Running a small business is considered a challenge by most. In the case of BARGETTO Winery, the longest running winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this statement proves especially true. With two tasting rooms, a wine club department, a DTC department, an events department, a variety of marketing/distribution channels, administration/sales/marketing/production/shipping support staff and most importantly the task of ensuring that the ongoing production of high-quality wine, running the ever -moving parts of BARGETTO Winery requires great leadership, vision, business savvy and focus to say the least. Add to this the pressure of maintaining and growing a family business of 85 years/3 generations and it is clear to see being President of BARGETTO Winery requires two feet firmly grounded.
BARGETTO Winery is known to be a business that fosters a family culture. What was it like growing up in a wine family and what are some of the most valuable lessons you learned about the wine business while growing up?
Growing up in a wine family always seemed very natural to me. It was only when I became older that I realized that my childhood experiences were somewhat different from others. Not too many other people had a business in their backyard, let alone a winery. We learned at a young age the importance of integrity, customer service, and hospitality.
We learned the importance of the family working as one unit and that the business was not about any one person. Lastly, while there is a romance to winemaking, the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and vision was also engrained.
How long have you been the President of BARGETTO Winery and what eventually led you to becoming President?
I became President in July 2012. I can’t believe that it has already been 6 ½ years! The family made a decision to offer the position to me after a Board of Directors Meeting discussion. I accepted it. With my years of experience at the various levels of the winery and with my degree and experience in Accounting, the timing was right for this new chapter in my life.
How would you characterize the things you do on a typical day/week at the winery?
A typical week includes meetings with managers to discuss sales/marketing strategies, operations and personnel needs. I also spend a fair amount of time performing accounting duties and reviewing financial reports, attending a weekly comparative tasting, and meeting with our IT consultant and staff regarding implementation/integration of computer hardware and software products. Most weeks are not typical to say the least. There is always something more to do.
What do you think the biggest business challenge is for wineries of your size?
We have many challenges for a winery of our size; though I think the biggest challenge is the highly competitive nature of the wine business especially in light of the many corporate mergers. The onset of more craft breweries and cideries has added to that competition as well. For 85 years my family has met the challenges that it has faced to provide quality products and excellent hospitality; and hopefully it will continue to do so for another 85 years.
What makes BARGETTO Winery different from other wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Our very rich and long history in the Santa Cruz Mountains sets us apart from the other wineries. Also we are willing to try new things and to offer new products. The wine industry is ever changing and we need to make sure that we change with it. In addition to producing premium, varietal wines for many years, in the late 1960’ s my father was willing to experiment with mead and fresh fruit wines, something that was unique and new at the time. Last year we introduced our sparkling mead, one of the first of its kind. We continue to enhance our tasting rooms to offer a better tasting experience and to offer new events especially to our Wine Club Members.
What do you enjoy most about being President of BARGETTO Winery?
I enjoy the variety of the job. No two days are the same. My focus is to keep things moving along and to improve our business. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the results of what our team can do together. I especially appreciate working with everyone here at the winery. They make my job so much easier.
How would you characterize the spirit of BARGETTO Winery?
I think that we have a great spirit of teamwork which is vital. Our tradition of teamwork goes back to the efforts of all those who have come before us and to those who are currently working at the winery.
The BARGETTO Winery workplace is filled with professionalism, fun, pride, and humility.
What are a few highlights in store for the winery in 2019?
A few highlights would be the implementation of new software to allow us to become more efficient and to create a better experience for our customers as well our sparkling mead will arrive with new packaging in the springtime. We also hope to continue moving forward with some pending improvements to our Soquel Tasting Room.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would like to thank you, our wonderful Wine Club Members, for your commitment and loyalty to our brands and to our company. We appreciate your support throughout the many years. It is wonderful to visit and connect with you at our events and in our tasting room. I hope to meet more of you this year. We welcome any new ideas that you think would enrich our Wine Club or your experience at BARGETTO Winery. Please pass them onto us.
Tante Grazie!
(many thanks)
