Brighid Finds Her Footing: The Story of Tantrum Wines — Part 2
“In 2017, John finally started pushing me. He looked at me and said, ‘I believe in you as a winemaker. You should have your own collection.’ And I remember thinking, after all the years we’d built this business together, ‘No, I don’t want to do that. You’re the front guy. I’m happy where I am.’ But he just wouldn’t let it go.”
John began giving Brighid her own fermentation schedules—her own set of books, her own barrels and tanks—and she started to see her ideas come alive.
“All through the freedom that he gave me, I was growing into it, little by little.”
Fast Forward Two Years Later
“‘Hey, I found the perfect place for your tasting room.’ I looked at him, knowing what he was about to say, ‘Did you put a deposit down, sweetheart?’
He nodded, ‘Yes, I did.’
‘Okay… where?’
‘Old Town Cottonwood.’
Although it was 2019, almost a decade after Brighid was practically run out of town, the feelings came flooding back instantly.
“My heart sank. That place was the epicenter of some of my hardest memories—the neighborhood where my daughter’s father once lived, where all the bad chapters of my story unfolded.
“Honestly, I threw a little tantrum—who wouldn’t? But I knew, deep down, this was happening, and I had to own it.”
Tantrum Wines Was Born
Brighid told him, “If we’re doing this, I want it my way. No barrels, no leather, and definitely no typical tasting room experience.”
“It will be about people. It will be about friendship.”
I kept telling him, “My wines are the background music to people’s memories.” I didn’t want a cold, clinical tasting room—I wanted a space where people could sit, relax, and talk.
Tantrum Wines forgoes the use of tasting notes. Instead, there is a menu with five blank lines: “Your description in five words or less.”
“It’s all about sparking conversation. I want people to ask, ‘What do you smell? Sweet Tarts? Cocoa?’ Because truthfully, you can guide people to believe anything you want about wine, but I prefer they think and connect, not just taste.”
“Every detail was intentional—even the seating. Everything is round, face-to-face, so people look at each other. The staff at Tantrum Wines have ‘a way of making everyone feel valued, creating an environment that is authentic and warm.'”
“It’s more than just the wine. It’s about, we’re here for you.”
Brutal Beginnings
When Brighid established herself in town once again, staying put became a true testament of will.
“My sign was vandalized, people threw drinks at my windows, spit on my door. I was so scared someone would tear down our mascot—a big vinyl sign of the fierce woman that’s our symbol. Luckily, I put cameras up after three months, but it was hard.
And the reviews—that was the worst part.
One-star, one-star, one-star.
Fake reviews—the kind of negative feedback that just wasn’t true. It wasn’t what I saw when people walked through our door.”
A test of Brighid’s resilience, Tantrum had to work hard to earn their rating—currently sitting at 4.6 stars and 75 reviews on Google.
“It was hard, really hard. I wanted to walk away sometimes, but I knew I was doing the right thing. The people who come here—they tell me I am.”
Facing those faces, those places, every day. Seeing things I didn’t want to see—it was a lot. I was there in the beginning, pouring my heart into every detail, training my team, trying to create that perfect feeling.
Through it all, I kept that quote close: ‘A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.'”
The quote now lives painted on a mural in her bathroom.
Unwavering Support
Despite the negativity, Brighid’s genuine care for her clients and her unwavering dedication fostered loyalty. Women’s groups, locals, and visitors alike flocked to Tantrum and created a family around her business. Her wine club, she proudly shares, is the fastest-growing among her four wineries.
“It’s been a tough ride, but I believe in what we’re doing. At the end of the day, this isn’t just a winery—it’s a space where people feel free to be themselves, to share their stories, to make memories.”
Brighid saw it as a good lesson for her daughter —“Not everybody’s going to like you, and you can’t let that hold you back.”
“It’s about more than just selling wine. It’s about sharing a part of ourselves with others.”
Barbie House meets Holly Golightly
Tantrum Wines, once a blank canvas in an old building, was transformed by Brighid to reflect her eclectic and rebellious spirit. Upon entering you will see a mid-century modern wonderland, with a playful indoor garden featuring flamingos and greenery, all inspired by her love of vintage and whimsy.
Her favorite corner? The “Soprano Area,” with high-backed chairs, giant mirrors painted gold, and murals painted by a Disney artist. She had a vision—“A New York skyline with Easter eggs hidden in it,” so guests could discover little surprises while soaking in that East Coast vibe.
From there, it kept growing. She wanted a bit of Alice in Wonderland—so she added a stand-up mirror, vintage patio furniture from Jerome’s historic cemetery, and gold spray paint. The whole place felt alive, moving, changing—“My Barbie house,” she calls it, a place where childhood dreams collide with Hollywood glamour.
It’s a space for whimsy, fun, and making people feel like they’ve stepped into a secret, magical world—“Barbie meets Holly Golightly,” she laughs.
Her advice to women with big dreams?
“Have a good business plan and surround yourself with people who are better than you at what they do,” Her journey proves that success isn’t just about talent but also resilience, community, and embracing imperfections.
“Just get in there, don’t take no for an answer, and just go with it.”
Tantrum is the anti-winery.” She says, with a smile. “We’re not about just buying bottles—you’ll see, those bottles sell themselves.”
Editor
Natalie is co-founder and editor of The Grapevine Magazine where she helps winemakers big and small tell their stories. She lives in Manhattan, New York City.
