Meet Mary Anna Ossa | Owner of Partners & Grapes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Anna Ossa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary Anna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Partners and Grapes started as an idea between two friends sharing a bottle of wine in a bar in Barcelona, Spain.

I hadn’t considered starting my own business before this, but the idea of working with my best friend and bringing organic wine to the United States got me really excited.

Since wine is very well regulated in the US, I knew I had a lot of work to do, but I was determined to see the project through.

What should our readers know about your business?
Partners and Grapes is a boutique wine company located in South Carolina. Our mission is to give our clients a healthier and cleaner drinking experience.

We produce organic and vegan wines free of added sugar and sulfites. It is the perfect mix of Spanish culture and tradition with a modern brand designed by women—a wine made by people who care deeply about their land and use sustainable winemaking practices.

Launching a private label wine company during the pandemic was challenging to say the least. We experienced delays on permit and license approvals as well as shipping. Even the time difference between Spain and the US was sometimes tricky.

Determination, consistency, and patience have been essential in overcoming these obstacles. I have also learned to rely on my family and friends for support.

I want people, especially women, to know that it’s never too late to go after what you want, that you don’t have to have it all figured out, you will learn as you go, doors will open, and people will help you. I want my company to be a platform to support and encourage women everywhere.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Indian Land, SC which is located right on the border between North and South Carolina which I considered a privileged location.

We’ll have breakfast in South End and take the light rail to uptown Charlotte.

Take pictures of the skyline at Romare Bearden Park and maybe catch a Knights game. I love baseball!

Dinner and drinks at Fahrenheit Charlotte (21st floor) best view ever!

We’ll spend a day at the White Water Center enjoying all the outdoor activities under the Carolina blue sky.

We’ll take a drive through Downtown Fort Mill and enjoy drinks and a bite to eat at any of the wonderful local owned restaurants.

You won’t want to leave!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to all the women running their own companies in the Carolinas. I have found nothing but support and encouragement from them. I learn from their hard work and success, and they inspire me to continue to push through even when things get complicated.

Website: www.partnersandgrapes.com

Instagram: @partnersandgrapes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partnersandgrapes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partnersandgrapes