Denis Mackenzie is the COO of a large marketing firm based in New York City. His company focuses on the marketing of wines and spirits. Mackenzie is also the owner of a small winery on the shores of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. His years of marketing experience make it easy for him to promote his products in the local area.
Mackenzie got his start in the business at a young age. His first job out of college was as an assistant in a small marketing firm. He started at the bottom, running errands and making coffee, but he was able to absorb the basics of creating a successful marketing company. His interest in wines and spirits began around this time. He taught himself to taste and identify different wines.
As Denis Mackenzie grew more experienced, he gradually moved up in the company. He took a job with his current employer and was excited to be assigned to positions in Bordeaux, France, Tuscany in Italy, and Greece. Languages are one of his hobbies, and he enjoyed learning to communicate with the local growers, winemakers, and retailers.
Mackenzie’s winery is well known in the Lake Erie region. He holds charitable sip and paint events for local and national organizations. He also hosts special events like weddings on the beautiful grounds of his winery. With his professional experience, he can help local industry groups with their marketing and spread the word about their delicious wines.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
I love experiencing new things. I also love to immerse myself in the local culture. I like to learn the language of the places I visit. I feel like this gives me an up-close view of the culture that isn’t possible otherwise. I also love to try all the local wines and spirits.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
It was certainly a lifestyle while I was in Europe. It’s gone back to a hobby now since I am working in New York City and running my winery in Pennsylvania. Sometimes I miss the freedom of travel.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
I am taking a long-awaited trip to Australia. My marketing company is beginning to branch out to Australia, and I want to supervise some of my local employees as they work on the transition. It’s exciting to be on the verge of exploring a new continent.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Learn a few words of the language before you go. You’d be surprised about the impact of just a few chosen phrases on the locals. Even if your language skills aren’t very good, you will create goodwill among the locals if you try. Learning a language before you travel is a way of expressing your respect for the local area. If you are looking for a way to learn a few phrases, try one of the many language learning apps that are available for various kinds of smartphones.
Where would you like to go?
I’d love to see Antarctica. It has nothing to do with wine or marketing, and I feel like it would be a vacation. I’m fascinated with polar exploration. I have seen many beautiful photos of Antarctica, and I hope to book a tour sometime in the future.
Where would you like to revisit?
I would like to go back to Tuscany and see my friends there. Spending a few years there gave me a love of the local people and culture. There’s nothing quite like a Tuscan afternoon spent with good friends. I would also like to spend more time in Chile. The mountain landscapes are wonderful, and the wines are great.
Do you travel alone? Why?
When I travel for work, my assistant and a few other members of my staff frequently accompany me. I prefer traveling alone, but it’s not always in the cards. I enjoy solo travel. I find it very relaxing.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
Everyone should see Rome, Provence, and New York City. The art and architecture in Rome are amazing. You should also try all of their delicious local dishes. Provence is stunning, especially in the summer. New York City is the most vibrant and exciting place.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
I am a light traveler. I’ve spent too many useless days waiting for lost luggage to pack heavily. When I travel for work, I have to bring suits and things, so my bags are larger. When I travel for pleasure, I bring only the absolute essentials.
