A&E Wines...The Dream, the Concept, the Reality .....the Future

A&E Wines...The Dream, the Concept, the Reality .....the Future

Our Story: 

"Wine has always been my passion. After working over a decade in the restaurant business and learning as much as I can about hospitality and wine programs, I wanted to bring this beautiful beverage to everyone’s home, but not in the same way most of the big box stores do. That's when A&E Wines was born. My first and only priority is your satisfaction, which I bring thru incredible service and years of experience. I believe success will come naturally from this philosophy.  A&E Wines allows me to blend hospitality and the very best of the retail world, creating a perfect shopping experience for you."

Cheers,

Andrey Kolchurin

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The Young Man.........The Dream

After completing college at age twenty and with a degree in Business Administration, young Andrey Kolchurin realized it was time to immigrate to America.  In 2005 his dream became a reality.  After promising his parents, " if it doesn't work out in three months, I'll come home," he arrived in Brighton Beach, an ocean-side community situated in the southern portion of Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, located on the Coney Island peninsula.  Andrey did not drive or speak English, but at this point, there was no need, Brighton Beach is home to one of the largest Russian communities in the United States. 

After spending just a couple of months in New York City, his decision to move to Florida, would be life altering. It was a new beginning, an amazing adventure and the perfect path, just as he had dreamed as a younger man in Russia.  We're there pitfalls, yes! We're their moments of doubt, never. Were there regrets...perhaps.  

A move to Florida meant finding living quarters, obtaining a driver's license, a job and learning the language.  Florida living, a world apart from Russia, with swaying palms, tropical warmth and awesome summer evenings.  However, reality was ten friends together in a four bedroom apartment, less than minimum wage employment, often going to bed hungry.  Over the course of the next few months, Andrey worked numerous jobs ranging from bakery worker, construction laborer to laundry work. All paid low wages or in some cases, nothing.  His dream still vivid, he continued to persevere.  As a seasonal Cast Member at Disney and still not speaking English, he worked as a dishwasher. Determination in place, he learned the language, worked a second job driving limos but found the employer to be very disrespectful.  Through all of this Andrey was steadfast in his belief, " I will never lose my self respect."

As he continued to learn the language, he found his niche in the hospitality industry at one of Orlando's major themes parks and in 2008 he became full time, no more side jobs!  He quickly learned and mastered all that was thrown at him.  Interviewing for a Leadership role, Andrey was accepted into the Emerging Leaders program"  A banner year for Andrey, not so much for the U.S.economy. The Great Recession of 2008, all promotions on hold.  Andrey had endured much, this small set back would not diminish his dream. During this time he continued his role with the theme parks, fine tuned his language skills, built necessary relationships, and learned all about the industry he had chosen as his career path.

Andrey and Erin met in 2008 while working together at the former Downtown Disney.  Together they shared dreams and in 2010 Andrey received his long awaited promotion.  His daughter, Hailey, was born in 2011, life in America was great, his dream quickly becoming a reality, culminating in 2017 when he officially became a U.S. Citizen. 

Andrey, along with his wife Erin and daughter Hailey, will visit Europe during the summer months of 2018, his mother, joining the family in Paris. Not only will it be the first time he has had the opportunity to see his Mother since departing in 2005, she too, will meet her daughter in law and granddaughter! Up to this point, computer FaceTime has been her only means of seeing her son and family.  

Much has changed for Andrey, regrettably his father passed away.  His parents understood, should Andrey return to his homeland, the possibility of detainment.....most assuredly a reality.  Listening to the wise words of his father prior to his death, Andrey did not return home for the funeral. Life in America, now included his wife and daughter, the risk of loosing them, prevented his return.  His family supported their son's decision. They understood his reason for leaving in 2005 and as parents, they also understood their son's unwavering grit, desire and determination. As proud parents, they knew Andrey would not only survive but thrive.

As a child in Russia, Andrey loved history and geography.  He memorized all the countries of the world including their capital cities.  His insatiable thirst for knowledge has served him well.  Wines interested him, they are "history in a bottle"and in 2013 he began studying for his level one Sommelier, he passed and almost exactly six months later, after hours of grueling study, he successfully passed his level two Sommelier exam.

A&E Wines...The Concept

"History in a bottle fascinates me!" The majority of vineyards worldwide are family owned and handed down through generations.  Through trial and error, working the soils, understanding their geographical locations, wine production and consumption, has increased tremendously.  Trendy, perhaps, but when it comes to tasting and valuing wines, many remain clueless. Discussing wines, pairing wines, understanding how they are grown, wine regions of the world, interesting, yet one may easily over-load on information, unless your Andrey Kolchurin, he is a rare vintage.  

