Team C&J
Martin Ray Winery Acquires Foppiano Winery and Vineyards
CMB Wines announced its acquisition of the family-owned and operated Foppiano Winery and Vineyards, located in Healdsburg, CA. Established in 1896, Foppiano has built a reputation for producing high-quality and award-winning Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah. Courtney Benham, owner of CMB Wines, expressed excitement about continuing Foppiano’s legacy and integrating it into the Martin Ray portfolio. Louis M. Foppiano, chairman of Foppiano Winery and Vineyards, welcomed the transition, confident in maintaining family traditions. Courtney Benham plans to invest in winemaking, sales, and marketing, ensuring Foppiano continues its iconic production of classic varietals. CMB Wines remains optimistic about the wine industry’s future and seeks to further strengthen its market position.
2024 Tasting Room Survey Report: Revenue Steady Amid Rising Stakes for Direct Sales
The 2024 Tasting Room Survey Report reveals steady direct sales revenue for wineries amidst a slight decline in visitation and wine club recruitment in 2023. Despite fewer visitors, the median order value for direct sales channels increased, with the tasting room median order rising to $97 and the club order to $175. The average order value saw substantial growth, highlighting the importance of boosting order values as tasting rooms and wine clubs account for the majority of direct sales. Wineries are leveraging other channels, such as phone, website, and text, to compensate for decreased in-person visits, while regional and winery size data show varying trends in order value.
The survey also found that the median conversion rate of visits to sales remained at 75%, and wineries increasingly offered flexible tasting options to cater to consumer preferences. Wine club membership saw a net decline of 1.3% in 2023, with positive growth only in specific regions like the Pacific Northwest. Building loyal wine club memberships is vital for revenue, with wineries focusing on personal relationships, customizable experiences, and data-driven insights. Successful wineries invest in competitive pay and incentives for tasting room staff to enhance customer engagement. Customizing and enhancing the wine club experience, through memorable and exclusive offers, is essential for retaining and attracting members in a competitive market.
Hope of recovery for Hong Kong wine market despite slump
The Hong Kong wine market is facing a challenging period with a 40% decline in wine imports since 2018, attributed to economic factors like rising interest rates and reduced consumer spending. Despite the downturn, industry specialist Rob Temple and a panel of experts at Vinexpo Asia provide insights on potential strategies for recovery. Philippe Chan highlights findings from a consumer survey, indicating a growing trend of whisky consumption at home and a demand for cost-effective promotions in wine purchases. Initiatives focusing on creative marketing approaches, including targeted campaigns and engagement with key opinion leaders, are suggested to adapt to changing consumer preferences. The road to recovery involves a return to pre-Covid consumption levels, driven by factors like economic revival, returning expatriates, and resumed tourism. Industry specialists emphasize the importance of market presence, consumer-centric communication, and price competitiveness to stimulate spending and revitalize the Hong Kong wine market, encouraging hope for eventual recovery despite current challenges.
Silver Oak Announces the Launch Of Prince Hill Vineyards
Silver Oak has introduced Prince Hill Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, signifying a significant addition to their esteemed wine brand collection. Situated in the Dundee Hills AVA, Prince Hill Vineyards, acquired with the guidance of Oregon wine pioneer Dick Erath in 2016, boasts a strategic elevation and aspect ideal for wine cultivation. The vineyard is notably recognized for originating Pinot Noir Clone 95 from Burgundy’s Clos Vougeot. CEO David R. Duncan acknowledges the winemaking heritage of the Willamette Valley, while winemaker Chris Burrough eagerly anticipates unveiling the potential of the region through Prince Hill Vineyards’ debut wines: Willamette Valley Chardonnay, Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, and a single vineyard Pinot Noir. The wines will be offered starting September, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and stewardship synonymous with Prince Hill Vineyards and its rich winemaking legacy.
The UK now boasts more than 1,000 vineyards – Decanter
The UK’s wine industry is thriving, with the number of vineyards surpassing 1,000 for the first time, marking a significant milestone. English and Welsh wine producers saw a 10% sales increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, selling a record 8.8 million bottles. To meet rising demand, production is rapidly expanding, with 87 new vineyards registered in the past year. Chardonnay leads as the most widely planted grape variety, followed by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Sparkling wine sales have soared by 187% since 2018, while still wine sales are up by 117%, indicating a growing appreciation for UK wines across various sales channels. The industry shows great promise for continued growth and success in the future.
All things wine, and food you could ever need or want — straight to your email!
