Consulting Wine/The Wine Firm, Intl.

How Complexity Drives Consumers Away Last weekend, I proudly shared my investment progress with my husband, showcasing how I’ve been using Nubank to invest our money in Brazil. It’s amusing because, while he’s the investment expert, I’ve never felt confident in that area. However, Nubank’s user-friendly app makes investing so easy that I didn’t need extensive education to get started; it guided me through the process effortlessly. I think that many people feel similarly about investing as they do about wine. Just as I wanted to invest but didn’t know how, there are consumers eager to explore wines but unsure of how to choose the right ones. Banks are making it easier for individuals to invest, yet the wine industry hasn’t done the same for consumers wanting to try wines. Why is that? I didn’t need to be an expert in investment to begin my journey with Nubank, and if I had to learn everything first, I likely wouldn’t have started investing at all. When the wine experience becomes overly complicated, it creates a barrier that discourages newcomers rather than inviting them in. If it requires specialized knowledge to navigate, many people will simply walk away. This raises some important questions: ✅Why have we created such a complicated culture around wine? ✅Who benefits from this complexity? ✅Who profits from making wine seem inaccessible? 🤷♀️ Reflecting on the narratives we’ve been told about wine can help us #Rethink these norms. It’s essential to consider how we can make wine more approachable, inviting more people to enjoy it without the intimidation factor. #rethinkingthewineindustry #wine #winebusiness #wineindustry

Vision….is NOT an idea. Vision is the culmination of passionate purpose that develops into a plan of attack, a system of work, and is then implemented by an “A” team undeterred by obstacles…. …..as ‘great visions’ will always have many. ~ Nicholas Karavidas What is it that holds you back from your vision? If it’s time, or money, or negative response to your idea, or tools, or whatever, slow down and take smaller bites off your goal. I have projects I started 20+ years ago that are still viable and I continue is to make small progress with these ideas. Brands that I developed concepts for many years ago are just now moving into the market. If you have a vision that you have ‘fleshed out’ and determined to still be a viable application, keep moving forward. A vision isn’t a good ‘idea’. A vision meets a real need. Visions connect with a vacuum of opportunity. Picture the ‘wingtips’ of a hawk or an eagle. Their feathers extending from the tips of their wings like fingers are ‘feeling’ for something…..and they are! Those wingtips are feeling for updrafts of thermal heat rising from the earth. When they feel these updrafts, they ‘go into’ the updraft to take them up, up into the next level of sky, removing effort from their flight, providing an even better view of their surroundings. This is exactly what our research and intimacy with our craft should do for us. When we see a need, a gap, a unique perspective of an existing product, a refinement, etc., we “see” or feel a ‘thermal updraft” and we get excited about the possibilities….and the idea for a true vision is born. Taking that idea to a vision is about planning, strategy, implementation, patience, perseverance, and tenacity. So dream….go…..and Do!! #visionary #businessplanning #strategicplan #winemakersforum #branddevelopment

I’m making a change, both professionally and personally. My focus is shifting toward giving—my time, my knowledge, my support. Many individuals turn to social media to highlight their achievements, frequently proclaiming, "Look at me, I’m amazing! My wines have won awards!" or "Look at my services or products here!" While it’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate successes, the constant emphasis on self-promotion can create a competitive atmosphere centered around validation. This relentless pursuit of approval can overshadow the more meaningful aspects of our interactions. In this context, the prevailing belief that "time is money" often takes precedence in our thinking, leading us to prioritize financial gain over cultivating genuine connections and fostering collaborations. This approach can diminish the value of relationships, shifting our focus away from contributing to the community and toward self-interest. The true strength of social media lies not in self-promotion, but in creating authentic, valuable content without expecting anything in return. When you genuinely give to others, your worth shines through without the need for grand statements. True success is defined by what you contribute, not by what you accumulate. Are you dedicated to adding value to people's lives? It's essential to prioritize adding value to our customers and those around us rather than continually promoting ourselves. This relentless cycle of self-promotion can be draining for everyone involved. Keep in mind the fundamental business equation: Gain = Value - Cost. By prioritizing shared value content, we foster a more enriching experience for everyone involved. One brand that truly embodies the spirit of collaboration is Unico Zelo in Australia. Their "Wine For The People" YouTube channel stands out for its community-focused approach, promoting wine culture while supporting the growth of other brands. With over 8,000 followers—more than any other winery channel I know of in Australia—they have significantly enhanced their visibility both locally and internationally. Notably, their wines are also available in Brazil through Berkmann Brasil. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." #wine #givemore #value #kindness #rethinkingthewineindustry

Today is ‘hump day’. Whatever you do, do it well, and finish the week on top of your game. Don’t let anyone or anything drag you down from your vision. If you’re riding a ‘transitional’ position, don’t waste time entertaining yourself with your “free time”. There is no such thing as ‘free’ time. There’s a cost. Every moment counts. If you’re ‘stuck’, invest in the skills that will transition you out of the position you are in. If you’re dissatisfied, DO NOT go home tonight and pop a beer and watch your favorite show! If you are a client with an advisor suggesting that if your business performance is less than what you need to or want it to be (noting that “want” is a much stronger driver than “need”), then trade out your next $2500 fly fishing trip and invest in better data…. Or better yet, invest those $$ in your “A” team to make them more powerful and equipped to do what you’re asking them to do. And if you’re hiring B & C players, maybe it’s time to rethink your team building plan…. No team building plan? Today is the day to start or refine that plan. Go out and kick some serious xxss! #dreamsareonlyplanswithoutaction #ebxtannins #thewinefirm #techtalk4wine #winebusiness #branddevelopment

Winebow is proud to now be the exclusive distributor for Beso Imports in: NY, NJ, IL, MN, WI, CA & WA. Beso Imports offers the most extensive portfolio of Mexican wines available in the U.S. As awareness and recognition of Mexican wine increases, Beso Imports is leading the curve and defining the trend by emphasizing estates that champion sustainable operations, farm organically, and make clean wines that are an honest expression of place.

“Retrospect” Harvest 2024 has taken me to a place where all the intense moments of exploration & discovery are embedded in story………my wine story. Each of us has a story. Sometimes these stories are meaningfully transliterated into a message much more than the words could describe. Other times, and more often than not, our stories remain a small fixture of our private lives…even when we aspire to get our stories out. What’s your story? Are you impressed by your own story? If not, what is it that holds you back from igniting your inner vision and ‘transliterating’ it into a personal victory, one of impact, whether in a small sphere of influence or an industry innovation? Is your bucket list full of ideas unaccomplished or is it weighed down with (fill in the blank for you personally). Here is a moment in Carneros. …..a moment can change our lives……..forever. Take a moment today to….. Dream, then…. Go, and…. Do! Good morning from Wine Country~ #rethinkingwine #rethinkingthewineindustry #techtalk4wine #winemakersforum #carneros Marshall Goldsmith Adam Totounji Michael Brughelli Michael Borboa Lisa Bishop Forbes

Imagine if draft beer had never become the most popular way to serve beer in restaurants and bars (#OnPremise). If that were the case, On Premise establishments would likely be pouring beer from growlers, struggling to preserve leftovers for the next day, and sacrificing potential profits with each ounce that goes stale. Now, consider that this scenario is not far from the reality of #wine by-the-glass (BTG) service. While wine has a few preservation advantages over beer, it’s difficult to argue that the current approach to serving BTG truly puts wine’s best foot forward. The numbers below from CGA by NIQ reflect this. Only 13% of the total On Premise Bev Alcohol Revenue in the US coming from wine is NOT because people don’t necessarily want to drink wine. It’s because they’re hesitant to order a glass, fearing it might be stale and undrinkable. Or, they don’t want to commit to a growler-sized serving (~5 servings) just to ensure freshness. Oxidation is quietly strangling to death wine’s potential On Premise. It's not something #spirits or #beer have to worry about. They’ve either designed their product and/or packaging around it. And, with wine on tap from Free Flow Wines and our partners, oxidation On Premise is not something wine should have to worry about either. 

