December 20th, 2009

Should I start a winery?

Ty Largo stumbling around the wine festival.

Checking out the scene and sipping wine.

We did it again, dammit. We threw another huge festival, despite swearing them off two years ago. Maybe we’re addicted to the event marketing rush. Last month was the Arizona Wine Growers Festival at The Farm where the state’s wineries made history with their first event.

It was a big success. Tons of fun. Over 800 peeps. Rave reviews.

The wine growers are a fantastic group to work with. So we came out of retirement after a short career in events (Eats3, Crave Arizona, and this wine fest) to throw this party. Everyone did an amazing job organizing the event. (Rhonni, you are a goddess.) Since the festival, I’ve been thinking about opening my own winery.

Do I have any clue about wines or making them? Nope.

But I do have all the resources. I have plenty of friends who know wine and I can sure as hell market and sell the stuff. My friend Josh Moffitt at Arizona Vines & Wines magazine is a wine country real estate pro and I’m sure he’d be a huge help. I’ve always wanted a little cafe, dessert bar or cocktail bar of my own. Maybe it should be a wine bar.

Should I start a winery?

  • Derek

    I think we should quit our day jobs and start a cafe!

  • http://www.facebook.com/scottsdalerestaurants Adam Spartz

    You would probably drink all your profits away :)

  • http://www.eatingslow.blogspot.com/ Natalie aka eatSlow

    I think its a fab idea. And you're not fat.

  • juxtapalate

    I'll grow the grapes extra slow! I promise! :)

  • http://customersystemsinc.com Chris Lee

    Do it! I'm there. I'll also be free labor come harvest time (as long as we get beverage breaks)! :)

  • juxtapalate

    Sweet! Don't forget, even little kids can lift stuff too! :) We'll make it a family affair.

  • http://twitter.com/CChaseEnt Colleen Chase

    You know, we have 20 acres across the street from Stronghold that we've been too scared (and overwhelmed) to plant. 10-year plan, we'll build the bed & breakfast if you handle the vines, deal?

  • juxtapalate

    DEAL! A B&B sounds charming as hell.