CanvasRebel Article: Meet Stacy Hanson

Hi Stacy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

For over 30 years, I lived in the world of Corporate Marketing. My career was spent in the details—building brands and telling the stories of industries as diverse as Music Education and Environmental Science. I loved the rhythm of the music world and the precision of science, but there was always a “someday” project simmering in the back of my mind.

That project became Grapeful Wine Bar.

Wine has always been more than just a drink to me; it’s been the backdrop to my favorite memories. It’s the bottle shared with family during a holiday, the hidden gems discovered while traveling through vineyards and different wine regions, and the endless curiosity of exploring a new varietal.

I decided it was time to take those three decades of professional experience and marry them to my greatest passion. At Grapeful Wine Bar, I finally get to do things my way. I’ve traded corporate boardrooms for tasting rooms, using everything I know about storytelling and experience-building to create a space that is intentional, welcoming, and—above all—centered on the joy of wine.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After three decades of building brands in the Music Education and Environmental Science sectors, I reached a turning point. I wanted to take those professional skills and apply them to my greatest personal passion: wine. Grapeful Wine Bar was born from a desire to take the “someday” project I’d dreamed about during my travels and turn it into a reality—doing things entirely on my own terms and with my own vision for what a wine bar should be.

What We Offer: A Curated, Intentional Experience
At Grapeful Wine Bar, we provide more than just a menu; we provide a curated journey through the bottle. We specialize in high-quality labels with deep stories—from legendary estates to female-led wineries breaking new ground. My goal is to offer a relaxed, educational environment through:

Curated Flights & Comparisons: Side-by-side tastings designed to help you discover your palate.

Specialized Events: Deep-dives into regional wines through Wine Education and Vineyard Events as well as community-focused gatherings like our “Grapeful Connection” nights.

A Community “Third Space”: A welcoming hub for everything from celebrations to quiet mid-week unwinding.

The Problem We Solve: Removing the Intimidation
The wine world can often feel stuffy or exclusive. I solve that by focusing on approachability. I use my marketing background to translate complex topics—like terroir or tannins—into fun, digestible experiences. What sets us apart is this intentionality. Because I don’t answer to a corporate board, I, along with my staff, hand-select every bottle based on quality, story, and the joy it brings to the glass.

What I Am Most Proud Of
I am incredibly proud of the community that has taken root here. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a guest discover a new favorite varietal or watching strangers meet at our bar and leave as friends. I’m proud to have built a local business that feels both professionally polished and deeply personal.

What I Want You to Know
If there is one thing I want you to know, it’s that you belong here. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a great glass of wine; you just need a curiosity for the experience. Grapeful Wine Bar is built on authenticity and the joy of connection. When you walk through our doors, you’re a guest in the space I spent a lifetime dreaming about.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation in Owatonna started long before I uncorked the first bottle. I believe that to serve a community, you have to truly be in it. I immersed myself from day one—meeting with local business owners, asking a million questions, and doing the deep research required to understand the heartbeat of our community

For me, leadership is about showing up. I served several terms as a board member for Owatonna Business Women and currently sit on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. These roles aren’t just titles; they are my way of staying connected to the needs of our city. We’ve built our reputation by using Grapeful Wine Bar as more than just a wine bar—it’s a community asset. Whether we are hosting food and supply drives for those in need or providing a safe space for important local conversations, we’ve proven that we are here to support Owatonna as much as Owatonna supports us.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My approach to social media is rooted in the wine bar’s philosophy that “Wine is a Journey.” I don’t use my platforms just to sell a product; I use them to educate. I spend time introducing my followers to new wine regions, exploring unique varietals, and demystifying the art of food pairings. I want my pages to be a resource where people feel empowered to learn and curious to try something new.

The most important part of my strategy, however, is listening. I use every event and post as a way to gather feedback. I pay close attention to what sparks interest and what questions are being asked. This two-way conversation allows me to create a “safe space to experiment,” where the experiences I offer are directly shaped by what my customers actually want.

My Advice for Those Starting Out:
For those just beginning to build their digital presence, my biggest piece of advice is: Don’t just post—provide value. Whatever your craft is, share the “why” behind it. People don’t want to be sold to; they want to be inspired and informed.

Listen More Than You Talk: Use your platforms to ask questions. Your audience will tell you exactly what they need if you create the space for them to speak.

Authenticity Wins: You don’t need a massive budget; you just need to be real. Share the journey—the wins, the learning moments, and the passion that started it all.