Try the Red: Napa Learns to Sell

[ibglowin]

Good read from start to finish!

I wish the trickle down theory would trickle down to our beloved kits.......

They seem to be going in the opposite direction of wine and grape prices!

Napa Wineries Seek Direct-to-Buyer Sales

 

[robie]

Good article. I had no idea that Napa wine sales were off at all, certainly not by that degree. Don't know why it wouldn't trickle down to the kit producers.

Maybe when I go to California's Central Valley in March, I might also stop in on Napa and ask a few more questions. There are some big wine clubs near by that just might want to order a semi-truck load. I think the Denver club orders big quantities every year, but I doubt they get anything from Napa.

 

[cpfan]

I wonder what portion of a wine kit's cost is the grapes. I suspect that the processing, storage, packaging, and distribution are a greater percentage of the cost than the grapes.


Plus the current economic climateis causinga downturn in wine sales, and I suspect an increase in kit sales. Thus no need to lower prices to clear inventory.


Steve

 

[AlFulchino]

terrific article to read Mike..thanks for sharing

my favorite quote came at the very end....

“Making wine — that’s the easy part,” Mr. Sattui said. “It’s selling it that’s hard.”

 

[ibglowin]

We have stopped off at V. Sattui a couple of times. He has quite the wining formula and its been working very well for him for many years, so well that he doesn't need any distributors.

He sells it all onsite or though the wine club sales. He has a complete general store that sells a nice selection of picnic foods (meats, cheeses, sandwiches, fruit and of course wine) for a wonderful picnic right there on the Sattui winery grounds. Plus a wedding chapel to boot!

 “Making wine — that’s the easy part,” Mr. Sattui said. “It’s selling it that’s hard.”