In this episode of #UNFILTERED on The Artful Gourmet Podcast, Host Kristen Hess dives deep into the extraordinary journey of Matthew Ackland, a man who's built an empire of resilience, reinvention, and storytelling through luxury branding, wine, and life itself. This episode is a call to all entrepreneurs, creatives, and dreamers: your true strength lies in how you shape yourself through adversity and authenticity.
Key Topics:
- How Matthew's roots in luxury branding and international advisory shaped his understanding of high-end experiences
- The pivotal moment when wine transcended product — becoming a vessel for emotion and storytelling
- The emotional and philosophical journey behind the creation of Two Tuxedos, a vegan Sauvignon Blanc inspired by cats and charitability
- The raw truth of entrepreneurship during crises — tariffs, climate, the pandemic, and resilience
- The unique philosophy of blending luxury with accessibility without losing integrity
- The significance of animals Morris and Tora in Matthew's branding and personal healing
- How veganism and sustainability influence modern winemaking and brand philosophy
- Lessons learned from fencing, discipline, and the importance of mental fortitude in business
- The upcoming charity event, The Final Pour, blending wine, giving back, and community connection
Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
- Welcome and episode overview
- Introduction to Matthew Ackland and his journey
00:10 - Luxury Branding to Wine
- Matthew's transition from luxury branding to the wine industry
- Key influences and inspirations
01:02 - Wine as an Emotional Journey
- How wine became more than just a product
- The storytelling aspect of winemaking
02:30 - Creation of Two Tuxedos
- The inspiration behind the vegan Sauvignon Blanc
- The role of cats and charity in the brand
03:45 - Entrepreneurship During Crises
- Challenges faced during tariffs, climate issues, and the pandemic
- Strategies for resilience and adaptation
05:00 - Branding with Morris & Tora
- Emotional connections and personal healing through branding
- The significance of animals in Matthew's life
06:15 - Luxury Meets Accessibility
- Balancing high-end branding with accessibility
- Maintaining integrity in brand philosophy
07:30 - Vegan Winemaking
- Innovations and ethics in sustainable winemaking
- Environmental impacts and brand philosophy
09:00 - Lessons from Fencing
- Discipline and mental fortitude in business
- How fencing influenced Matthew's entrepreneurial journey
10:45 - Community and Resilience
- The role of faith and community in business success
- Building mental resilience
12:00 - Two Tuxedos
- Details about the brand and upcoming events
- How it supports animal welfare and community connection
13:30 - Conclusion and Reinvention
- The importance of passion, persistence, and authenticity
- Closing thoughts and call to action
If you're ready to lean into your own reinvention and craft a life—professionally and personally—that resonates authentic strength, this episode is your blueprint. Cheers to resilience, to growth, and to stories worth sharing.
What does reinvention mean to you, and how have you embraced change in your personal or professional life? Share your story below!
Resources & Links:
Connect with Matthew:
Connect with Kristen: