State of the Wine Road May 2014 – April 2015
Financially Sound
Savings $220,000
Checking $205,877
Budget
We agreed to spend more on new marketing opportunities in 2014; Sponsored Peter Greenberg $3000, James Beard $4000, Wine Festivals $11,000 Make-A-Wish $2000 NY with SF Travel $3000 = $23,000 in new unplanned adventures
Membership
Continued growth in members – currently 197 wineries (last year 193), 55 lodgings (last year 54)
Event Recap
Wine & Food Affair – flat sales (the new high) new calendar and online cookbook.
Winter WINEland built on energy of decorating contest.
Barrel Tasting continues to be everyone’s emotional hot button, yet seemingly successful in terms of wine sales and a more controlled crowd.
Waiting to see if Wine Tourism Day generates some new excitement!
Marketing Goals
Executed our mission well in San Diego, Monterey, Seattle and Mendocino (wine festivals).
Successful press trip to NY – stories continue to be generated.
Created Editorial Calendar (with marginal success) collected info from members and submitted two topics per month – short and long lead.
Huge social media machine in place – all platforms
Staff
Debbie continues to evolve in her role as Office Manager/Event Manager
Anne has done a great job learning SM and has excellent customer service skills working with both members and customers.
We now have a position open for a part time Admin – may wait a bit to fill that slot.
Communication
Any member that is out of the loop, wants it that way!
- Weekly “Opportunities, Dates, Deadlines
- Monthly “Wine Road Recap”
- Bi-Annual MAILED printed recap
All information also posted to our website in the MEMBER section
Customer Communication
- Monthly “My Wine Road”
- Bi-annual “Roadside Information” (education focused) Soon to be combined!
- Videos – tasting tips, events
Technology
- New website – stunning! Good things are worth waiting for!
- Wine Road app – updated for every event & festival. Now NOTES added
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