Rebecca Templeton / Blends of Vino

Blends of Vino is a winery representative company based in Spokane, Washington that is owned and operated by Rebecca Templeton.

Founded in 2010, Blends of Vino represents two wineries, Anelare and Northwest Cellars, both from Washington state. The wines are sold to stores, restaurants, and retail shops.

HalfKorean.com had a chance to discuss with Rebecca her background along with her business.

So let’s start with some background on you. What is your mix?
I’m Korean and Caucasian (Italian).

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Seoul, Korea. I was adopted from Korea at the age of eight, which is unheard of since people usually want little babies. I didn’t speak any English when I came to America. I have lived in Spokane, Washington ever since. I didn’t like looking different than my friends when I was younger. Now, I love looking different and unique.

Do you still speak Korean?
No. After being here in America for many years and having to learn the English language, the Korean language I once spoke unfortunately disappeared.

Were you raised with any Korean culture/connections from your adoptive family?
No. My adoptive family was very white. They thought stir-fry was Asian enough. I did not eat any Korean food or had been around any Korean culture until I became an adult and went out into the world and seek out any Korean foods that I could find. I had missed it so much.

Have you tried looking for your birth mother and family?
Yes, I currently have connection with my birth mother and my three half siblings. I had found them years ago but lost connection after several moves. I did find them again on Facebook. I have one half sister and two half brothers and we share the same birth mother. I was the only one adopted out. I never found my birth father and currently do not have the desire to look for him. I’m not sure why, but I’m okay with not knowing. I asked my birth mother, but she did not know where he is.

So let’s start discussing Blends of Vino. What is Blends of Vino?
It is a business that represents wineries and we sell wine accessories on-line.

How did you come up with the name?
Blends is because I am mixed race, and Vino is Italian for wine.

When and why did you decide to start your own Blends of Vino?
After my husband passed away, and working in the mortgage industry for 15 yrs, I didn’t know what to do. So, after doing some thinking, I noticed that people are paying for alcohol before their mortgages. It’s sad, but true. I thought I would take a stab in the wine world, and didn’t know anything about wines and still don’t really. I just thought that it’s a classy and acceptable form of drinking for business and casual gatherings and thought it would be fun representing wineries.

Was this your first business endeavor and did you have experience in the wine industry?
Yes, my first time. Never been in the wine industry. I was in the mortgage business as a wholesale rep for Citigroup.

How competitive is this industry?
The wine industry is very competitive in the Northwest. I’m not sure about anywhere else, but we love our wines here and have been on the map to be known as one of the greatest places for wine tastings.

Does Blends of Vino specifically represent wineries in Washington?
Yes, only in Washington state. The laws are tough when you get them out of state. If the laws were different then I would go all the way to New York.

How difficult has the transition been moving from mortgage industry to running your own business?
It was an easy transition because of my sales background. I had to learn a lot about wines and am still learning. I wish I would have made this move to the wine world a long time ago. It’s a lot more fun and easier to sell.

What are some of your goals for the business?
I would love to grow my business as much as I can. It’s only been about two years and we’re getting noticed in the community. I am the sole owner so there is not much overhead besides the basics.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the community about yourself and Blends of Vino?
I am proud mother of two kids. I’m going to be featured on FitMomTV.com with Kiana Tom next month as Fit Mom of the Month. Because I was taken away from my culture, that is why I want to be so involved, proud and encourage others to seek our their culture. Grow your mind and don’t let being different hold you back. Be Proud!

Any final words or anything you would like to share with the mixed Korean community?
Well I am a proud mixed Korean member and love the fact that I was able to create my own work and finally have something that I can make my own. I still got a long way to go. Because I’m passionate about what I do, and have two little ones that depend on me, the only choice that I have is to be strong and make it work.

Thank you to Rebecca for her time and HalfKorean.com would like to wish her and Blends of Vino all the best and much success!