With 17 years as one of “Dancing With the Stars'” most popular professional dancers, Maks Chmerkovskiy is one of the names and faces most closely associated with the reality competition. Besides the show, he’s also opened several dance studios under his “Dance With Me” brand. He’s proven to be an excellent instructor: at just 22, he helped his then-16-year-old brother, Val, and partner become the first American duo to win a World Junior Championship title.
However, Chmerkovskiy has other interests he wants to pursue. His lifelong love of dance isn’t going anywhere, but the ballroom champion is hoping to expand his legacy into different arenas. He’s already taken the first step — his Tetya KAPA vodka — but he is hoping to do so much more.
Chmerkovskiy Would Love to Create a ‘Lounge Concept’
“I’m a creative at heart, so I’m always open to new challenges that align with who I am,” Chmerkovskiy told Splash Magazine. “Tetya KAPA is just the beginning of what I hope will be a lifestyle brand rooted in connection and legacy. I’d love to explore more in hospitality—maybe a lounge concept, something that brings people together in the same way dance and a good drink do.”
The idea of a lounge concept is something that Chmerkovskiy has been drawn to before. When he and Val headlined Napa Valley’s “SAVOR After Hours,” he was impressed with the unique, intimate experience.
“Part of our performance has always felt like it’s taking care of [and] educating our audience. It’s taking them on a journey with us,” he told People. “It feels like this intimate dinner party more than a ‘sit down and watch us on stage’ type of thing.”
If the success of Tetya KAPA is anything to go on, A lounge concept could be the perfect avenue for Chmerkovskiy to pursue next.
Chmerkovskiy Was Very Involved in Creating Tetya KAPA
Maks Chmerkovskiy met Napa Valley Distillery founder Arthur Hartunian while he and Val were performing in Napa Valley. They were introduced by a mutual friend, Ian Devereux White, owner of the winery Smith Devereux. Chmerkovskiy wanted to create his own vodka brand, and the three decided to collaborate to bring it to life. Hence, Tetya KAPA was born.
“He tried six different blends before settling on this one,” Hartunian told the Press Democrat. “This is not just another celebrity spirit. This is something [Chmerkovskiy] felt close to. He was a big part of the process.” Hartunian didn’t want to make a celebrity vodka that “felt like a cash grab,” and neither did Chmerkovskiy.
The only vodka distilled in Napa Valley using the county’s Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Wine Enthusiast has given it a rating of 90. It can currently be found in stores in California, New York, and New Jersey, or purchased online.
