As a true multi-talented entrepreneur widely recognized for her role as an acclaimed TV host and producer across the sports and entertainment industries, Kavita Channe has taken her passion and turned it into a successful career as an award-winning wine-preneur. A London native of Indian descent, Kavita Channe emigrated to the United States with her family at an early age and went on to obtain a journalism degree from the University of Florida. Her experience in front of the camera runs the gamut – from sideline reporting for major networks including Fox Sports and the NFL to hosting The Chat, a female-focused daytime talk show syndicated on ABC and NBC. Kavita Channe has also secured roles in feature films and has appeared on various hit television series including HBO’s Ballers, VH1’s Baller Wives, and was a featured correspondent on Designing Spaces on TLC. Kavita Channe is a film producer and currently one of the hosts of Dining Divas and Destination Divas, which just won a TASTE AWARD as fan favorite during Oscar’s week in Los Angeles.
In 2018, Kavita Channe launched Sip Channé, an innovative wine brand inspired by her travels in Provence where she fell in love with the region’s exceptional wine varietals. To bring her vision to life, Kavita Channe partnered with a family-owned vineyard and worked closely with a seasoned winemaker in Provence. The flagship product, Channé Rosé, was born and became an award-winning rosé true to Provençal tradition. Since its inception, the brand has expanded to include Channé Blanc, an elegant white blend. The Sip Channé product line is now distributed across restaurants and retailers in Florida, Georgia, New York, Colorado, Tennessee, Illinois, and Puerto Rico. Her greatest feat yet is navigating motherhood with her beloved daughter-son duo – Magical Micah and Mighty Maverick. Embracing life as a career-driven single mother has propelled Kavita Channe on her mission to continue breaking barriers for women and minorities in media, television, and business. Recognizing the importance of parents’ role in education, in 2021, Kavita Channe published her debut children’s book, Frederick the Hamptons Frog – a story inspired by an adventurous summer in the Hamptons with her kids. Kavita Channe frequently lends her talents to support nonprofit organizations nationally and across her home state of Florida. She serves on the board of 2-1-1 Broward and is actively involved with the American Heart Association, Veterinarians International, American Red Cross, and United Way, among others.
Hi Kavita! Let’s start with who are you, and where are you from?
I’m Kavita Channe, founder of Sip Channé and mom to Micah and Maverick. I’m someone who finds joy in both the little and big things life has to offer. I’ve always been a big dreamer and not scared to try whatever my heart desires.
I was born in London, England and my family relocated to Coral Springs, FL when I was just five years old. I’m the middle child with two incredible sisters who are successful entrepreneurs in their own rights. While our roots trace back to Indian heritage, my inspiration comes from diverse cultures around the world, including East Africa, where my parents were born and raised. I like to think of myself as a citizen of the world!
What do you currently do, and how did you get your start in the industry?
As mentioned, I am the Founder and CEO of Sip Channé; however, I wear many hats within this company, like handling sales and logistics, conducting tastings with sommeliers, being a full-time ambassador, creating fun and engaging content, even pouring wine at events. You name it, I have done it – or do it! As an entrepreneur, I believe it’s crucial to have experience in all facets of your business, so you know who is needed for what!
My journey into the wine industry began unexpectedly. Despite growing up in a household where my parents enjoyed wine and hosted wine tasting parties, I never envisioned myself working in this space. It wasn’t until the summer of 2016, following an intense season reporting in the sports world, that I found myself unwinding in Provence. There, I had the opportunity to taste rosé that had been harvested just outside of where I was staying. Upon returning home, I realized that the rosé that I encountered in France far surpassed what was available in local restaurants. That’s when I decided to introduce others to the exceptional rosé that I had discovered abroad.
My entrepreneurial spirit draws inspiration from my parents. Witnessing my dad leave a career as a robotics engineer to start his own business in the health industry, driven by one of my sisters’ health issues, left a lasting impression on me. As a teenager, I observed the highs and lows of entrepreneurship as my parents navigated the challenges of running their own business. These experiences, filled with both triumphs and struggles, shaped me into the individual that I am today, instilling in me the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the business world.
