Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracie Pabst.
Tracie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For nearly 20 years, I’ve traveled to wine regions across the U.S. and abroad. What started with budget-friendly bottles evolved into a deep appreciation for the vine, the craft, and most importantly, the people behind the wines. My journey into wine wasn’t immediate, but once I began attending sommelier-led classes, I was hooked. That education opened the door to a community of winemakers, vineyard owners, and industry experts who welcomed me in like family.
As my wine knowledge grew, so did my network. Every trip to wine country became an opportunity to reconnect with these incredible individuals and to bring friends along for the ride. I loved planning every detail: tastings, meals, unique experiences, and hidden gems. As a human resources leader, organizing was second nature; the real joy came in watching my friends experience the magic of wine country without lifting a finger.
In the middle of my career, I was managing intense work demands with the opportunity to travel to our corporate offices in Italy, where I frequently extended my business trips to explore wine regions. One moment I’ll never forget: sitting in a winemaker’s kitchen, tasting his wines, and realizing one of them had just received a 93-point rating in Wine Spectator. He had no idea. I pulled out the issue I’d brought, its cover story featured Barbaresco, where we were, and showed him the review. The look on his face is etched in my memory forever. And yes, I made sure he kept the magazine!
A couple of years later on a wine trip with friends, one evening over dinner in Napa, after a full day of tastings, my friends turned to me and said, “You should turn this into a business.” I started to brainstorm names, and The Spirited Grape was born. I bought the domain… and then, life got in the way. For five years, it sat idle.
In 2018, I joined a gym to find some balance, but burnout had already taken root. My dad was battling cancer, and I was stretched thin. When he passed away in May 2019, it shook me. I began to reevaluate everything.
Then, in December, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer with lymph node involvement. Telling my mom, just months after losing my dad, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But my faith, friendships, and fitness helped carry me through. And then… the pandemic hit.
Despite chemotherapy and radiation, I continued working full-time, leading HR through the chaos of COVID, taking calls with my laptop in hand during my infusions. By the summer of 2021, I was completely depleted. The side effects of treatment and medication, compounded by the pace of my job, forced me to step away.
The sudden shift from nonstop work to full stop was a struggle but also a relief. For the first time, I had space to reflect. That’s when The Spirited Grape reemerged, not just as an idea, but as a calling. In November 2021, my website went live. It gave me purpose and a way to stay engaged while healing.
Today, my business continues to grow at a pace that aligns with the life I’ve intentionally created. I know I no longer operate at the same capacity I once did as an HR leader, due to the lasting effects of cancer treatment and ongoing medication, but I’ve come to accept this, and I’m at peace with where I am.
Growth is unfolding naturally and intentionally. I’m continuing to build partnerships with wineries, meet new clients, and expand through special events and collaborations.
This June, I announced my first guided tour for fall harvest, coming this October in Lodi, California, a hidden gem of wine country. This intimate experience, limited to just eight guests, will include exceptional wines, behind-the-scenes vineyard access, interactive classes, and private dinners with winemakers and winery owners. It’s a dream that’s been years in the making, and I couldn’t be more excited.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, from my wine-loving friends to the winemakers and farmers who bring each bottle to life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Marketing my business and attracting new clients has been a challenge, particularly when relying on social media alone. My goal is to explore additional avenues to increase visibility and grow my client base through more strategic and diversified outreach efforts.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Spirited Grape is about more than wine, it’s about heart. I bring my clients into experiences that are personal, meaningful, and memorable. From celebratory custom wine country adventures to hands-on harvest activities like grape picking during crush season, my goal is to connect people more deeply with wine and the people who make it.
I specialize in designing custom wine country getaways, private and approachable wine education, and exclusive winemaker dinners. I love educating clients with wine knowledge through engaging, easy-to-understand tastings and pairings. It’s about showing how food and wine pairings can elevate both, and helping discover new favorites while helping them deepen their appreciation for wine along the way. It’s about connection, joy, and creating unforgettable moments. It has been a journey of resilience, passion, and purpose.
Many of my clients have become my friends and when they say, “We’ll never forget this,” I know I’m doing something right. I’ve found joy in creating every detail.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love photography! I gravitate toward architecture, landscapes, my dog, and now, all things wine. During my travels, I love capturing meaningful moments, and many of the images I share on The Spirited Grape social media pages come from my own lens during wine country adventures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thespiritedgrape.com
- Instagram: @thespiritedgrape
- Facebook: @thespiritedgrape
