With summer here, a new season of The Real Housewives of Orange County is in full swing. Cookie was lucky enough to sit down with the actual “first” Housewife, Vicki Gunvalson along with her business partner in Wines By Wives, Chris Gravagna. Gunvalson talked about her Wines By Wives celebrity wine club, why the gay boys love the Housewives so much and what’s next for her in Orange County.
How is Wine By Wives going?
Chris: The email that we get from the customers on a daily basis thanking Vicki, Tamra and some of our new wives is really amazing. It really makes the fans feel like they are part of not only Vicki’s life, but any of the other celebrities that we have working with us.
Wine clubs are really popular right now, as are the Housewives. Vicki, what do you think it is about the show that really makes gay men gravitate toward it?
Vicki: I think the gay culture is fantastic. They really love fashion, they have great style and I love my David, who has worked with me for seven years. He has taught me so much about the gay community and how amazing they are. There should be no discrimination at all, they love to love, just like anyone else. As for the wines, the boys love socializing and their wines. I’ve had nothing but a great experience with the community and have learned so much.
You actually have a career in insurance, as opposed to a lot of the other women who don’t work, or have had careers spawned from exposure on the show. Is it hard having a career with a group of women who can’t relate to that?
You recently had a new “Housewife” join the “Wines By Wives” roster. Can you tell us who it is?
Chris: Absolutely! We are happy to announce that Kathy Wakile from The Real Housewives of New Jersey is our newest Housewife to be a Wines By Wives ambassador. She and her husband, Richie, are fantastic! We try to see who the best person to represent the brand will be, and Vicki, Tamra and I agreed that Kathy would be perfect.
Do you think that the fighting with fellow cast member, and fellow Wines By Wives coworker, Tamra Barney makes it harder to establish the company as a legitimate company and not just a prop for the show?
Vicki: I’m not proud of the fact that Tamra and I had some disagreements, and it did not affect our business. When it comes down to it, I’ll fold before I let it affect the business. I know that during one argument, I had a prearranged event with friends and co- workers, which everyone was aware of, including Tamra. The drama on the show does creep over into our business, but that will happen with any business.
Vicki, you have really taken some harsh criticism from your fellow castmates during the past couple seasons. Do you think you want to continue this way?
Vicki: No way! I’d be a glutton for punishment. I’m addicted to my own reality. I don’t even know what’s going to happen to myself next year, so I’m not gonna quit now!
For more visit www.winesbywives.com/ and www.vickigunvalson.com.
