So I got a few emails asking what was up with the new flurry of local events we’ve been doing?
It’s official. As of April 1st we signed up with Central Coast Boutique Wines:
http://www.ccboutiquewines.com/index.htm
They will be representing us in Northern California and helping us get our wines into select retail shops and restaurants.
This was something Stefania and I targeted as a primary objective for 2009. It’s been frustrating for us to not be able to direct people somewhere when they want to try our wine. For our customers around the country who deal with mailing lists and order forms, it’s been no big deal, but locally most people are puzzled by the idea of having to sign up and wait to get wine.
Neither Stef or I are great sales people and we don’t have a lot of time to go knock on doors to sell wine, so we knew this was the best option. Now my Mom will be able to tell her friends where to go to get our wine 🙂
We evaluated dozens of companies starting late last year. By January we had it down to three that seemed like good fits. We finally picked Central Coast as the best match for us. Stef and I will be out helping the sales team get our brand launched. More pourings, more events, and maybe even a winemaker dinner or two.
We’ve budgeted in an allocation amount going forward for Central Coast so that they will be able to keep accounts stocked. Right now they will not be selling some of our lower production wines as those are already 100% allocated. Our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Stefania ‘Chaine d’Or’ Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon will only be available via mailing list.
As we get information about placements in restaurants and retail outlets I’ll try to get those posted up.