Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jay Nuñez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jay , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I am first generation Cuban – American. My parents were both born in Cuba and came to this country as kids with nothing but the hope for freedom from persecution and a better life. I thankfully never had to experience the struggles they faced growing up because of their hard work and resilience. My parents and grandparents were great examples of what honesty, education and hard work could do. Both my parents graduated from CAL universities and made a great life for themselves and us. My mother always pushed me to pursue my passions with diligence and determination and reminded me that anything was possible.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At No Love Lost Wine Co., we’re on a mission to redefine what domestic wine can be. Based in Napa Valley, we specialize in natural, minimal-intervention wines that highlight the purity of the fruit and the integrity of the land. Our focus is on crafting fresh, vibrant, and expressive wines that tell a story—of the vineyards, the people behind them, and the moment in which they’re enjoyed.
What excites me most about what we do is the ability to break down barriers in the wine world. We believe great wine should be accessible, unpretentious, and deeply connected to its roots. That’s why we work exclusively with organic, sustainably farmed, family-owned vineyards, ensuring every bottle reflects a sense of place and purpose.
This year is especially exciting for us. We’re in the process of expanding into a new winery space, which will allow us to scale production while maintaining our hands-on, low-intervention approach. We’re also growing our wholesale presence, launching in new markets, and introducing a few new wines that showcase unique varietals and styles—particularly our orange and chillable reds, which have been a huge hit in our tasting room.
Ultimately, No Love Lost is about more than just wine—it’s about building a community around authentic, thoughtful winemaking. We want to create a community that bring people together, start conversations, and inspire a new generation of wine lovers to explore and appreciate what’s in their glass.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey with No Love Lost Wine Co.: resilience, honesty, and relationship-building.
1. Resilience – The wine industry is full of challenges, from unpredictable harvests to shifting market trends. There have been moments when things didn’t go as planned—whether it was financing hurdles, distribution roadblocks, or the ever-changing landscape of natural winemaking. The ability to push forward, stay focused, and turn obstacles into opportunities has been crucial.
Advice: If you’re just starting out, expect setbacks, but don’t let them define your journey. Every challenge is a chance to refine your approach and strengthen your vision.
2. Honesty – At its core, winemaking—like any form of art—has to come from a genuine place. The best wines, like the best creative works, are an honest reflection of the people, the land, and the story behind them. We’ve always believed that cutting corners or chasing trends leads to forgettable wines, while staying true to our values creates something meaningful and lasting.
Advice: Whatever you create, make sure it’s an authentic extension of who you are. People can sense when something is made with intention and care, and that’s what truly resonates.
3. Relationship-Building – This business is built on trust. Whether it’s with vineyard partners, distributors, retailers, or customers, genuine relationships have been the backbone of our growth. People don’t just buy wine; they buy into stories, authenticity, and passion.
Advice: Take the time to connect. Go to tastings, engage in conversations, and build relationships beyond just transactions. Being part of a strong community will open doors you never expected.
For anyone early in their journey—whether in wine or any other industry—stay persistent, stay true to yourself, and invest in your connections. Success rarely happens overnight, but with a clear vision and a commitment to growth, you’ll get there.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
we’re always looking to collaborate with like-minded people who share our passion for natural, sustainably crafted wines. Whether you’re a restaurant, retailer, hospitality group, or creative brand looking for a unique wine partnership, we’d love to connect.
One of the most exciting ways we collaborate is through our private label program. We work with partners to craft custom wines that align with their vision—whether it’s a bespoke blend for a restaurant, a house label for a wine bar, or a limited-edition collaboration for a special event. Our in-house design team also helps bring these projects to life with beautifully crafted labels and packaging, ensuring that every detail reflects the story behind the wine.
We believe great wine is about more than just what’s in the bottle—it’s about connection, creativity, and shared experiences. If you’re interested in collaborating, let’s talk! You can reach us through our website or connect with us directly via email or social media. We’d love to explore ways to work together. nolovelost.wine on socials and the web.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nolovelost.wine
- Instagram: @nolovelost.wine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nolovelost.wine/
Image Credits
Photos by Blaze Williams
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
