Some business ventures begin with a spreadsheet. This one began with a question between friends.
Why, Butch Burkett and Bill Rodrigues wondered, couldn’t The University of Alabama family have a premium wine collection worthy of its dynasty? “Can’t we bottle up that rich tradition into a celebratory drink that generations can share and enjoy with family and friends while rekindling cherished memories?”
The question sounded simple enough. Answering it would carry the two Mountain Brook businessmen more than 2,000 miles from home, into California wine country and the highly specialized worlds of vineyards, winemaking, licensing, fulfillment and direct-to-consumer sales.
What began as an ambitious idea between friends has become Crimson Dynasty Wines, a collection of three California wines created for Alabama alumni, fans and wine enthusiasts—crafted in Napa Valley. A royalty from every bottle sold benefits The University of Alabama and its student-athletes.
Crimson Dynasty was developed by Collegiate Wines, LLC, the company Burkett and Rodrigues formed with their partners to create premium wine brands connected to university communities.
Both men understood the strength of Alabama’s traditions and the lifelong relationships that grow from them, and they recognized something nearly every Alabama household already knows: alumni and supporters gather around food and wine for game days, holidays, weddings, business dinners and every milestone in between.
But the idea was never simply to place university colors on an existing bottle. Burkett and Rodrigues set out to build an authentic wine company, with a respected winemaker, carefully selected wines, professional packaging and a long-term commitment to quality. The collection needed to appeal to devoted Alabama supporters while satisfying experienced wine drinkers who would judge it entirely on what was in the glass.
That distinction became central to the company’s mission. The Alabama identity might introduce someone to Crimson Dynasty, but the quality of the wine had to bring that customer back.
Getting there meant learning an industry famous for its complexity. Alcohol licensing, regulatory compliance, interstate shipping, inventory management, e-commerce, fulfillment, customer service and University approvals all had to work together before the first bottle could reach a customer. Rather than shortcut the process, the founders assembled experienced partners at every step.
The most important relationship began with Jean Hoefliger, the Swiss-born winemaker whose career spans Bordeaux, South Africa, Italy, Spain and California, and whose wines have earned multiple 100-point ratings.
Known for wines that combine structure and complexity with balance and approachability, Hoefliger gave Crimson Dynasty immediate credibility in California wine circles. But the founders say the partnership worked because Hoefliger understood what they were trying to build: not a novelty product, but a serious collection reflecting the same pursuit of excellence Alabama supporters associate with the University itself.
Working with Hoefliger, the company developed a three-wine portfolio built for different occasions and preferences. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, from Napa Valley, is the collection’s boldest wine, with dark fruit, earthy complexity, a structured character and a mineral-driven finish. The 2024 Pinot Noir offers red berry fruit, baking spice and refined tannins; and the 2024 Chardonnay, produced from Alexander Valley fruit in Sonoma County, brings tropical and stone-fruit flavors together with freshness and subtle richness.
In June, Decanter—an influential wine publication—awarded 94 points to the Crimson Dynasty 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon and 93 points each to the 2024 Pinot Noir and 2024 Chardonnay. All three received the publication’s Highly Recommended designation.
Although the wine is produced in California and sold online to customers across the country, much of Crimson Dynasty’s growth has happened the old-fashioned way: face to face, in Alabama.
Burkett and Rodrigues have introduced the wines at alumni gatherings, charitable events, business functions, wine festivals, University-related celebrations, supper clubs and countless occasions where family and friends come together. Their wives, Bebe Burkett and Marcie Rodrigues, together with Val Miller, Director of Marketing, and Sara Smith, Director of Finance, have helped tell the Crimson Dynasty story and connect with alumni, supporters and wine enthusiasts.
Crimson Dynasty is the first brand created by Collegiate Wines, but Burkett and Rodrigues see the business as a scalable model for connecting other university communities through premium wines.
For now though, the founders remain focused on Crimson Dynasty and introducing the wines one glass at a time.
Crimson Dynasty Wines are available online at CrimsonDynastyWine.com.
