From Russia, with a Glass of Wine

Gary Vaynerchuk's retro outlook on wine appreciation has gotten him not a few enthusiastic supporters, and some criticism from conservative wine purists who cannot stand his "gonzo approach to wine appreciation." Notwithstanding the criticism, however, the 33 year old Russian immigrant (he was 3 when came to the US from what is now Belarus) is doing good for himself and his wine business. He turned his family's small New Jersey liquor store into a wine empire that grosses over $60 million a year; his new book "Crush it!" has earned him the accolade of "the most influential wine critic in the United States"; and the number of online hits to his daily wine show video has gone beyond 100,000.

Ask Vaynerchuk how he does it, and he will tell you he has "hustled" his way into fame and money. Before you go on street trying to hustle your own way into a few quick bucks, remember that for Vaynerchuk, "hustle" means hard work coupled with a passion for good wine.