In the beginning (John 1:1)….no wait, in the big inning (Jon Miller, San Francisco Giants broadcaster, April 5)…that’s more like it. We all love beginnings. My favorite beginning is the day pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training (February 18th) because it means that opening day is not far behind.
There is just something to the sound and feel of baseball in the springtime that makes everyone feel optimistic and walk with an extra hop in their step.
Beginnings in the wine business happen all the time…first of the year, bud break, bloom, verasion, harvest, crush, bottling, pruning, tilling and repeat. The first of the year allows us to really catch our breath. The vineyard crew’s work is done, holiday sales are complete and the staff is in slow season mode. The management team is hard at work crunching numbers and gets a chance to reflect on the past year’s results.
We then set forth a plan for the coming year containing a clear and achievable vision. 
We then get the staff together and share this vision with them with a very predictable reaction. 
As many of you know, we have something really special going on here. As we begin 2010 (Twenty Ten, 201K or whatever you wish to call it), Michel Schlumberger is in a unique position. In one of the toughest years economically, our business grew last year. More people are choosing to do business with wineries like ours that have this fervent commitment to sound organic farming practices and well balanced, not overpowering wines. We like that. 
As we begin the new year with arguably the best retail staff (as well as adminstration and cellar/vineyard staff) in the business, 
we are indeed walking with a hop in our step and looking at this coming year with great enthusiasm and are honored do be doing what we are doing–getting paid to talk about, produce, and sell adult beverages for a living. It is so cool to be us.
If you have never been to our winery, get here now. If you can’t drop everything and get here now, plan on visiting us this year. We have so many events going on this year it would make a convention center exhausted. Once you come here, you will immediately be planning your next trip here.
Come see us as we begin the new year. Oh, and if you are coming to Winter Wineland, be sure to visit the Winter Wineland Olympics at Michel Schlumberger. And taste our Gold medal winning wines. January 16 & 17.
Come see us.
Jim
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats on doing so well in a tough year. It’s no surprise to those of us that know what a special place Michel-Schlumberger is.
Looking forward to visiting soon in the new year!
We love what you guys do there, and are looking forward to sending more of our guests your way in ‘twenty-ten’!!