Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/620640
"I would have taken the time to do a double major in viticulture and enology." In the 1970s, when Edwards started out, students had to choose between the two disciplines. She picked enology. "Back then, the grower grew the grapes and deliv- ered them to the winery without any input," she said. "Now we understand that growing the grapes is perhaps the most important phase of winemaking." "Follow your passion in order to be successful." Edwards witnessed this les- son twice, when winery owners let outside forces divert them from their passions. "Initially, I learned it from the original owners of Grand Cru Vineyards, Bob Magnani and Al Ferrara," she said. "It came home to me again as I watched Jerry Lam- bert lose Lambert Bridge Winery. In both cases, the owners lost focus on their passion and their own sensi- bilities, and instead followed the dic- tates of their California distributors. They lost their wineries as a result." "The movement toward sustainable winegrowing and production will continue to gain momentum and may become regulated." Edwards sees a future in which water recycling is the norm, chemi- cal use in vineyards is minimal and research funds will be invested to create truly effective biologi- cal controls. "Hopefully, the public will come to understand through intensive education that genetically modified grapevines could reduce the use of chemicals." He also would have taken the time to listen to the old-timers. "Those industry pioneers spent a lot of time getting the growing locations right," Indelicato said. He added, "Many techniques used to sell wine established back in the early days still work well today." "The wine industry is small, so take care to be honest and respectful to everyone because, eventually, you will work together again." Indelicato's father, Anthony, shared those words of wisdom. "I would have gained experience in as many parts of the business as possible." "E-commerce will play a much larger role in the way we do business." In the on-premise world, he added, "I believe we are going to see continued growth and com- petition in the $9-and-above glass business." MERRY EDWARDS CHRIS INDELICATO Fo u n d e r / w i n e m a k e r, M e r r y E d w a r d s W i n e r y P r e s i d e n t a n d C E O , D e l i c a t o Fa m i l y V i n e y a r d s w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m J a n - F e b 2 016 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 4 1