bringing wine to people,
not people to wine.
Meet Gary Robins
Certified Sommelier. Classically trained chef. Storyteller of American wine, food, and the people who shaped it.
A Different Way of Seeing Wine
After more than 40 years in hospitality, wine service, and restaurants, Gary came to see wine differently — not as a test to pass or a club to join, but as something deeply personal. Behind every bottle are stories of people, places, struggle, reinvention, and joy. Through history, storytelling, and honest conversation, Gary helps people feel more comfortable exploring wine in their own way — without ego or intimidation. Because wine is either yummy or it’s not — and you’re always right.
Current Projects
America’s Winemakers
Their Epic 400-Year Journey
The story of America’s immigrant dreamers, rebels, and pioneers who built the American wine.
The Practical Wine Guide
Wine Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
The Practical Wine Guide is an approachable, entertaining introduction to wine for people who are curious but often feel overwhelmed by wine culture. Through simple explanations, real-world examples, humor, history, and honest advice, the book helps readers discover what they enjoy without jargon, intimidation, or ego. Rather than teaching people how to impress others, The Practical Wine Guide helps readers trust their own taste and explore wine with confidence.
Wine Guy Gary
Wine Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Wine Guy Gary combines wine, history, food, travel, and a healthy dose of curiosity to make wine approachable and memorable. Through stories of the people, places, and events that shaped America’s wine culture, Gary helps viewers discover that wine doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable.
Projects in Development
America’s Winemakers: Graphic Novel
America’s wine story through illustrated history
Inspired by the AW-400 documentary series, this future graphic novel project transforms America’s wine story into an accessible visual journey filled with dreamers, pioneers, immigrants, and rebels. Through illustration and character-driven storytelling, the project explores how generations of people pursued an unlikely dream: creating a wine culture in America.
Cat & Vine Tales
Traveling America in search of its forgotten wine culture
Join Gary and Clyde as they explore America’s historic wine regions, small towns, and forgotten stories. Through travel, history, and a healthy amount of feline eye-rolling, Cat & Vine Tales reconnects viewers with the people and places that helped shape America’s wine culture.
Wine Experiences & Storytelling
Making wine approachable, memorable, and fun
Drawing on more than 40 years in hospitality, Gary creates memorable experiences that connect guests with the stories behind the wine. From winery dinners and wine club events to festivals and destination experiences, presentations blend wine, history, food, and culture to help audiences discover the people, places, and events that shaped America’s wine story.
Let’s Connect
Every story begins with a conversation
Interested in a book, documentary, graphic novel, speaking engagement,
wine experience, or creative collaboration?
I’d love to hear from you.
Gary Robins
Founder, Vine & Verse Media
📧 gary@vineandversemedia.com