The story of a Russian River Pinot

So Far, So Good

We are now going into the fifth month after first releasing Romililly.  We were, as any new business owner would be, very curious how our first release would turn out; maybe even a little worried???  We knew we have a good wine, and two competent owners, but this is still a new endeavor, and a first business for both of us.  Those two factors don't always equal a happy ending (although, it should, if you ask me (and you did)). 

One can only wonder how this shaky economy will effect ones business.  People seem to be a bit more tentative when it comes to spending.  But, If you believe it, after it is was all said and done..... We have done pretty well.  We are very excited at the outcome.  We are down to the last 20 cases.  All of our hard work is paying off. 

You see, Aaron and I only get to conduct business a couple days of week.  This is because we both work full time to support ourselves while the business is in its infancy. We couldn't be in a better situation since the '08 harvest is ramping up as I type this. That means sixty hour work weeks, and even less time to work on Romililly.  It's already hard enough to get out to sell wine, let alone with a work week like that!....

Here's to a great harvest.....wish us luck....

On a personal note: I am proud to say I will be father to a baby boy in January.

 The bottom left is his little head, face forward.

Difference of Pinot Clones

One decision you have to make in starting a business is figuring out what kind of product you want to make. If you don't have a connection to get quality fruit, then you will have a tough time making good wine. Then, you have to take those good grapes and decide what style of wine you want to make, and hope it works.

Aaron and I, after working with our uncle, and having him take us under his wing, decided to make wine in a style similar to his.  When we are not working on the production side of things, we are on the business side.  Because we've seen his wines (Pinot especially) get rave reviews we figured this was a good formula.  We, of course, have a completely different fruit source, which begets a completely different wine.  It is amazing how a few miles, a few degrees, different soil, etc. can change a grape so dramatically.  We have found that the clonal differences are incredibly dramatic as well.

                                              (Aaron hard at work in the cellar)

For example, we use 3 different clones: 113, Pommard, and Beringer; each expresses itself differently in the finished product.  Each one filling gaps that the others may leave unfilled.  The Pommard is a punch in the face, the Beringer adds a terrific finish, and the 113 adds a smoothness and a fruitiness that brings the wine's parts all together.  If you ferment the clones independent of one another it gives you more play in tweaking the final blend (a nice option).  The whole process is pretty amazing, so, if you ever have the chance to come by the winery when we have the Pintos in the barrel, give us a call and we will see what we can work out by way of barrel tasting. Just promise not to drink it ALL?!

                                               (We're not ALWAYS at work)

The Biz...

The thing with participating in the alcohol business (and it is just that, a business)is it can very easily become purely about the paper and money aspect.  One must work to keep him/herself romantic about such a potentially romantic subject.

(You should seen my face when I saw the first bottle)

In doing all of our preparations for Romililly I found most facets of the business don't have much to do with the romance of the wine business; it is purely business.  It is, on the other hand, refreshing when I learn of sources of pure passion and caring, hard work and the urge to learn.  These are ample, but so are the mechanisms on the other side of the scale. The logistics are time consuming, and in a way, spiderweb-like. The process involves: a pile of forms, documents, approvals, waiting, posting of signs ect.  Also,  make sure you have your EIN first ("what the hell is that? Start a business and you learn).

(This is what it's all about)

If you can make it past this process, which took us many months (if not a year), and not loose some hair, you're lucky.  Then keep your romantic ideas.  BUT, just wait until you try that first sip of your wine, all your blood, sweat and tears..... it's all worth it.

More to come....

www.romililly.com

jesse@romililly.com