VinExcel partners with wine and spirits companies to drive profitable growth and unlock value when it matters the most. We work alongside founders, family owners, management teams, boards, investors, and private-equity sponsors to confront the challenges of today's category dynamics with rigorous analysis, clear strategy, and disciplined execution.
Our approach combines senior operating experience with practical, hands-on support to solve complex commercial, financial, and operational challenges.
Multi-year growth plans, portfolio architecture, brand positioning, premiumization strategy, innovation pipeline, and SKU rationalization to drive clarity and sustainable performance.
Distributor strategy and performance management, pricing architecture, trade investment effectiveness, national account strategy, and sales operating model to strengthen execution discipline.
Profit bridge diagnostics, margin improvement plans, inventory optimization, working capital management, forecasting rigor, and scenario modeling for profitability enhancement.
Organizational design, talent upgrade plans, decision rights, performance management rhythm, and cross-functional alignment to build durable capabilities.
Pre-deal and post-deal value creation planning, integration support, and transaction advisory for investors, boards, and management teams navigating critical M&A moments.
Retainer-based advisory services for CEOs, owners, and boards requiring senior, hands-on support to accelerate results, navigate complexity, and drive transformation.
VinExcel exists to elevate businesses, brands, and leaders in wine and spirits by delivering bespoke advisory services that translate strategy into measurable execution—especially in moments of transition or transformation.
We blend a passion for wine with a commitment to helping organizations excel, supporting clients across strategic planning, portfolio design, route-to-market optimization, performance management, brand development, and operational and financial effectiveness.
VinExcel serves executives, owners, and investors in the wine and spirits category—particularly privately held companies, boards and sponsors focused on value creation, and importers or distributors navigating portfolio repositioning or capability gaps.
Founders & Family Owners
Private Equity Sponsors
Boards & Investors
Wine Importers
Wine Distributors
Our approach: Operators first, not career consultants • Outcome-driven and executable • Built specifically for founders and investors
VinExcel is founded and led by two complementary executives who bring deep category expertise, operational excellence, and a commitment to measurable results.
Co-Founder
Stephen Brauer is a seasoned global wine and spirits executive recognized for transforming businesses into scalable, profitable organizations, building performance-driven cultures, and driving market innovation.
He has led major portfolios and cross-functional teams, with senior leadership roles at Seagram Chateau & Estates, Treasury Wine Estates, Pernod Ricard USA, Beam Global Spirits & Wines, and most recently at Pasternak Wine Imports.
Brauer also brings a track record of advisory experience with privately held wineries and sponsors, including Pasternak Wine Imports (Domaines Barons de Rothschild), Far Niente Wine Estates (GI Partners), Vineyard 29, and Laetitia in the Central Coast.
Co-Founder
Badr Benabdessadek is an entrepreneurial, multilingual executive with extensive experience in strategy, operations, finance, and M&A across premium consumer categories including wine and spirits.
He has held senior leadership roles at Taub Family Companies (including Palm Bay International and Taub Family Selections) and previously served as CFO at Pasternak Wine Imports (Domaines Barons de Rothschild/Lafite).
He is known for building rigorous planning systems, improving operational execution, strengthening supplier alignment, elevating profitability, and bringing analytical discipline to commercial decision-making with a focus on overall financial health—capabilities that translate directly into owner and board priorities.
"VinExcel is purpose-built for wine and spirits leaders who need more than analysis—they need senior, credible partners who can drive transformation and results. With complementary strengths across brand/route-to-market leadership and finance/operations/M&A rigor, Brauer and Benabdessadek offer a rare combination tailored to the realities of privately held and investor-backed wine businesses."
We measure our success by the lasting impact we create for our clients.
The strategic roadmap VinExcel developed transformed our approach to the U.S. market. Their deep understanding of distribution networks and regulatory frameworks was invaluable. Within 18 months, we expanded from 5 states to nationwide coverage with significantly improved margins.
Philippe Dubois
Managing Director, Château Beaumont
VinExcel's guidance through our acquisition was exceptional. They identified synergies we hadn't considered and helped us integrate two distinct portfolios seamlessly. The value creation plan they developed exceeded our initial projections by 40%.
Michael Torres
Partner, Summit Capital Partners
Working with VinExcel elevated our entire commercial operation. Their hands-on approach to distributor management and pricing strategy delivered measurable results quickly. We saw a 25% improvement in distributor performance metrics within the first quarter.
Sarah Martinez
VP of Sales, Heritage Wine Group
Whether you're navigating growth challenges, operational complexity, or critical transitions, we're here to guide you toward sustainable success.
Office Location
580 California Street, Suite 1200
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone
+1 (415) 555-9870
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST
Consultations by appointment
Initial consultations are complimentary. We believe in understanding your needs before discussing engagement terms. Most inquiries receive a response within one business day.