Meet Kelcey Hostetler | Wholesale Wine and Spirits Rep

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelcey Hostetler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelcey, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Colorado. My upbringing heavily influenced who I am today, particularly through my parents’ deep interest in wine. They frequently attended tastings, and I vividly recall my early fascination with wine when my mom allowed me a small sip, prompting me to describe its aromas and flavors. This experience sparked my passion. My mom also taught me how to cook, and our shared interest in food and wine led us to take pairing classes together. Additionally, my husband’s family, who also loves wine, further nurtured my passion. During college, a sunmer trip to vineyards in France and Italy solidified my desire to work in this industry, though I initially wasn’t sure how. Before transitioning to the wholesale side, I started as a personal chef, crafting menus tailored to clients’ tastes, dietary needs, and wine preferences. Over the past 8 years in distribution, my enthusiasm for wine has only deepened, driving me to continuously expand my knowledge and share my passion with others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What truly distinguishes me is my dedication to people. I have the privilege of representing the incredible individuals and families behind the brands I sell, showcasing their unique stories and passions. It’s immensely gratifying to support small producers from around the globe, ensuring their wines and spirits find the perfect markets to foster their growth. Moreover, I take pride in being a consultant for my accounts, not just pushing products, but carefully selecting items that align seamlessly with the identity of their stores or restaurants. We also focus on our independent and locally owned liquor stores and restaurants, helping stores survive against chain and grocery wines in Colorado.

My career journey began as a merchandiser and evolved through various roles in sales. While the path wasn’t always smooth, each step taught me valuable lessons and I am grateful for the mentors who supported my growth. Transitioning to a small company like S&M Selections was a pivotal move where I started as one of the first employees beside the owners, Steve and Matt. It has been incredibly fulfilling to contribute to the company’s growth, wearing multiple hats and seeing tangible success.

A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of partnerships built on shared values. Working with like-minded producers and importers has not only facilitated our business growth but also deepened our relationships and mutual success.

Our brand stands out for its dedication to offering exceptional, sustainably produced boutique wines and spirits. We believe in enriching Colorado’s market with diverse options while celebrating the individuals behind each product. This approach not only distinguishes us but also underscores our commitment to quality and community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s tough to pick with so many awesome spots in Boulder, but here’s a laid-back week-long itinerary for highlighting some of the best spots!

Day 1:

Afternoon: Settle in and head to one of my favorite stores B Town Wine and Spirits or Persona Wine Shop for some natural wines.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at home, catching up over drinks.

Day 2: Downtown Fun

Morning: Start the day with coffee and pastries at Moxie Bread Co.
Midday: Wander around Pearl Street Mall, checking out cool shops and street performers.
Lunch: Grab some sushi at Japango.
Pre Dinner Drinks: head to Bramble and Hare for fantastic cocktails
Dinner: Treat yourself to a fancy dinner at Stella’s Cucina.

Day 3: Nature Day

Morning: Hike the beautiful trails at Chautauqua Park and take in the stunning Flatirons.
Lunch: Enjoy a vegetarian meal and fantastic drinks at Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant.
Afternoon: Relax with tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Dinner: Dinner at Basta

Day 4: Lyons Adventure

Morning: Road trip to Lyons, taking in the scenic drive.
Happy Hour: go to Farra for tapas and great drinks
Afternoon: Explore Lyons, checking out local shops and the laid-back vibe.
Dinner: More great food and drinks at Marigold.

Day 5: Nederland Excursion

Morning: Drive to Nederland for a hike in the mountains.
Lunch: Post-hike, dig into some of the best pizza around plus great wines at Crosscut Pizza.
Evening: Back to Boulder for fancy dinner at Oak.

Day 6: Drinks and Views

Morning: Breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Cafe for a taste of New Orleans.
Midday: Walk along the Boulder Creek Path
Evening: Tiki drinks at Jungle, then head to Corrida for wine and amazing Flatiron views.

Day 7: Wrap-Up

Morning: Coffee at Boxcar
Lunch: Sandwiches at Blackbelly Market.
Afternoon: End the trip with a visit to Under the Sun brewpub for some local craft beers.

Great eats, nature adventures, and chill vibes to ensure you have an unforgettable time in Boulder!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While I deeply appreciate my community of colleagues and coworkers who have been instrumental in my career, I must give a special shoutout to my mom, Jerra. She has always been an exceptional role model, excelling in her professional endeavors by leading teams and companies with both strength and compassion. Moreover, her dedication to mentoring other women and helping them find their voices has been truly inspiring. I am profoundly grateful to have such a remarkable woman as my mother.

Website: https://www.sm-selections.com/

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