Cellar Punting

This BLOG is intented to kick (punt) issues around in this business that either make complete sense, some sense or no sense.  All intellectual property (if there is any) remains the property of Savannah Sommelier, LLC., and any reproductions, re-prints require the written permission of Savannah Sommelier, LLC.

August 3, 2005

Consolidation of competitors in any industry is usually aimed at capturing more market share, creating better economies of scale, and improving the bottom-line.  Out of that process, the "customers" should see benefits.  The Liquor/Wine business in Georgia hasn't seen any of this benefit for retailers or end consumers.  Normally greater buying power yields lower prices for all concerned, but in my experience, the only winners in this Three-Tier Georgia system is the wholesalers.  Not only does product availabilty suffer, but some boutique producers just don't want to do business with the "swill-pushers".  I fail to see any benefits for consumers in the three tier system, it's only the wholesalers who win, and quite frankly, that's not right.

December 10, 2005

I know I should update this blog more, but sometimes I just don't have the energy or time.  For those who know me, I usually have an opinion on the state of the three-tier system in Georgia, shipping laws and wine ratings.   As far as the three-tier system goes, and even though I belong to an organization (GADA) that supports the system, I don't.  It's restrictive, costs both me and the consumer in the end.  I remain commited to the fact that wholesalers of liquor and wine in Georgia have zero incentive to perform for their customers.  I see it day-in and day-out, the pitiful manner in which brands are marketed, the collusive pricing activities, the special deals for the packer and stackers, etc.  The biggest opponents to shipping laws are the wholesalers.  They are the ones who will lose in this process.  As a retailer, I should be able to order goods from around the world, have them delivered to me and sell them at a fair market price.  Wholesalers do nothing for me, except have ancient data systems, order takers for salespeople, and inflated pricing.

Ratings:  If you buy wine based on a rating established by the Beverage Institute, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate, California State Fair, Pixley-Hooterville Journal, then I feel sorry for you.  You are just one of millions of sheep being led to the village square to view the "Emperor's" new clothes.  Forget about ratings.  GO to your local retailer ( or better yet one that you trust) and tell them what you like, and have them recommend a couple bottles.  And also have that individual pair that bottle with food.  I constantly tell my clients that there are wines to drink on the back porch, and there are wines to drink at the dinner table.  There are retailers who won't stock their shelves if a wine is not rated.  That tells me two things. #1-They are relying on others for knowledge, and #2 they don't understand their customer base, and that's trajic.  Every time a supplier comes to our store and tastes us on their portfolio, I am tasting for my customer base.  I constantly think that so-and-so would like this bottle, or that what I'm tasting has no place in my market or demographic.  If you as a retailer are doing anything other than the above, then start stacking the BV Coastal chardonnay and let the discounts begin.

We've been open two and a half years now, and we love this business.  We hope that all of you have a great, safe and healthy holiday season! Kevin & Christi Smith 

April 4, 2006

Spring has sprung, and so have the sand gnats.  It's difficult to spend any kind of time outside when these little buggers are in the air.  New labels and winemakers emerge every month here in Savannah, but we've been blessed with some knock-out visits by a few favorites.  During the first quarter of this year we hosted Gus and Phyliss Anderson from Andersonn-Conn vineyards, David Ramey who held a bottle signing for us, Lisa Peju from Peju Preovence, Steve Reynolds from Reynolds Family Vineyards and Roberto Stucchi from Badia a Coltibuono in Italy.  Over all the first quarter flew by and we set record numbers for sales. 

Some disturbing news from France this week, as the French will now allow wood chips to be used for flavoring in wine.  This practice of adding wood chips, simulates the effects of barrel ageing in wine production, and is much cheaper than the cooperidge costs that winemakers incur.  I am depressed about this.  The last bastion of purity is gone.

June 5th, 2006

We took a couple days off for Memorial Day and really enjoyed the break.  Golf, cooking out, drinking wine with friends was much deserved and enjoyed.  On Friday June 3rd, we appeared as a blurb in John & Dotties friday Wall Street Journal Wine Article.  This article centered around the emergence of small wine shops and their ability to compete with Costco, Sam's and other Big Box" retailers.   We remain firmly convinced that consumers still thirst for ethical, knowledgeable sales folks who actually take an interest in their needs.  About 20% of Skidaway Island residents flee the heat and venture towards parts west and north this time of year.  The island really gets quiet and you have no problem getting your preferred tee times on any of the six courses.  Christi and I frequently take after dinner golf cart rides this time of year (with a glass of wine in hand) and marvel at the dolphins at Landing's Harbor or the marsh deer and Red Tail Hawks.  This truly is a great palce to live!