What decisions influenced your choice to leave your career as a sideline reporter and TV personality, and pursue a career in the wine business?
Leaving my career as a sideline reporter and TV personality was a decision influenced by a combination of factors. Firstly, my love for wine grew significantly during a summer trip to Provence in 2016. Experiencing the taste of authentic rosé from the region sparked a passion in me that I couldn’t ignore. Secondly, I realized that the rosé I tasted abroad couldn’t compare to what was available in the United States. This discrepancy motivated me to bridge the gap by introducing others to the high-quality rosé that I had discovered.
Additionally, witnessing my parents’ entrepreneurial journey played a significant role in my decision. Seeing them navigate the highs and lows of business ownership instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. Their example showed me that it’s possible to pursue your passions and create something meaningful, even in the face of challenges.
Ultimately, my decision to transition into the wine business was driven by a desire to share my love for rosé with others and create a business that aligned with my values and interests.
What makes your story unique?
I came to this country at a young age with no extended family or familiar faces to lean on. Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in, and I heard far more “no’s” along the way than “yes’s.” Rather than letting those setbacks define me, I used them as fuel to pursue my dreams.
Like many, I harbored a passion for television from a young age. Yet, the industry didn’t always seem welcoming to someone like me. I saw a lack of diversity and representation, but I refused to let that deter me. When traditional avenues in television didn’t pan out, I found myself drawn to sports broadcasting—a field where my voice and perspective felt somewhat valued.
Embracing my uniqueness became my superpower. I refused to conform to the mold of what others expected, and instead, I forged my own path. It was not easy. I faced doubts and skepticism, but I learned to trust in my vision and persevere. As I navigated through different roles in television, I discovered a longing for something more—a desire to build something of my own.
Venturing into the wine industry was a leap of faith, much like my journey into sports broadcasting. It’s a field dominated by men, tradition, and established players, yet I saw an opportunity to bring something fresh and innovative to the table. Sip Channé was born from a belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table, regardless of gender, background, or heritage.
What sets my story apart is not just the challenges that I’ve overcome, but the message it carries. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to fit into a predetermined mold to succeed. Your uniqueness is your strength. So, dare to dream big, embrace your individuality, and write your own story. After all, you’re the one in charge of the content.
What skills do you have that led you to be able to succeed in your industry?
Success is definitely a journey, and we’re all about embracing the process! I’ve found that my ability to connect with people has been a game changer. Being comfortable in public settings and striking up conversations with anyone has opened up so many doors for me.
Then, there’s my entrepreneurial spirit, I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. Taking risks and tackling obstacles head on has been key to building and evolving in any business. It’s all about staying flexible and seizing opportunities as they come.
But, you know what’s really close to my heart? Making sure our wine stands out for all the right reasons. We’re passionate about offering a healthier option, our wine is no sugar, low in sulfites, and we use no chemicals in the weeding and fertilization. Because, who says you can’t enjoy a glass (or two!) of wine guilt-free? Cheers to that!
Do you have any role models or influences that have guided your journey?
My parents have been a significant influence on me. They instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience from a young age. Witnessing their entrepreneurial journey and seeing how they navigated through challenges inspired me to pursue my own dreams.
Additionally, there have been so many people along the way. Whether it’s close friends, colleagues, competitors within my industry, or people I have never met…I love seeing others achieve things that no one thought they could. Those are my favorite stories to draw inspiration from. .
Where is Sip Channé based out of?
We are based in South Florida, but during the summers we go to two of our biggest markets: Aspen and the Hamptons.
What are the must have wines this spring for any budget?
Sip Channé, of course. Healthy wine never goes out of style: Channé Rosé and Channé Blanc 🙂
What should you eat to compliment your drink of choice?
