In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where rolling vineyards meet innovative minds, a new platform is poised to transform the way we explore and experience wine.

At the forefront of this revolution are James Litton and Saumay Narayan, visionary entrepreneurs whose passion for both technology and viticulture have culminated in PourUp, a digital bridge connecting wine enthusiasts with the rich tapestry of wineries and tasting experiences.

A Vision Born from Passion

PourUp’s journey into the world of wine began not in the cellars of Napa or the chateaux of Bordeaux, but in the tech corridors where friends James and Saumay honed their skills as developers.

The friends’ affinity for wine culture grew alongside their tech careers. They both recognized a gap in the market: the need for a centralized platform that caters to both seasoned oenophiles and curious novices.

Building Bridges Between Enthusiasts and Wineries

PourUp is more than just an app. It’s a community builder.

The platform offers tailored searches, allowing users to filter wineries by location, wine types, and amenities. This ensures personalized recommendations that align with individual preferences.

Interactive maps guide users through wine country, making exploration intuitive and engaging. Detailed winery profiles, complete with descriptions and photos, provide a virtual tour before the actual visit, enhancing the overall experience.

Triumph at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp

In early 2025, the PourUp vision was put to the test at the recent Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

Competing against 20 other innovative ideas, the PourUp team emerged as one of the ten winners.

This win is a testament to PourUp’s potential to reshape wine tourism. The bootcamp provided James and Saumay with invaluable insights and mentorship, further solidifying their commitment to bringing PourUp to life.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Launch

The journey from concept to reality is seldom solitary.

Recognizing the technical demands of developing a robust platform, PourUp has partnered with a tech firm capable of delivering its envisioned features within the next six to eight months.

This collaboration brings aboard a dedicated team of 10 developers, all working in unison to ensure PourUp meets the expectations of its future users. The PourUp team will also work with a 70-strong team to get the platform up and running.

To support the development and successful launch of PourUp, James and Saumay are actively seeking to raise $100,000. These funds are earmarked to cover development costs and ensure the platform’s features are both innovative and user-centric.

Investors have the unique opportunity to be part of a venture that not only promises financial returns but also contributes to enriching the wine tourism industry.

An Invitation to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The PourUp journey underscores the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial landscape.

For those inspired by this story and looking to embark on their own startup ventures, the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies for Non-Tech Founders on April 11-12 offers an invaluable opportunity.

This bootcamp is designed to equip non-technical founders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the startup world successfully.

Through PourUp, James Litton and Saumay Narayan are not just creating an app. They are cultivating a community where technology and tradition blend seamlessly.

Their dedication to enhancing the wine exploration experience reflects a broader trend of leveraging digital solutions to bring people together. As PourUp prepares to uncork its full potential, the future of wine tourism looks more connected and personalized than ever before.

To register for the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies: Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp 2.0 for Non-Tech Founders on April 11-12, click here