Kristin Olszewski isn’t just changing the way we drink wine—she’s redefining what it means to build a brand with purpose. As the founder of Nomadica, a collection of sommelier-curated, low-intervention wines in eco-conscious packaging, Kristin is on a mission to make exceptional, sustainable wines more accessible while challenging the industry’s outdated norms. But her impact goes beyond the vineyard.
When wildfires recently claimed her Malibu home, Kristin didn’t just rebuild—she rallied. Bringing together some of LA’s top chefs and hospitality leaders, she turned loss into action, co-hosting a charity dinner at Valerie Echo Park to support families affected by the fires.
With a background in sustainable agriculture and Michelin-starred restaurants, Kristin has built Nomadica with a philosophy that’s as thoughtful as the wines she curates: zero sugar, low-intervention, and always better for the planet. We sat down with her to talk about sustainability in the wine industry, the power of gathering, and what ‘living well’ really means.
Living Well with Kristin Olszewski
Nomadica is all about reshaping how we drink wine. What lightbulb moment made you say, ‘This needs to exist’? It all clicked for me when I was working as a sommelier and watching younger diners opt for cocktails over wine—not because they didn’t like wine, but because the experience felt outdated or intimidating. Wine has always been about pleasure and connection, but somewhere along the way, it became gatekept by tradition. I wanted to change that. I saw an opportunity to create something high-quality, sustainable, and accessible that would bring people into the category rather than push them away. That’s how Nomadica was born.
There’s an art to branding—what was the inspiration behind Nomadica’s aesthetic, from the name to the design? Nomadica is rooted in the idea of exploration—of places, emotions, and artistry. I wanted it to feel like a journey, not just another wine brand. The name itself comes from the spirit of being a nomad, of seeking out the best experiences wherever they exist.
A big part of my inspiration came from the world of art. I’ve always loved how album covers, books, and films can evoke emotions before you even press play or turn the first page. I wanted Nomadica to do that, too. That’s why every can features artwork that tells a story—it’s about more than just wine; it’s about creating a sensory experience. We want each piece of can art to be a tasting note for the wine inside!
You spend so much time thinking about the intersection of food, wine, and sustainability—what does your ideal meal look like, and what are you pouring? My ideal meal is both comforting and exciting. I love the simplicity of a perfectly cooked piece of fish, some seasonal vegetables, and a sauce that ties it all together. Add a bitter green salad with citrus, and I’m always drawn toward bright, refreshing, high-acid meals!
Of course, I’m pouring something from Nomadica! I’m obsessed with our sparkling white and rose because they’re refreshing and vibrant, or one of our red blends if it’s a cozy night. Wine should enhance the meal, not overpower it—it’s all about balance.
Canned wine has had a bit of a glow-up in recent years. What misconceptions about it do you wish more people understood? The biggest misconception is that canned wine is inherently low quality. The can is just the vessel—what matters is what’s inside. People are finally realizing that you can have beautiful, thoughtfully made wine in a can and that it’s a better choice in many ways. It’s more sustainable, portable, and perfect for occasions where a glass bottle isn’t practical.
Another thing? You don’t have to overthink it. No corkscrew, no pressure. Just good wine, wherever you are.
As a female founder in an industry dominated by tradition, what unique challenges have you faced? There have been so many moments where I’ve walked into a room and been underestimated. The wine industry is full of legacy players who have been doing things the same way for decades. When you come in with a fresh perspective—especially as a woman—it can feel like you must prove yourself ten times over.
But I’ve learned to use that to my advantage. The fact that I’m not tied to the “old way” of doing things has allowed me to build something that speaks to the next generation of wine drinkers. And seeing more women stepping into leadership roles in wine gives me so much hope for the future.
What’s a lesson you learned the hard way in the early days of Nomadica? I used to think that if I just worked harder, I could control everything. But the reality of building a company is that some things are out of your hands—supply chain issues, market shifts, and unexpected challenges. Learning to be adaptable, to trust my instincts, and to pivot when necessary was a hard lesson, but one of the most valuable ones.
Also, in the early days, I tried to do everything myself. I’ve since learned that having the right people around you is everything. You can’t build something great alone.
Losing your home in the Malibu fires must have been devastating. How did you find the resilience to keep moving forward—not just personally, but as a leader? That experience completely changed me. Losing everything forces you to strip down to what really matters. At first, it was just survival—figuring out where to live and how to rebuild. But over the last two months, I realized that loss also gave me clarity. It made me even more committed to what I was creating with Nomadica.
You learn to trust yourself more profoundly when you go through something like that. You realize that no matter how much you lose, you can rebuild. That mindset has shaped the way I lead. It’s given me the ability to navigate uncertainty with a level of calm that I wouldn’t have had before.
How do you carve out time for yourself, and what does self-care look like for you? It took me a long time to realize that self-care isn’t just a luxury—showing up fully in your work and life is necessary. For me, it’s about small rituals: morning walks, journaling, drinking really good coffee. I also love traveling solo. It gives me space to think, reset, and return to my work with fresh energy.
That, and a perfect glass of wine at the end of a long day
Complete this sentence: Living well means… Living well means being present. It’s about finding joy in the little things—good food, beautiful moments, deep conversations. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and never losing your curiosity for the world.
If you’re ready to rethink the way you drink wine—without compromising on quality or sustainability—Nomadica is leading the way. Explore their thoughtfully curated, sommelier-selected wines and learn more about their mission at explorenomadica.com
