Sonoma County · Est. 2026
Our Story.
Our Mission.
Built by People Who Love the Ocean
"Mako & Vine is a love letter to the ocean — blending California winemaking heritage with a mission-driven commitment to protecting marine ecosystems."
Meet the Founders
Co-Founder
Lauren Crim
Atlanta, Georgia
Lauren Crim brings more than two decades of experience across nearly every corner of the wine industry. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, her career has spanned retail, distribution, importing, wine education, hospitality, and brand development — building a reputation for storytelling-driven wine experiences that connect people to culture, place, and emotion.
Her journey into wine began while living in France during college, where weekends spent exploring vineyards and cafés ignited a lifelong passion. Lauren holds multiple advanced certifications — Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, French Wine Scholar, and WSET Diploma studies.
"A certified PADI scuba diving instructor, she has spent years diving around the world — exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine ecosystems."
That lifelong connection to the ocean became the emotional foundation for Mako & Vine.
Co-Founder
Riley Flanagan
Healdsburg, California
Born into one of Sonoma County's most respected wine families, Riley Flanagan grew up immersed in the rhythms of harvest, hospitality, and generational winemaking at Flanagan Winery in Healdsburg, California.
As the founder and curator of Riley's Rows, she has spent more than a decade thoughtfully building a wine brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection — with placements aboard numerous cruise lines worldwide.
"Growing up in California, the ocean was woven into everyday life — from beach days along the coastline to a deep appreciation for surf culture."
That connection to the sea has carried through generations of her family and remains central to the spirit behind Mako & Vine today.
Behind the Label
Original Label Artwork
Behind Every Label
Is a Story.
Artwork by Brandon Lee Wise — illustrator, visual storyteller, and the creative voice behind the SOMM documentary series.
The Artist
Brandon Lee Wise
Illustrator · SOMM TV
Born in Ohio and later relocating to Colorado, Brandon Lee Wise built his artistic identity through years of hand-drawn and painted work rooted in movement, texture, symbolism, and human connection.
His breakthrough came through collaboration with filmmaker Jason Wise and the internationally acclaimed SOMM documentary series, including SOMM: Into the Bottle. Brandon's illustrations became a defining visual signature of the films.
"Known for his iconic work within the SOMM film series, Brandon brings a rare cinematic artistry to Mako & Vine."
The Mako & Vine Labels
Art as the Soul of the Brand
For Mako & Vine, Brandon Lee Wise created artwork that serves as far more than a wine label — it is the visual soul of the brand. Each illustration was designed to embody the spirit of the ocean, conservation, exploration, and storytelling at the heart of Mako & Vine's mission.
The artwork captures the emotional connection between wine and the sea: movement, mystery, depth, beauty, and legacy. Every label is a collectible piece — intended not only to represent what is inside the bottle, but what the brand stands for.
"Protecting the oceans, celebrating adventure, and creating meaningful impact through beauty and storytelling."
One Shared Mission
Extraordinary Wine.
Extraordinary Purpose.
Mako & Vine was born from a shared belief that business can — and should — be a force for conservation. Together, Lauren and Riley have built something that lasts beyond the bottle.