (Both rescue pups! Zeppelin we got first followed by Led a year later), the rest of my family and friends, and of course wine!
We absolutely love your photos on Instagram. Do you have a tip for other influencers when it comes to photography for their gram or their blogs?
AT: I work with a lot of different photographers. If I’m traveling and know I’ll have an afternoon or so to myself I’ll try and link up with photographers that have a similar style to what my brand is! Instagram is a great way to get in touch with people! I have made some really awesome friends through doing this! (Obviously, be careful and use discretion!) I also love finding pre-sets for LR that match my style! It makes editing a breeze and helps keep your feed consistent!
What do you think is the most important quality for the influencer to possess?
AT: Thick skin, a positive attitude, and a willingness to try new things. They won’t always work, but you’ll always learn something!
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
AT: I just want to say thank you so much! This was so much fun! I love following your account and I am so grateful you chose me to chat with!
