Cristina Tufts journey from Moldova to Maryland is a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering determination.
Cristina was born in Moldova, a country renowned for its centuries-old winemaking traditions. Though she never imagined she would one day be at the helm of her own wine business in the United States, her path took a bold turn when she immigrated in 2009. She earned two Master’s degrees at the University of Oklahoma—one in Communication and another in International Relations—preparing herself for a future full of possibilities.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2016, when she founded Harbor Wines, a company specializing in boutique, family-owned, and eco-friendly wines. Cristina’s first investor was none other than her husband, a U.S. Army veteran who had served for 37 years. With just $3,000, he encouraged her to take the leap, joking, “Well, if nothing else, we’ll have $3,000 worth of wine to enjoy for ourselves.” That initial investment was the foundation for what would become a game-changing business venture.
Cristina’s breakthrough came when she secured a contract with MGM, supplying them with high-quality wines and services. This opportunity transformed her business overnight. Through the relationships she built, she was introduced to FSC First, a connection that would help propel her business to new heights.
In the early days of her business, Cristina secured an SBA 7(a) Community Advantage/Small Business Growth Fund loan through FSC First. This access to capital allowed her to purchase her first warehouse—an investment that has since tripled in value. As Harbor Wines grew, Cristina once again turned to FSC First, this time securing a Small Business Capital and Growth Fund loan to expand into a second warehouse.
But Cristina’s success isn’t just about building a thriving business—it’s about creating opportunities for others. Inspired by her own journey, she is now working to launch a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and supporting aspiring professionals in the wine industry, with a focus on helping others gain access to industry knowledge and resources. By offering mentorship, she hopes to contribute to the growth of the industry as a whole.
At FSC First, we are honored to support entrepreneurs like Cristina—trailblazers who turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for future success. We recognize the invaluable contributions of small business owners who make a positive impact and demonstrate leadership in every industry. Cristina’s journey is a reminder that with vision, determination, and the right support, entrepreneurs can create lasting change for their businesses and communities.
Visit the Harbor Wines website here.