I would suggest keeping it simple and focusing on the basic flavor profiles of the wine and the dish. For Channé Rosé, which has vibrant fruit notes and a crisp acidity, I recommend pairing it with dishes that are equally light and refreshing. Think salads with vinaigrette dressings, grilled seafood like shrimp or salmon, or even lighter poultry dishes like chicken or beef tartar. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of these dishes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Channé Rosé is also excellent with flatbreads and pizzas!
When it comes to our elegant white blend, Channé Blanc, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods. Its bright citrus notes and subtle floral aromas make it a great match for dishes like oysters and shellfish, grilled vegetables, lighter pastas, fish, chicken, sushi, and white pizzas.
Overall, my advice would be to experiment and have fun with it! Wine pairing is ultimately about personal preference, so don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and try different combinations to see what you enjoy most. Cheers!
How should you properly store your wine for the best conservation?
Wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature between 55-65°F. Avoid sunlight and store wine bottles horizontally to help keep the cork moist and in contact with the wine, preventing it from drying out.
What are the best tips for beginners looking to start their wine experience?
First things first, don’t stress about being an expert right out of the gate. Wine is all about exploration and finding what tickles your taste buds, so embrace the adventure! Start by trying a variety of wines: reds, whites, rosés, you name it. Taste, savor, and pay attention to what flavors and aromas you enjoy the most. And, don’t forget to pair your wine with different foods to see how they complement each other – it’s like a delicious game of matchmaker!
Next up, don’t get caught up in the fanciness of it all. At the end of the day, it’s about what tastes good to you. Trust your palate and go with what you love.
Lastly, have fun with it! Wine is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and share your discoveries with friends. Whether you’re sipping solo or hosting a tasting party, every glass is an opportunity to learn, laugh, and create memories.
What are some of your goals for the future of Sip Channé and in general?
Looking ahead, our vision for the future of Sip Channé is filled with excitement and possibility. One of our main goals is to continue expanding our presence in the wine industry while staying true to our core values of quality, sustainability, innovation, and wellness!
I envision Sip Channé becoming a household name, known not only for our delicious wines, but also for our commitment to promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle. We want to inspire others to enjoy wine without the guilt, knowing that they’re sipping on something that’s not only delicious, but also better for their bodies and the planet.
In addition, we’re passionate about fostering strong relationships with our customers and partners. We believe in the power of collaboration and community, and love that Sip Channé is a brand that brings people together over a shared love of great wine and good times.
On a broader scale, my goals extend beyond just Sip Channé. I hope to continue advocating for diversity and inclusion in the wine industry, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to thrive and succeed. Ultimately, I aspire to leave a positive impact on the industry and the world, one sip at a time.
What words of advice would you have for people who have similar aspirations?
Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. The journey to success is often filled with obstacles and challenges, but it’s important to stay resilient and keep pushing forward.
First and foremost, trust in your abilities and passion. Know that you have what it takes to achieve your goals, even when faced with setbacks or doubts from others. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who believe in your vision and can offer guidance along the way.
Stay flexible and open to new opportunities. The path to success may not always be linear, and it’s okay to pivot or adjust your approach as needed. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and use it to fuel your growth and development.
Above all, stay true to yourself and your values. Success is not just about reaching your goals, but also about maintaining integrity and authenticity throughout the journey. Stay focused on your vision, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and never lose sight of the passion that drives you forward. With dedication, perseverance, and a positive mindset, you can turn your aspirations into reality.
Any other things that we should be on the lookout for from you?
We’re all about embracing a healthy lifestyle with a splash of wine, so if you’re looking to skip the sugar and join the party connect with us @sipchanne – and from my personal Instagram (@kavitachanne), you will find all things Sip Channé mixed with parenthood, glam, and not so glam. I love connecting with everyone on IG and making new friends no matter where we are in the world. That’s the power of social media!
Thank you for the great interview; wish you and Sip Channé much continued success!
