I had the pleasure of sitting down with Frank Schilling, the visionary founder of Aphrodise, the celebrated Greek sparkling rosé that’s taking the world by storm. With a history of success in technology and entrepreneurship, Frank is now bringing his passion for people and innovation to the world of champagne. From the creation of Aphrodise to his commitment to charitable causes, Frank's journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Frank, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with us today. You've had a fascinating career, from founding Name Administration Inc. to Uniregistry, and now launching Aphrodise. Can you tell us how you first got into the world of champagne?
It all happened a bit by accident. After selling my internet business, I found that I really enjoyed projects that involved people and solving problems. I opened Mykonos Cayman, a restaurant in the Cayman Islands, because I wanted to create a place where people could come together and celebrate. But there was a challenge—getting enough champagne for our Sunday brunches. Not only did I struggle with the quantity, but I also didn’t feel great after drinking traditional Champagne because of the yeast and the Chardonnay grape. That’s when I thought, "There has to be a better alternative." And that’s how Aphrodise was born!
How did the idea for Aphrodise come to life?
On a trip to Greece, I discovered the Xinomavro grape, which is traditionally used for red wines but in sparkling form, it was unlike anything I had ever tasted. I partnered with Gabi Petrylaite, and together, we worked to curate and market Aphrodise. Our goal was to create something that wasn’t just a Champagne alternative, but a drink that people could enjoy in the sun, at brunch, or during long afternoon gatherings. We wanted something refreshing, with a smooth finish, and that could be consumed in large quantities without the typical "hangover" feeling. That’s what makes Aphrodise unique.
And speaking of uniqueness, what sets Aphrodise apart from other sparkling wines on the market?
It’s really all about how it makes you feel. Aphrodise has a slightly bitter finish, almost like Aperol but much lighter. It’s not as heavy as Champagne, which makes it easier to drink in large quantities, especially in hot weather. And the best part? People say they feel great the next day—no headaches, no sluggishness. It has a remarkable recovery profile. That’s really been one of the key differences in how people experience it.
Aphrodise has gained quite a following already. What goes into crafting such a distinctive product?
A lot of love and attention to detail. The Xinomavro grape is grown in high-altitude, dry soils in northern Greece, which gives it a distinct flavor. It’s a rare grape and using it for sparkling wine is almost unconventional. But it has this unique quality that really stands out when made into a bubbly. We work hard to preserve that natural, crisp flavor and let the grape shine.
What foods pair best with Aphrodise?
Aphrodise is quite versatile when it comes to food pairings. It’s fantastic with fish, red meats, and poultry. It’s a very forgiving wine, which makes it a great choice for a wide range of dishes.
Your dedication to quality is evident. Now, Aphrodise is more than just a drink—it’s also part of some incredible charitable events. Can you tell us about that?
Giving back is very important to me. Aphrodise has been involved in several charity events this year, including the 79th U.N. General Assembly and the 12th Annual First Ladies Luncheon in New York. We've supported the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the LongHouse Reserve’s Summer Benefit, the enCourage Kids Foundation food tasting event and several other initiatives, including the LightHouse School Fundraiser, which raised $500,000 for children with special needs in the Cayman Islands. We believe that when you succeed, you have a responsibility to help others, and Aphrodise is proud to be part of these meaningful events.
That’s truly inspiring. Moving on to the product itself—where can our readers get their hands on Aphrodise?
Aphrodise is available at select restaurants, bars, and venues worldwide. We have an interactive locator on our website that helps people find where it’s available near them. It’s also available for purchase online in the U.S. through our shop at shop.drinkaphrodise.com.
You’ve already made a significant impact in the world of wine. What’s next for Aphrodise?
We’re really excited for what’s coming in 2025. We’ll be launching a new product, Aphrodise Blanc—a white sparkling wine made from the same Xinomavro grape. We’ve refined it into a lighter, crisper bubbly, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it resonates with our customers. I’m curious to see whether they’ll prefer the rosé or the blanc—both are fantastic, but it’ll be fun to find out!
It’s clear that Aphrodise is already making waves in the Champagne world. Have you received any recognition for your efforts?
We’ve been fortunate to gain some great recognition in a short amount of time. Aphrodise won Gold at the 2024 Glass of Bubbly Awards, Bronze at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards, and was named a 2024 Editor’s Top Pick by Food & Beverage Magazine. We’ve also built a loyal following, especially in exclusive markets like Los Angeles and the Hamptons. We’re starting to see celebrities really embrace Aphrodise, which is exciting.
Before we wrap up, can you share your website and social media handles so our readers can follow Aphrodise’s journey?
Absolutely! You can find us online at www.drinkaphrodise.com and on Instagram at @drinkaphrodise. We love sharing updates and connecting with our followers!
Frank Schilling’s journey from tech mogul to wine entrepreneur is a testament to his dedication to innovation, quality, and community. With Aphrodise sparkling rosé making its mark in both the luxury and philanthropic worlds, we can only expect more exciting things from this trailblazer in the future. Keep an eye on Aphrodise—this is just the beginning!
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