Finkus Bripp is the driving force behind GRAND CRÜE Podcast Radio. With an unwavering passion for both wine and creativity, he has forged a unique path that combines his expertise as an accredited sommelier with his talents as a multimedia & web professional (since 1999).
Born & raised in Canada, of Italian heritage, and based in the vibrant city of Munich, Germany, Finkus brings an eclectic approach to the world of wine. His journey began with a formal sommelier education in Bolzano, Italy, receiving his Level 3 A.I.S. diploma in 2009, where he honed his palate and developed a profound appreciation for the nuances of wine. This expertise laid the foundation for his unconventional wine ventures.
GRAND CRÜE Podcast Radio
GRAND CRÜE Podcast Radio brings you the best in wine, life & jams! The ultimate podcast for wine lovers, lifestyle enthusiasts, and music aficionados. Join Finkus Bripp, your somm with the bomb, as he drops knowledge on exciting wine selections, offers engaging reviews with musical pairings from another dimension.
The Grand Crüe Ethos
The Grand Crüe ethos revolves around the celebration of ‘misfit wines’, ‘misfit winemakers’, and ‘misfits’ from all walks of life. Finkus has a profound appreciation for authentic, artisanal wines with character, the kind that aren’t afraid to take unexpected twists and turns. These wines tell stories, and they often mirror the personalities of the quirky and daring winemakers behind them.
To Finkus, ‘misfit wines’ are more than just beverages; they are the embodiment of individuality, creativity, and the courage to break free from conventions. Through this ethos, he invites wine enthusiasts to savour the unconventional, embrace the offbeat, and relish the delightful surprises that misfit wines and their creators bring to the world of wine.
Misfits Defined
Finkus curates a dynamic and unpretentious space where fellow wine misfits from around the world gather to celebrate the art of wine appreciation without the constraints of the industry mainstream. His anti-snob attitude and commitment to authenticity, whether related to his guests he invites to the podcast, music preferences, the wines and people who create them, are at the heart of the Grand Crüe ethos.
I sum up the term “misfit” as follows: Champions of individuality, daring to be different, and inspiring others to do the same.
Finkus Bripp,
Misfits are individuals who choose the path less traveled, embrace their unique qualities, and interests with unwavering authenticity. They are not defined by trends but instead carve out their own journey, contributing fresh ideas to the world.
Wine Misfit
The Musical Tasting Note
Finkus has been drawing connections between wines and musical genres, songs, and artists since the inception of his wine journey in 2009 when he launched his first wine project, ‘Wine on the Rocks.’
In 2010, in collaboration with detektor.fm, Germany’s leading web radio platform and podcast production company, he hosted a weekly 5-minute series titled ‘Wine of the Week’ for three years (in German). During this show, he introduced intriguing new wine discoveries and concluded each segment with a musical comparison.
While organising after-work wine events in Munich, known as the popular ‘Analog Wine Nights’, Finkus observed that people weren’t keen on listening to lengthy five minute descriptions of 4-5 wines, especially after a long day’s work. Thus, he came up with the idea of ‘playing the wine’ following a brief 20-30 second description. An interesting phenomenon occurred: People didn’t request wines by their name, region, or varietal; instead, they asked for the ‘Oasis,’ ‘Deep Purple,’ or ‘Joy Division’ wine. The aural description became a lasting memory. So much so that even a month later, visitors would come to his studio inquiring if any (Band or Singer X wine) was still available for purchase.