Member Spotlight: How Acheson Wine Company Thrived with Support from the SACC

In the heart of Sacramento, Loraine Scott, owner of Acheson Wine Company, is rewriting the narrative of winemaking. Her journey began in 2015 with a traditional bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, distributed nationwide. But as she delved deeper into the industry, Loraine was struck by an unsettling truth: 70% of a winery’s carbon footprint comes from packaging, and only 30% of wine bottles in the United States are recycled.

Motivated to make a difference, Loraine made a bold decision in 2021—Acheson Wine Company would become 100% refillable. “Seeing all the waste produced by the wine industry was my wake-up call,” she shared. By adopting refillable bottles, the winery has saved over 65,000 bottles from ending up in landfills.

Acheson Wine Company’s refillable model is not just sustainable; it’s hyper-local. “Since we are 100% refillable, our wines are only available in Sacramento,” Loraine explains. The Sacramento community has been instrumental in supporting her vision, but growing the winery’s local presence came with its own set of challenges—particularly gaining visibility after opening the tasting room in September 2021.

Breaking Barriers with the Chamber

While the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce wasn’t needed to overcome specific regulatory or operational barriers, its programs and events played a pivotal role in raising Acheson Wine Company’s profile.

“The AAPI Night Market was incredibly impactful,” says Loraine. “Many people discovered my winery and tried my wines for the first time at the event.” Beyond that, the Chamber’s Sip N Socialize mixers provided valuable opportunities for networking, enabling her to connect with new business contacts and clients.

Since joining the Chamber, Acheson Wine Company has experienced significant growth. New clients have emerged, and her wines are now featured at multiple events across Sacramento. “The Chamber’s support has given me tremendous confidence to continue working on growing my business,” Loraine notes.

A Catalyst for Leadership

The Chamber’s impact extended beyond business growth. Loraine credits the Chamber with inspiring her to invest in her personal development as a leader. At their encouragement, she joined the Catalyst Leadership Program, a transformative experience that has broadened her perspective and introduced her to professionals from diverse industries.

“Being part of the Catalyst program has been amazing and insightful. I’ve met great people I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise,” she shares.

Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs

Loraine’s journey with the Chamber has been marked by growth, sustainability, and community. To other business owners considering joining, she offers this advice: “The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is a wonderful resource for business owners in all aspects of business ownership. Everyone is extremely helpful.”

As Acheson Wine Company continues to grow, Loraine remains committed to her mission of sustainability and innovation. Her story is a testament to the power of local support, community-driven solutions, and the courage to lead change. With the help of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, she’s not just filling glasses—she’s filling them with purpose.