From the Grape to the Glass: Pt 2 Science of Grapes
There is a geeky side to grape farming. A little bit of science is blended with hard work to create each artistic glass we drink. As we follow the 2010 Barrister Winery Sagemoor Cabernet Sauvignon from the grape to the glass, we dive into the science inside the grape. In part one of the series (From the Grape to the Glass Pt1 Progress Reports) Greg Lipsker, co-owner and winemaker of Barrister winery, visits the vineyard for a status check on the 2010 fruit. The grapes are undergoing veraison (a process where the green fruit turns purple) and vineyard manager, Derek […]
Cascade Valley Courts the Blogger Audience
How would you spread the word about a growing wine region? Newspaper ads, key magazine spots, buy up space in trade publications, attend key events, word of mouth; these are all options often considered. Cascade Valley Wine Association looked to wine bloggers for exposure. As a region that already receives 3 MILLION visitors per year and is known for recreation, fruit festivals, and relaxation, Cascade Valley is making a name for itself in the world of wine. How do you spread the word? As I returned from the three day excursion to CVWC with 11 other wine blogger/writers, I turned […]
A Visit To WineStyles in North Spokane
Be careful, surfing at entrepreneur.com can lead to some wild adventures. For Mike and Deedee McMahon, it’s just the adventure they were looking for. The McMahon’s own and operate several coffee shops in the Spokane area. With the operations of these shops firmly under control, Mike and Deedee were intrigued by the Wine Styles franchise and were eager to dive into something that involved their other passion, wine. As I’m fond of saying, “Wine and coffee equal liquid love.” Wine Styles is an exciting franchise that brings an old world retail wine experience to communities. The franchise costs are relatively […]
Eisch Eisch Baby! Sometimes It’s the Little Things That Matter
It’s the little things that make all the difference. Presentation and service at a restaurant, extra fudge on your ice cream sundae, flowers on a date, and the extra bass note in Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.”Okay, maybe the last one, didn’t do any bit of good but the attention to detail and the special subtleties can make a good experience into a wow experience. BUT, can a wine glass that once claimed to be “breathable” and “able to aerate your wine in 2-4 minutes” be that subtle difference that makes every sip one to savor? I’ve received a few […]
A Blend of Apples and Grapes: iPads in the Tasting Room
What is your goal? As a wine business you want to sell more wine; engage more customers; improve customer service; encourage education and awareness. How can emerging technology help accomplish these things? Technology and wine are not unfamiliar bedfellows. Many wineries have looked to technology solutions for years. Database and inventory management with improved point of sale systems. Reward card programs that reward loyal customers. Cards and purchases are tracked through technology solutions. Tasting room kiosks that can help educate customers and improve service when staff is not available. Credit card terminals to assist in quicker transactions SMS text based […]