March 16, 2024
I woke up this morning to check the numbers. First thing that flashed in my head was standing in line as a young girl wearing my grass-stained soccer uniform with sweat dripping down my face saying "good game" while high-fiving the winning team.
But in this case, there was no real opponent, only a big challenge for our winery.
The angst of a small winery was stacked against us from the start. For example, no budget to hire cool celebrities like George Clooney or Taylor Swift to endorse Smith Story or buy ads in wine magazines (do you even read these nowadays?). These days personal email communication is the best way our three-person staff can reach you. We did and do what we can also using social media to spread the word.
A close friend called to tell us he was going to look for our wines at a retail chain Total Wine. Which he of course didn't find Smith Story Wines. Since the debaucles of 2020, we don't make that much wine these days to afford massive 3-tier distribution. Those of you who know the history of William Selyem for example, those guys started making wine in their garage buying grapes from family owned vineyards, it wasn't until very recent years that you could find their wines in retail establishments.
Oh a stealth (and beautiful) wine foundation is set however! Between our single vineyard Smith Story Wines, Lord Sandwich wines, BRAVE and Eric Story Selections from Europe, we have created a very scalable wine company! The time has come for us to partner with a winery who can help us grow to the levels of success we began working so hard at for a decade now. The future is a bright one!
Hat's Off to You!
We'll take this campaign and 5995 number as a big win! Many new Smith Story fans placed orders, local fine wine accounts stepped up to support, dozens of new Storytellers joined and best of all, our most loyal supporters of Smith Story Wine Cellars gobbled up "first borns" and are saving a chunk of change on shipping and on wine prices. THANK YOU!
Our sincerest gratitude goes out to each of you reading this today, thank you for sharing our story and enjoying The Spirit of Smith Story Wine! Ten years of your incredible encouragement and support, we are so very lucky to have you with us. What is next? A special tiny lot release is coming in May. And also, you'll see and hear from us on what to cook with Smith Story Wines this summer. We are working on a new series in the kitchen for you to have some fun with!
Cheers to the first ten years of Smith Story Wines and to the strength and delight of ten more to come!
In love and gratitude,
Ali & Eric