For Laura Huston, founder of Belle & Bottle, wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s about the stories it carries, the connections it sparks, and the dreams it helps bring to life.
What inspired you to create Belle & Bottle, and how did your vision for blending wine with human connection first take shape?
I’ve always believed wine is more than what’s in the glass. It’s about connection. Belle & Bottle was born from that idea: that a bottle of wine can spark a conversation, deepen a friendship, and even fund a dream. As I began working with boutique and female-led wineries, I realized curation could be both joyful and impactful. That’s why a portion of what we do supports the Belle & Bottle Foundation, turning wine moments into fuel for women entrepreneurs building the future.
2. When you’re curating wines for an event or gathering, what qualities do you look for beyond taste and origin?
I look for wines that tell a story and elevate the moment. Beyond flavor, I ask: will this bottle spark curiosity at the table? Will it pair seamlessly with the vibe of the evening? Does it represent craftsmanship, authenticity, and values we want to raise a glass to? I also think about how the wine will make the host look—because my job is to make sure my clients shine.
3. How do you see wine acting as a bridge between people, especially among guests who may not know each other well?
Wine breaks down walls. When you pour something unexpected, say a crisp Georgian amber wine or a small-batch Napa Cabernet, it gives guests something to talk about beyond small talk. Suddenly, strangers are comparing tasting notes, swapping travel stories, or even planning future get-togethers. It’s that bridge effect: the bottle becomes the connector.
4. Can you share a memorable story of an event or dinner where the wine selection transformed the atmosphere or deepened the connections between guests?
Over the years I’ve hosted many women-and-wine events, and even in larger rooms you can feel the energy shift as the glasses are poured. There’s something powerful about showcasing the work of women winemakers, chefs, farmers, and artists giving their craft the spotlight it deserves. Guests don’t just leave with tasting notes; they leave with new friendships, fresh inspiration, and a bounce in their step about what lies ahead. That’s the magic of wine when it’s paired with purpose.
5. Many people see wine simply as a drink; you treat it as an experience. What’s the biggest difference in approach when you’re planning for connection versus just consumption?
For thousands of years, people have gathered around tables of food and wine; it’s part of our culture and history, connecting us not just to each other but to the earth itself. Today, we’re all craving real connection, and wine can still play that role when it’s shared with intention. I often say wine comes in a bottle sized for sharing for a reason. It’s meant to spark conversation, tell a story, and celebrate each other. While health trends come and go, the deeper truth is that wine has always been about community. My goal is to keep that tradition alive in ways that feel joyful, balanced, and meaningful.
6. Hospitality is clearly at the heart of Belle & Bottle. How do you weave warmth and intentionality into each event you host or help design?
The name Belle & Bottle really captures it. Belle is a nod to the Southern belle because the South is known for its hospitality, authenticity, and warmth. Bottle represents the quality inside the glass, not pretentious, but purposeful. To me, true quality starts with the people and places behind the wine: the land it’s grown on, the care for the environment, and the social impact of the winery itself. That same philosophy carries into every event we curate. Whether it’s listening closely to a client’s vision for their gathering or helping them craft the perfect gift, my role is to connect their intention with bottles and experiences that make it shine even if they don’t know exactly what that looks like at the start.
7. Your events range from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. How do you ensure that sense of closeness and authenticity carries through, no matter the size?
It’s all about designing touchpoints of intimacy. In a big celebration, we might set up curated tasting stations where guests interact with a wine expert. In an intimate dinner, it’s about sharing the story behind each pour. Whether it’s 10 guests or 150, I want everyone to leave saying, “That felt personal.”
8. For those who might feel intimidated by the world of wine, how do you create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation and curiosity?
We meet people where they are. Wine should never feel like a test; it should feel like an invitation. My goal is to help guests feel a little more connected to the people and places behind each bottle, and to give them just enough knowledge to walk away with more confidence. Sometimes that’s encouraging someone to step outside their comfort zone, other times it’s simply helping them recognize what they already like. This is the fun part! Watching people discover something new and realize that wine doesn’t have to be intimidating, can be joyful.
9. What role does the Belle & Bottle Foundation play in your work?
The Belle & Bottle Foundation is the heartbeat of everything we do. Every bottle we pour and every event we host connects back to our mission of empowering women entrepreneurs in wine, hospitality, farming, and beyond. A portion of our wine sales funds grants that help women launch or grow their businesses, creating ripples of impact that extend far beyond the glass. For Franklin families, that means your holiday wine order or private tasting isn’t just elevating your gathering—it’s fueling another woman’s dream. I love showing clients that enjoying and sharing wine can also be an act of purpose.
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