VinExcel partners with wine & spirits companies to drive profitable growth and unlock value when it matters most. We collaborate with founders, family owners, management teams, boards, investors, and private equity sponsors to address today’s evolving category dynamics with rigorous analysis, actionable strategy, and disciplined execution.
Our approach combines senior operating experience with practical, hands-on support to solve complex commercial, financial, and operational challenges.
Multi-year growth plans, portfolio architecture, brand positioning, premiumization strategy, innovation pipeline, and SKU rationalization to drive sustainable performance.
Route to market strategy and performance management, pricing optimization, trade investment effectiveness, and sales operating model to strengthen execution discipline.
Profitability analysis, margin improvement plans, inventory optimization, working capital management, forecasting rigor, and scenario modeling to improve financial performance.
Organizational design, talent development plans, decision rights, performance management rhythm, and cross-functional alignment to build durable capabilities.
Pre-deal and post-deal value creation planning, integration support, and transaction advisory for investors, boards, and management teams navigating critical M&A moments.
Retainer-based advisory services for CEOs, boards, and owners requiring senior, hands-on support to accelerate results, navigate complexity, and drive transformation.
VinExcel elevates wine and spirits businesses and brands through tailored advisory services that turn strategy into measurable outcomes — especially during moments of transition and transformation.
We blend passion for the category with pragmatic operating experience to help clients sharpen strategy and strengthen execution across portfolio design, route-to-market optimization, performance management, brand development, and operational and financial excellence.
VinExcel serves executives, owners, and investors in the wine and spirits category—particularly privately held companies, boards and sponsors focused on value creation, and importers or distributors navigating portfolio repositioning or capability gaps.
Founders & Family Owners
Private Equity Sponsors
Boards & Investors
Wine Importers
Wine Distributors
Our point of difference: Operators first, not career consultants • Outcome-driven strategies
VinExcel is founded and led by two seasoned executives who bring deep category expertise, operational excellence, and a commitment to measurable results.
Co-Founder
Stephen G. Brauer is a seasoned global wine and spirits executive recognized for transforming businesses into scalable, profitable organizations, building performance-driven cultures, and driving market innovation. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in History and German from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He has led major portfolios and cross-functional teams, holding senior leadership and C-suite roles at Seagram Chateau & Estates, Treasury Wine Estates, Pernod Ricard USA, Beam Global Spirits & Wines, Pasternak Wine Imports, and most recently Evaton, Inc.
Stephen also brings a track record of advisory experience with privately held wineries and sponsors, including Pasternak Wine Imports (Domaines Barons de Rothschild/Lafite), Far Niente Wine Estates (GI Partners), Vineyard 29 in the Napa Valley, and Laetitia in the Central Coast.
Outside of work, Stephen is an avid soccer fan and enjoys cycling, hiking, and travel. He also serves on the American Diabetes Association’s Northern California Community Leadership Board.
Co-Founder
Badr Benabdessadek is a senior executive and strategic consultant with over 25 years of experience helping companies turn strategy into execution. He holds an MBA in finance and has held senior leadership roles at organizations including Lalique, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Palm Bay / Taub Family Companies, and other businesses across consumer products, luxury, beverage alcohol, distribution, logistics, technology, and real estate.
He has served in multiple C-suite roles, partnering with CEOs, boards, and owners on strategic planning, M&A and integrations, and financial and operational transformation—often with direct responsibility for delivering results. His work bridges strategy and execution, combining disciplined financial analysis with hands-on operating leadership.
Through his consulting activity, Badr supports executives, founders, and investors on growth initiatives, transaction support, organizational design, and complex business challenges where clear priorities, fact-based analysis, and execution—not presentations—drive outcomes.
Outside of his professional work, Badr is active in competitive dog training, enjoys cooking and fishing, and spends time outdoors with his family.
"VinExcel is purpose-built for wine and spirits leaders who need more than analysis—they need senior, credible partners who can drive transformation and results. With complementary strengths across brand/route-to-market leadership and finance/operations/M&A rigor, Brauer and Benabdessadek offer a rare combination tailored to the realities of privately held and investor-backed wine businesses."
Whether you're navigating growth challenges, operational complexity, or critical transitions, we're here to guide you toward sustainable success.