Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/744999
7 6 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | N o v - D e c 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m other spirits. Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery of Swisher, Iowa, works with estate wine and spirits. BRING ON THE BRANDY The American Distilling Insti- tute reports that nearly 200 of the nation's 1,100 distilleries make brandy. That's a number ripe with opportunity. It indicates a growing interest in brandy and its related products. It also means there's growing demand for grape- and fruit-based spirits. Of course, it's hard for anyone close to the nation- al craft distillery industry to offer insightful projections on saturation points or spirit category competi- tion among craft distillers because this industry is so new. That's why the feasibility plan and business plan are especially critical. That number also hints that the door is just beginning to open to a craft brandy industry. With so few local brandy producers throughout States. His distillery's brandies are considered among the best in the world. G e r m a i n - R o b i n 's f a m i l y h a s made cognac in Cognac, France, where he was raised, since 1782. His brandy is distilled and aged with the same French methods. Like Champagne, French law states only cognac made in Cognac can claim the name. He's written a book about the brandy making process, "Traditional Distillation: Art & Pas- sion," and currently works with the ADI to offer hands-on workshops throughout the year. More informa- tion is available at www.distilling. com under the "Events" tab. There are plenty of other winery- distilleries out there to explore. Woodstone Creek Winery in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, has been distilling for 12 years with a direct-fire pot still. Charbay Winery and Distill- ery of St. Helena, Calif., is another multi-generational, European-rooted family making wine, brandy and the country, there's plenty of room for regional wineries to diversify and extend their product lines with yet another added value item from their grapes and fruit. If the thought of adding another alcohol manufacturing license is too daunting, it may well be worth the drive to the nearest craft distillery to visit with them about whether they can distill your wine into bran- dy or make neutral grape spirits for you. At the very least, you'll have met a neighbor. Karen Binder is founder and co- owner of Grand River Spirits craft distillery and is former executive director of the Illinois Grape and Wine Resources Council. She also has been practicing journalism from Illi- nois for more than 30 years and, like Mark Twain, keeps a bottle of bour- bon in the bottom left desk drawer. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. C R A F T B E V E R A G E S R E P O R T Carlsen & Associates 707-431-2000 "and every time he's gone above and beyond to meet my needs, and explain the equipment to me. It really bring out the best in this industry. Go Tony!! Talk soon" Alex Mossman, Asst Winemaker Italics Wine Napa, CA " Get mobile… But don't compromise on the DTC, wine club and inventory features your business needs. All in one winery DTC solution Contact us today for a demo and rates 877-441-2582 • www.activeclubsolutions.com Native iPad POS • Wine Club eCommerce • Inventory management Email Marketing & CRM