So a few weeks ago, I wrote in the Shrub Report, "Is there still room for a winery that just wants to be a winery?" The background was there seems to be a push towards providing event venue spots for weddings and concerts as well as a focus on serving foods (and a full menu). Understanding that there is some of this shift driven by consumers, we don't really know the answer (as a winery that just wants to make wine!).
Well, the number of comments we received from you, our larger Madroña family, was amazing! Thank you all for sending in your thoughts, and I tried to answer everyone personally (so hopefully I didn't miss anyone). The overwhelming opinion (like 100%) is that there is definitely space for a winery that just wants to be a winery!!! We cannot tell you how great it is to hear this.
Our concerns about shifting to another style of business not only incorporates how much energy Maggie and I have (and our quality of life), but also the impact on neighbors with additional noise in such a quiet area. But there were a couple of other interesting ideas that many of you presented.
The major idea was that even though we could remain "just a winery", there might be room for some sort of hybrid. Mostly pulling the thoughts together, maybe it would be possible to do small events for Wine Club members or selected "known" entities. We already do a number of events for non-profits as it is difficult to find venues that are large enough as well as affordable (as non-profits need their money!). Small events make sense with little impact, although it goes counter to our wanting to go home at night (as we already spend 7 days a week here at the winery!).
But one of the most interesting comments we received (that we hadn't really thought about) was that if a winery starts doing a lot of concerts, the winery's clientele will change. The focus would change to who is performing and then visiting based on the performances. I can imagine that concerts could be a way to attract new consumers who haven't tasted your wines yet, but then again the impacts could outweigh the benefits.
I can't say that we have made any specific decisions other than to continue making wine, and hoping that the "word of mouth" gets new people tasting our wines. But we do need to thank you all for your continued support by letting us know your thoughts! That was unexpected and positively wonderful. You are the best!