Jan. 16, 2026

Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad

Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Episode 307

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 307 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad Dive into a fascinating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the powerhouse wine entrepreneur and social media superstar, Kelly Axelrad! From college wine enthusiast to one of the top wine influencers in the worldwith over 175K followers—how did she do it? Kelly pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey, sharing stories from her extensive travels to over 700 wineries and how she cultivated her deep passion and knowledge for wine. But Kelly isn't just an influencer; she's a winery owner! Get the inside scoop on her Sonoma, CA-based company, Carnival Wine Co. (www.carnivalwineco.com), which specializes in fabulous sparkling wine. She'll discuss her winemaker, where she sources her grapes, and what makes her bubbly so special. Plus, if you're curious about content creation and personal branding, this episode is a must-listen! Kim and Mark grill Kelly on the secrets of her social media success, including: Her content approach and strategies. How she promotes her brand and chooses collaborations. How she balances her life as a global wine adventurer and a full-time social media personality. Don't miss the chance to learn from a true wine industry innovator! Find Kelly's incredible content on Instagram @kellyaxelrad Cheers, Kim and Mark 🍷🍷🍷 www.thewww.wine #wine #carnivalwineco #kellyaxelrad #thewonderfulworldofwine

Kelly Axelrad Profile Photo

I am the founder of Carnival Wine Company in Sonoma, California, where I specialize in crafting traditional-method sparkling wines. Inspired by Sonoma’s long-standing roots in winemaking, I set out to carry that history forward while adding my own creative voice.

At Carnival, every bottle begins with grapes sourced from small, family-owned vineyards that farm with care and sustainability in mind. This focus not only honors the land but also deepens my connection to the community of growers who make Sonoma so special.

For me, sparkling wine is more than just a toast at life’s milestones — it’s a way of storytelling. Each wine reflects both tradition and innovation, blending old-world technique with the vibrant spirit of Sonoma. Through Carnival Wine Company, I invite people to celebrate the everyday, to connect with each other, and to experience the joy and craftsmanship of wines rooted in place and purpose.

I began my Instagram in 2018 with a direct focus on wine. It combines my love for food, travel, and socializing. I enjoy learning about wine's nuances and sharing that knowledge with others. I spend approximately 3 months a year by invitation in Europe working with and promoting some of my favorite international wineries. This year I was invited to Vinoinfluencers World Wine Awards in Spain and was honored as one of the top five in the world in the category Wine Style.

I admire that wine brings people together, fostering connections and conversations. I'm passionate about creating memorable experiences through wine pairings a… Read More