“The successful associations are the ones that develop a plan and work together,” said Burns. He explained that having had some clients from outside the wine industry has helped him with clients within the industry. “We have to understand that in the wine business we have one product and we need to focus on that. It’s what holds us together.”
Today at O’Donnell Lane, LLC, a marketing firm owned by Burns and his partner, Burns continues helping wineries and wine associations spread their message. Current clients include the Wine Institute of California, Middleton Family Winery, Chateau St. Michelle, and the Oregon Wine Board, all of whom are reaping the benefits of his energy and insights.
Positive supplier relationships have always been important in the wine industry, but even more so during tough economic times. With increased global competition and pressure to reduce costs, wineries often scrutinize suppliers more closely to obtain better pricing. At the same time, long-standing relationships are also a primary consideration. So what factors really drive a winery’s decision in supplier selection?
Writer: Jim Brumm
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“Would you pay a few hundred bucks an acre for a spray that would guarantee you seventy-five percent of your...