2007 Bottling, Getting Ready

I picked up the labels for the 2007 wines from the printer yesterday. We've simplified the labels, going to a white background while slightly changing the color palette. The drop shadow has been tightened up for a crisper look, and the paper has been changed to a nicer texture.

Now I've got all of the pieces in place: bottles, corks, capsules and labels. The bottling line is scheduled, and the winery is ready. I'm excited about the upcoming bottling and need to get into the winery to do the final blending into tanks to prepare for bottling day (April 22).

Tomorrow morning, I'll be attending a Wine Business class at Sonoma State University (SSU). We'll be delving into software for managing sales, inventory, etc. for tasting room operations. As if growing the grapes and making the wine aren't enough, I'm getting a certificate in Tasting Room Management. I've also enrolled in the SSU internship program to hopefully get a part-time intern to help with Sales and Marketing. Depending upon the success of the internship, it may evolve into a full-time position. I can certainly stand to have some help with this all. SSU is unique in offering an MBA program in Wine Business, the only such program in the United States.

Growing premium grapes and making premium wines is a hands-on labor of love, but it does little good if we cannot easily connect with the people who appreciate such efforts. This is the hard edge of the small artisan producer.