Morning Ya'll,
Well, I am reporting from the West Coast as I am currently attending The Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, California. This is an annual event which highlights trends and important information regarding many aspects of the wine industry. California as we may all well know is at the forefront of agriculture in the U.S. and often they are the ones to first feel consumer demands, shifts, and trends.
Major topics of the symposium this year have included sustainability, market trends, and the economy. The Californian wine industry is seeing increased demand from consumers for SUSTAINABLE products, but what does that mean? I will elaborate on this issue further in future emails.
Major market trends are showing the great acceptance and demand for wine from Millennial's and Women. This is great news for the wine industry as we will see increases in demand for our products. During my own recent "market research" (Ie. having dinner at a bar on Long Island) I noted three gentleman who seemed of various trades as indicated by their apparel sharing a bottle of wine together. I really could not believe my eyes when I wintnessed this. A bar filled with taps of the "big boys" of the beer industry and here they were sharing a bottle of local wine together at the bar! I think a tear came to my eye... This was a testament to me of how wine is seeing greater acceptance across the board.
The Economy has been an issue across all factions of business. While retailers saw declines in consumer spending the wine industry saw an increase of about 7% in increased sales during the Holiday season compared to 2007. It seems consumers are "trading down" when it comes to wine purchases. Value wines are finding their way onto more tables these days. This is great news for a local winery such as ourselves on the North Fork. We have been long known to be a beacon of value and consumers will certainly respond to this as they embark on their weekend sojourn's to the North Fork. I feel strongly that consumers may "trade down" in price for our wine, but will note the high quality that we offer. We offer great local BANG FOR THE BUCK! While we may struggle for competitiveness in pricing with the "Big Boys" of the wine world we are still a dynamite tourism destination offering many things for families to enjoy! Besides buying local wine supports your neighbors! So let's definitely talk up the great values that our local wines offer!
Lastly, I want to mention the sad and devastating passing of Ben Sisson a long time Veteran of the Long Island Wine Industry. I learned of Ben's passing upon arriving here in California. Ben was a devoted and passionate member of the Long Island Wine industry, Friend to many, Husband, Father and will be greatly missed.
Cheers,
Juan
