By Gerry Barker
Photos Courtesy Anderson Group Public Relations
Most people know Maksim Chmerkovskiy as the world-famous ballroom dancing pro who made the finals five times over 17 seasons on “Dancing With the Stars” (winning a title in 2014). He’s also has appeared in two Broadway dance shows — “Burn the Floor” and “Forever Tango.”
What you may not know is Chmerkovskiy’s newest venture is something entirely different: Vodka.
In 2023, The Ukrainian-born dancer teamed with Napa Valley Distillery founder Arthur Hartunian and vintner Ian Devereux White to launch Tetya KAPA, a handmade, premium vodka made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes .
The three met while Chmerkovskiy and his brother, Val, were performing at Napa Valley’s The JaM Cellars Ballroom, in the historic Napa Valley Opera House, originally opened in 1879. White is a wine enthusiast who co-founded the boutique winery Smith Devereux, while Hartunian’s distillery is known for its handcrafted approach to producing spirits.
Early reviews of Tetya KAPA have been positive, including a 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast. Splash Magazines caught up with Chmerkovskiy to learn more:
Q: You’ve enjoyed worldwide success as a professional dancer. What led you to launch your own brand of premium vodka?
A: Dance has given me so much—it’s connected me to the world and allowed me to express who I am. But I’ve always believed in evolving, in creating something lasting beyond the stage. Vodka is a part of my Ukrainian culture—it’s on every table at every celebration, and it represents connection. Tetya KAPA was born from a desire to build something that speaks to my roots and shares that sense of pride and community in every bottle.
Q: Tetya KAPA is described as a “small-batch, handcrafted vodka.” What does that mean, and what makes Tetya KAPA stand apart from the competition?
A: Small-batch and handcrafted means we pay attention to every step of the process. This isn’t mass-produced—it’s thoughtfully distilled, the only vodka to be distilled in Napa Valley, using the region’s Sauvignon Blanc grapes, carefully filtered, and made with the kind of care you’d expect from a family recipe. What sets KAPA apart is not just its smoothness, but also the heart behind it. This is a vodka that tells a story—and it’s as much about the people who enjoy it as it is about where it comes from.
Q: I understand Tetya KAPA is named for your favorite aunt. Who is she and why is she your favorite?
A: Tetya Kapa is my real aunt, and she’s the heartbeat of our family. She’s warm, fierce, generous, and absolutely unforgettable. Naming the vodka after her felt natural—she’s the kind of woman who always made you feel seen and taken care of. Every family has someone like that—the one who holds everyone together. I wanted the brand to carry her energy: strong, elegant, and unapologetically authentic.
Q: Who designed the bottle?
A: I was very involved in the design process alongside a talented creative team. I wanted something timeless—elegant but with a touch of edge. The bottle is sleek, with elements that nod to both our Ukrainian heritage and modern luxury. It needed to feel like something you’d be proud to pour at a celebration, but also keep on your bar cart at home.
Q: What’s been the initial reaction to Tetya KAPA since it made its debut?
A: Honestly, it’s been incredible. People aren’t just saying they love the taste—they’re connecting with the story. I’ve had folks from all walks of life tell me it’s become their go-to vodka. That kind of feedback is humbling. It shows that we’ve created something that resonates, not just something that sells.
Q: What’s your favorite cocktail, and why?
A: A KAPA martini—clean, crisp, no fuss. I love that it puts the quality of the vodka front and center. I’ll take it with a twist of lemon or just straight up. When the product is this smooth, you don’t need to hide it behind a dozen ingredients.
Q: Give us your recipe for the perfect Tetya KAPA martini.
A: Absolutely. Start with 2.5 oz of Tetya KAPA Vodka, 0.5 oz of dry vermouth, and ice. Stir gently—never shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or an olive if that’s your vibe. It’s classy, bold, and lets the vodka shine.
Q: Is Tetya KAPA vodka available nationally?
A: We’re expanding fast. Right now, you can find us in select markets and online, but our goal is national reach—with international distribution on the horizon. We want people to be able to toast with Tetya KAPA no matter where they are.
Q: First dancing, now vodka. Are there other new fields or ventures you’d like to pursue?
A: I’m a creative at heart, so I’m always open to new challenges that align with who I am. 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.
For more about Tetya KAPA, visit their website.
What an interesting piece on an interesting man! Very smart to look beyond the world you know.