questions & answers
Q: What is Starboard?
A: Starboard aims to become the world’s only digital-first, crowdsourced Port wine — one for the American dinner party table. Starboard is on a mission to celebrate the timeless tradition of drinking Port in the hopes that you’ll be inspired to bring people together, share stories, and make memories. Starboard is for Port enthusiasts and the Port curious.
Q: What is crowdsourcing?
A: Crowdsourcing means collecting information and opinions from people like you. We want to know what you think about Port wine. We’re hoping to leverage the power of social media, this website, and YOU to help generate more excitement about Port wine and make it more widely known and celebrated. The end goal is to drum up enough enthusiasm for Port that we’ll launch one that’s accessible, affordable, and most importantly: in-demand. We’ll call it Starboard.
Q: Why did you decide to crowdsource?
A: The first reason is simple: wine is meant to be shared. The second reason is, like wine itself, more complex: we know that bringing any kind of product to market is uniquely challenging. Even the most successful wine entrepreneurs will tell you that wine is perhaps the most difficult venture to start. And what’s more? Port isn’t exactly the most wildly popular category. But we see great uncorked potential in Port — an opportunity to celebrate its rich traditions. We believe it has a coveted place at the table. Let us know if you agree.
Q: Why Port wine?
A: Port is a niche category. When was the last time you left your local liquor store and thought to yourself, ‘Oh no, I forgot to pick up a Port.’ It isn’t exactly high on the list and we get that. But here’s where we see a great opportunity:
Multiple entry points. New to Port? No problem. There’s a Port for everyone. We’re on a mission to make Port more accessible and suitable for all flavor palettes. We’ll rely on you to get it just right, or as we say, Starboard.
Longer shelf life. With the exception of vintage Port (the crown jewel of Port wine), most all kinds of Port wine can last for months once opened. That’s longer than any of the uncorked bottles of wine you currently have in your fridge.
A healthier alternative to dessert. For those who have trouble finding anything on the dessert menu without gluten nor dairy, Port wine offers a sweet alternative. It also contains a host of beneficial vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants (like heart-healthy resveratrol).
Helps digestion. Port is a fortified wine, which is a digestif. It’s higher in alcohol content which is thought to aid digestion as alcohol stimulates digestive enzymes after a big meal.
Q: Why the name Starboard?
A: Rebecca spent her summers on an island off the Maine coast where she grew up with a deep love for sailing and being on the water. ‘Red, right, returning’ is a popular expression used among navigators to remember to keep the red channel markers to the right when proceeding to Port (see what we did there?). Returning to port feels a lot like coming home, and we’re here for that.
After tasting Port wine for the first time in Maine (likely after a day on the water instructing sailing), Rebecca declared among friends to one day launch a Port wine and cleverly call it Starboard. Dream big.
Starboard also happens to be the preferred sailing tack as boats on this tack have the right of way. Historically, most sailors were right-handed, which ultimately made starboard the priority tack. With our crowdsourcing efforts, we believe Starboard has the right of way in the world of Port. And it’s good to be right.
Finally, Port wine as we know it today was born on the sea. When the British were at war with France, they refused to drink French wine and instead, looked to their friends in Portugal. After discovering the bounty of delicious wines produced in the country, the British needed a way to preserve it for the sea voyage back to England. Brandy was added to the wine to give it a longer shelf life and make it more durable. This technique of fermentation introduced a new category in winemaking: fortified wine, in which Port is a cornerstone.
Q: What will Starboard taste like?
A: You tell us. That’s the beauty of building this wine together. Subscribe to the newsletter to join the venture.
Q: How can I support Starboard?
A: In order for Starboard to be brought to life as the world’s leading accessible, next-generation Port wine, we need you. Here are some ways you can get involved (pro tip: joining the newsletter crew is the best way to get on board).
Q: What is the Captain’s Log?
A: Starboard’s blog is called the Captain’s Log where you’ll find a collection of articles about Port wine and updates about our venture together. Subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss a post.
Q: Do you have a podcast?
A: Yes! Starboard’s podcast launched in 2023 and is called #drinkport. Subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss an episode.
Q: Is Starboard your full-time job?
A: Nope! I work full-time in marketing for a strategic hiring firm that builds some of today’s most innovative, fascinating, and ‘buzzy’ alc beverage brands, among other consumer industries. I love my job because it offers me a front-row seat to the beverage industry and I have the unique opportunity to connect and engage with some of the most entrepreneurial leaders in the space. And while I’m all about the next celebrity-endorsed tequila, I often wonder, why not Port wine?
Q: My question isn’t on here; may I ask one?
A: Absolutely. That’s what it’s all about. Ask away…