What Do Cirque du Soleil and 19 Crimes Have in Common? Cirque du Soleil found immense success by targeting a different audience than traditional circuses. While most circuses focused on children, Cirque du Soleil catered to adults with an innovative approach that integrated elements like ballet and theatrical storytelling. At a time when the circus industry was shrinking, and many were struggling to stay afloat, Cirque du Soleil revolutionized the experience, attracting a new demographic willing to pay a premium for something unique. Similarly, 19 Crimes, launched in 2018, disrupts traditional wine marketing norms. Unlike most wineries that emphasize terroir and production methods, 19 Crimes has chosen a different path. They don’t engage with critics or participate in traditional wine fairs; instead, they showcase their wines at events like the Craft Beer Festival and the London Coffee Festival. As marketing director Jason Ingleby puts it, "We show up in places that wine shouldn’t be because that’s where our consumer is." This approach has resonated with their target market—21-year-old American men—leading to sales of over 5 million cases. By focusing on the lifestyle and language of their audience, they tapped into a demographic often overlooked by wineries. Both brands illustrate a powerful strategy: 1️⃣ Creating uncontested market space. 2️⃣ They make competition irrelevant, capture new demand. 3️⃣ Break the value-cost trade-off. 4️⃣ Align the whole system of a firm’s activities in pursuit of differentiation and low cost. These strategies align with the principles outlined in the "Blue Ocean Strategy," which emphasizes innovation and value creation in crowded markets. By thinking outside the box, both Cirque du Soleil and 19 Crimes have carved out unique spaces that stand apart from the competition. The biggest challenge we face is the fear of standing out. It’s far easier to be "vanilla", where your choices are safe and validated, ensuring acceptance. However, being vanilla doesn’t create visibility. If people don’t know you or remember you, sales will likely suffer. Many expect me to be just another sommelier on social media, focusing on educating consumers. Instead, I choose to educate wine professionals about consumers. Ultimately, I know I’ll be judged whether I take action or not, so why not pursue what truly matters? 🤷♀️ Embracing uniqueness is key to making an impact. Are you ready to leap from the red ocean of competition into your own blue ocean of opportunity? Join us in unifying our message and taking action to tackle the challenges we face. Leave your email here: https://lnkd.in/gPZp6Rc2. We've discussed long enough—now it's time to make a real difference. #rethinkingthewineindustry #winebusiness #blueocean #wineinnovation Rethinking the Wine Industry Nicholas M. Karavidas ❤️

Much more to discuss here but it is clear that the difference between the US supply side balancing in 2001-2008 (impact from the 1990-2000 California plantings coming to 'crop') vs today's oversupply in the US isn't nearly as impacted from our own internal or domestic (CA) oversupply of grapes or declining consumption as it is more due to the massive shift in international consumption decline in the 'net export' EU wine markets. Adding to this, the enormous shift in imported wine into the US between 1990 and today (University graph study attached in comments below between 1994-2008) will cause the US domestic oversupply to 'linger' much longer........FFT

Two of my favorite quotes (what are yours?) “Chance favors the prepared of mind” ~ Louis Pasteur “Dreams are only plans without action.” ~ Nick Karavidas In Ray Dalio’s book Principles: A Ray Dalio Company, he states how the most fulfilling lives are lives filled with: 1. Meaning relationships and; 2. Meaning work. Establishing meaningful work is just what we do for revenue…..for the next tropics vacation or the ‘dream car’ we’ve always hoped to have (Mine is an R8 Audi). Wine is a business encapsulating the very best of and most challenging sectors of industry. * Agriculture - the very foundations of independent agriculture are being challenged more today than ever in history. Other than the “dust bowl” (no, I’m not talking the brewery in Turlock) Dust Bowl Brewing Co., or plagues of Biblical proportions, the global agricultural trade is treacherous and unforgiving. * International Trade - With a strong American $$ and foreign subsidies supporting the wine trades in Europe and other countries around the world, pricing wine both inside and outside the US is challenging at best. Advantage….importer. Not that it’s easy or simple around the world, global oversupply is obvious from Australia, the EU, and the US with each nation vying for the largest wine consuming markets. * Direct to Consumer - The obvious need to be data driven in the wine trade is no more apparent than the DTC market. Understanding best practices is a game for experts like Sandra Beals from @DTC Wine Workshops or Connor Widder. * 3-Tier Distribution - Operating in the archaic post prohibition system of alcohol distribution is not only incredibly expensive, but of the 11,000 wineries (not to mention the myriad 1000’s of Ne’gociant brands competing in the same markets), only a handful control 80+% of the Is national grocery shelf. * Marketing to New Generations of consumers is a new ball game. The new consumer isn’t swayed by the Burma Shave signage and Hollywood romance commercials like our forefathers (there’s that sexist term popping up it’s ugly head!) Wine in todays world is not for the faint of heart or short pocketed. This is why wine has kept my attention for over 4 decades professionally. There is no end to the danger, excitement, diversity, or technical details and that, my friends, is a business of romance! #winemakersforum #techtalk4wine #internationaltrade #wineindustry #winemakerslife