Combining Mr. Kolchurin's love of history and geography with his vast knowledge of the world's wines and business savvy, A&E Wines was born in 2016. His main focus, educate the general public, introduce new varietals and their producers and give back to his community.  This allows his customers to feel comfortable asking questions, making comparisons and understanding the complexity associated with the world of wine making. In creating a positive experience, his customers will enjoy complete satisfaction, will continue to return to A&E Wines, establishing a positive and lasting reputation for his company.

"Something I learned over the years: financial success doesn’t come from a quick one time sale, but from long-term relationships with my customer. To me, each sale is not a simple transaction, but friends, who needs honest advice and direction in selecting wine they will enjoy. Everything from helping with selection to scheduling a delivery based on their schedule, evolves around them. My business goal is to make each and every customer feels they are a true VIP client and their satisfaction is my sole focus."

A&E Wines...the Reality

Growing and harvesting grapes, understanding what goes into making a great wine and being able to bring that to the consumer, is extremely complex.  As a consumer, purchasing, sipping and enjoying wine, should not be.  At a recent educational wine tasting hosted by A&E Wines, Mr Kolchurin, along with Brand Ambassador, Miguel Colon Jr. from "Real Laughs" at 104.1 Real Radio, bantered back and forth, delighting the many guests in attendance. "When tasting wines," Andrey noted, " keep your descriptors simple.....perhaps a memory of something.  Much like a first impression, that first taste may very well be a lasting impression."

Brand Ambassador, Miguel Colon and Owner/Sommelier Andrey Kolchurin, A&E Wines LLC

As the evening continued, guests were asked to taste five Pinot Noirs from five different regions.  Looking around in this relaxed atmosphere, Guests pushed aside any inhibitions.  They swirled, sniffed and contemplated each sip. Noting the variety of facial expressions, they provided amazing conversation and laughter.  Although my palate prefers heavier earthy wines and the oak flavors from the aging barrels, preferably old world wines, others seemed to preferred the lighter fruity flavors from the Pacific Northwest. 

Attending other wine tastings and seminars, Andrey found they were mostly, stuffy and boring.  "I wanted to take a different approach and mix it up a little bit." That’s where the concept of mixing comedy with tasting wines was introduced. The main goal of his tastings is to make people feel comfortable.  By choosing wines that excite your palette, the stress factor is removed. Regarding what is trendy and popular, he encourages his customers to choose wines they love.  "Once you've reached your comfort zone, branch out, compare, be adventurous!" 

In the present and when not hosting an enjoyable wine tasting in a relaxed atmosphere, customers may visit his online retail shop at: www.gowinedelivery.com or by following the same link on his Facebook page.  It can be found under A&E Wines LLC. "My main focus: educate the general public on wines, introduce new varietals and producers to my customers, ensuring complete satisfaction, and continued customer loyalty.  My reputation means everything!"

Wines will be delivered on the same day or based on customer date and time preference.  If particular wine is not available, it will be purchased specifically for you along with free honest advice and information on your choice of wines.

A&E Wines...the Future

Central Florida is an amazing region.  It affords something for everyone.  A&E Wines looks forward to expanding their customer base.  Currently, Andrey promotes his wine tastings with Miguel Colon on 104.1 Real Radio, via his website and through his FaceBook page.   He also plans to continue his monthly wine tastings. His customer base is very loyal.  With many vacation homes in the region, he has hosted in-home tastings for larger gatherings, delighting his rapidly growing customer base with this high-end amenity. This resort-like service Is an exciting concept that appeals to many and he plans to pursue this avenue. Future plans include opening a wine bar in a centralized area, creating a hub for local wine lovers while also offering educational opportunities for them.

A&E Wine tastings are a delight!  The gatherings are a social event, a chance to meet others who enjoy time sipping fine wines, engaging in lively conversation and consuming an amazing array of delicious and eclectic foods. 

Andrey Kolchurin...Businessman, Sommelier......the Person

The host of these events is an unassuming, down-to-earth and engaging young sommelier, whose passion for wines and a determination to follow his dream, has led to the creation of A&E Wines.  His passion, drive and knowledge is a recipe for success.  A bright future awaits this interesting young business and its founder.  Continued success, like the aging of his wines, will only get better.

As a husband and father, his passion for his family runs deep.  His parents taught him well, his life's passions have never diminished.  "You give more than you take and you help the less fortunate."  A thankful man, making sure his message was understood, he mentioned, "a while back I started to get involved with the community. I believe we need to give back to make this world a little better tomorrow than we have it today."

In the past he has worked with organizations such as Keep Orlando Beautiful.  He is currently setting up donations to Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida.  Case in Point: his daughter recently came home from school, saddened one of her friends would not be returning to school. She spoke often of this friend, a young boy.  Soon after Andrey found out this child's family was homeless, they had moved on, her friend never returned. "It broke my heart to think this child had such a life, each child deserves a chance for a better life and the opportunity to realize their dreams.