About Us

🍷 About Us

Welcome to In The Cru — Where Every Bottle Tells a Story.

In The Cru is more than just an e-commerce platform — it's a curated destination for wine lovers who crave authenticity, discovery, and craftsmanship. We are a passionate community of wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and storytellers dedicated to bringing you the finest selection of wines from across the globe.

👋 Meet Our Founder: Elizabeth Castillo

Hi! I’m Elizabeth Castillo — born and raised in Miami, Florida, and the founder of In The Cru. My journey into wine started through a lifelong love of hospitality. I studied Hospitality Management with a specialization in Culinary Arts at Florida State University, and have worked in every corner of the service industry — from restaurants and hotels to catering.

My passion for people led me to earn a Master’s in Human Resources, and my passion for wine led me to become a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. I’ve spent years traveling the world, exploring under-the-radar wine regions and meeting the artisans behind the labels.

I created In The Cru to bring that sense of discovery to your doorstep — to help you fall in love with wine the way I did.

🌍 Our Story

Founded in 2020, In The Cru was born out of a desire to share the unparalleled experience of savoring exceptional, small-production wines. From the very beginning, our mission has been to offer a thoughtfully curated selection — wines that speak of place, people, and purpose.

Every bottle we offer is hand-selected to represent not just quality, but story. Whether it’s a rare gem from a boutique Napa vineyard or an elegant Burgundy crafted by a third-generation winemaker, you can trust that what’s in your glass has been chosen with care.

✅ Our Commitment

At In The Cru, we believe in:

Quality over quantity

Direct sourcing from trusted producers

Supporting small, sustainable, and family-owned wineries

Bringing transparency and warmth to the wine buying experience

We personally vet every bottle — tasting, researching, and building relationships with producers so you don’t have to second guess what you’re drinking.

🍇 Our Selection

Our wine collection spans continents and styles — from iconic Bordeaux blends to natural wines, alpine varietals, and rising-star regions. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to wine, there's something in our shop to meet you where you are (and surprise you, too).

Each listing includes tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and insider tips to guide you toward your next favorite bottle.

💬 The In The Cru Experience

We know shopping for wine online can feel overwhelming — but we’re here to simplify it. Our site is designed to make exploring wine fun and approachable. And our team of sommeliers (that includes me!) is always available for personalized advice.

📚 Community & Education

In The Cru isn’t just a wine store — it’s a growing community of explorers. Through our blog, guides, and events, we invite you to expand your knowledge and curiosity. From food pairings to deep dives into wine regions, we're here to share what we love and learn together.

🌱 Sustainability & Responsibility

We take pride in supporting eco-conscious wineries, using minimal, recyclable packaging, and promoting responsible consumption. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our sourcing, partnerships, and every part of the customer journey.

🥢 Let’s Raise a Glass

Thank you for being here and trusting In The Cru to be part of your wine story. We can’t wait to introduce you to bottles you’ll remember and producers you'll want to root for.

Cheers,Elizabeth CastilloFounder & Certified SommelierIn The Cru