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
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Fridgid Temps. and Industry Losses.
Hey Ya'll,
Morning. This is the first time I have written in the New Year, so happy New Year! The local news in recent weeks has been the loss of two integral members of our small industry. Christian Wolffer was the first tragic loss that we heard of in the New Year. The second loss of Robert (Bob) J. Palmer occurred just about one week ago. Both of these gentleman were quite influential to the industry in their own respects and will be missed.
Palmer was the first Long Island wine that I ever had. It also was the first winery that I visited on Long Island. Fresh out of college with thoughts of finding my "last" Summer job, before I started a "real" job in the Fall I headed out East. I applied for work at that time, but the then tasting room manager informed me they had no positions available. How times have changed... I am now a winemaker and my wife is now the tasting room manager at Palmer. Bob Palmer and Christian Wolffer will be missed.
The vineyard has been cold and the guys have been continuing the work in the vineyard. We are busy pruning away. The work they are doing is the framework for the 2009 Harvest. We are finished pruning all of the white varieties and are beyond the half-way point in the vineyard. Vineyard work is often under appreciated as winemaker's often take all of the credit. The fella's out there gear up every morning and take on the arduous task of pruning in these cold temperatures. When the temperature dips drastically the guys will not work, but it is still pretty cold out there. My hat's off to our guys in the vineyard!
Cheers,
Juan.
Morning. This is the first time I have written in the New Year, so happy New Year! The local news in recent weeks has been the loss of two integral members of our small industry. Christian Wolffer was the first tragic loss that we heard of in the New Year. The second loss of Robert (Bob) J. Palmer occurred just about one week ago. Both of these gentleman were quite influential to the industry in their own respects and will be missed.
Palmer was the first Long Island wine that I ever had. It also was the first winery that I visited on Long Island. Fresh out of college with thoughts of finding my "last" Summer job, before I started a "real" job in the Fall I headed out East. I applied for work at that time, but the then tasting room manager informed me they had no positions available. How times have changed... I am now a winemaker and my wife is now the tasting room manager at Palmer. Bob Palmer and Christian Wolffer will be missed.
The vineyard has been cold and the guys have been continuing the work in the vineyard. We are busy pruning away. The work they are doing is the framework for the 2009 Harvest. We are finished pruning all of the white varieties and are beyond the half-way point in the vineyard. Vineyard work is often under appreciated as winemaker's often take all of the credit. The fella's out there gear up every morning and take on the arduous task of pruning in these cold temperatures. When the temperature dips drastically the guys will not work, but it is still pretty cold out there. My hat's off to our guys in the vineyard!
Cheers,
Juan.
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