I recently had the opportunity to watch many newborns like this gal, follow their mom’s throughout the pasture.  How quickly they learn that mom provides food and safety.

Looking around the wine industry it might be a good time to be small.  Like the lamb, the smaller winery is nimble and can change course quickly.  This is no time to be stuck in your ways.  Creative thinking and execution are essential in this very challenging marketplace.

You may be feeling the pressure to lower prices but I caution you on rushing into this decision.  Take a look in your cellar and pencil out how much wine you have in your ‘06, ‘07 and ‘08 vintages.  Each of these vintages were below average and unless you purchased more grapes or bulk wine you run the risk of  losing future placements.  I say this because if you lower prices today, yes you will see your wine start to deplete faster.  However, will you have enough wine in the upcoming releases or will you run out too soon?  I know it sounds odd to worry about a shortage but it could happen and the recovery from this could take years. 

Until next time….take advantage of being small and keep in touch with your customers both near and far.

I had the opportunity to join my 17 year old daughter this week at 6:30 a.m. at Robert Sinskey Vineyards to help build a makeshift corral and then watch her help the vineyard manager, Debby herd the sheep from the pasture into the holding area.  

I got the chance to see nature’s latest gift of lambs.  The young one in the picture is about 2 weeks old.  My daughter got to return a new born to its mom when she was in the pasture.  It is hard to believe these little guys and gals will grow so quickly and will soon be helping the vineyard manager.  That’s right Sinskey puts the sheep to work in there vineyards.  They are great harvesters of the ground cover.  Being organically farmed vineyards results in creative ways of  getting the job done. 

Given the state of the economy I think we are all being tested at our creativity.   Then again that is what has made America great over the ages.  When it gets tough we dig deep inside and find a way to get the job done, quicker and better than before.  This is your chance to make a positive impact just like that mother and daughter in the vineyard.

Until next time…Spring is in the air.