Today we’d like to introduce you to Naushad Huda.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
By day, I’m a Senior Principal at a global management consulting firm, Slalom, where I lead customer strategy specifically for contact center transformations. I thrive on digging into research, identifying root problems, conducting analysis, and then putting forth actionable recommendations that keep the customer at the center. This analytical and strategic approach is something I’ve also applied to VINOPOP™, which is now growing.
VINOPOP™ is a pop-up wine-tasting experience led by winemakers. Our mission is to “bring the tasting room experience out of the tasting room.” To achieve this, I dove deep into understanding why people enjoy visiting winery tasting rooms. My research revealed two key insights:
First, people love to hear about the wines they are about to drink directly from the winemaker or someone intimately familiar with the wines. They appreciate learning the story behind the winery and the journey from grape to glass.
Second, people like to be left alone after the initial introduction and Q&A. They prefer to spend their time with family and friends without interruptions, enjoying the experience at their own pace.
I designed VINOPOP™ tasting events to incorporate these elements. Our events are intimate, limited to 40 guests, with tickets and even the name of the winery revealed only three weeks prior. Those on the VINOPOP™ mailing list get first opportunity to secure the limited tickets, and each of our now close to 60 events has sold out quickly, some within a few hours after the initial email announcement!
Building on this success, we are now launching VINOPOP™ Private, which brings our unique VINOPOP™ format to in-home and corporate events and expanding VINOPOP™ to multiple cities! (We’re looking for City Leaders to join the team and be responsible for hosting VINOPOP™ events in their local areas! Contact us!)
What excites me most about VINOPOP™ is the opportunity to create memorable, educational, and enjoyable experiences for wine enthusiasts. It’s not just about the wine; it’s about the stories, the connections, and the moments shared. I’m thrilled to continue expanding VINOPOP™ and bringing the magic of the tasting room to more people in innovative and engaging ways.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many passion projects, creating and growing VINOPOP™ has come with its share of challenges. One of the earliest—and ongoing—hurdles has been convincing wineries to embrace a new format that places them, and their story, at the very center of the experience. VINOPOP™ is different from traditional trade or consumer events. It’s intimate, intentional, and designed to showcase the winemaker’s voice in a meaningful way to a qualified audience. That concept can take some time to resonate, especially with wineries who are used to more conventional marketing and event structures.
Another challenge has been getting venues onboard with a unique business model. VINOPOP™ isn’t a typical wine dinner or restaurant event—it’s an immersive pop-up that activates their assets with a vibe into something more experiential. That often requires venues to think a little differently about logistics, pricing, and how they support the storytelling at the heart of the event. It’s taken time, conversations, and trust-building to find the right partners who share the vision.
Finally,—time! Balancing a full-time career at Slalom and family life has been a massive challenge. Every VINOPOP™ event is handcrafted, from the research and planning to the guest experience. Doing that while maintaining high standards in my day job and being present for my family has required intense focus, trade-offs, and a whole lot of late nights and early mornings.
But despite these challenges—or maybe because of them—VINOPOP™ has become something I’m deeply proud of. Every sold-out event, every guest who walks away with a new appreciation for wine, and every winemaker who feels celebrated makes the road worth it. The struggles have shaped the integrity of the experience, and they’ve also reinforced how much potential there still is to grow and innovate in this space.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I can identify 3 key lessons I’ve learned in my journey: curiosity, the willingness to admit when I don’t know something, and a strong commitment to trust and integrity.
First, being curious has been a driving force in my personal and professional growth. Curiosity pushes me to ask questions, appreciate meeting new people, explore new ideas, and continuously learn. It keeps me engaged and open to possibilities.
Second, not being afraid to say “I don’t know” has been crucial. Admitting I don’t have all the answers can be daunting, but it’s a vital step in finding them. I leverage my curiosity to bridge those gaps in knowledge.
Third, being mindful of how important trust and your reputation are cannot be overstated. In our increasingly interconnected world, actions and decisions can have far-reaching implications. Building and maintaining trust through honesty, reliability, and ethical behavior is essential. I strive to do what’s right and keep my integrity high because my reputation is one of my most valuable assets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vinopopevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinopop/
