Around the World

Six Sigma

Now, here is a question that comes from my operations professor: Are Mr. Parker notes an indicator of quality? I thought this was a very interesting discussion topic and therefore have decided to open this up to you all for comments -- as well as add a couple more add on questions: If yes, for what quality dimensions? If no, why not? (If I get enough comments that keeps this topic "fermenting" in my brain -- I may consider undertaking an independent project on this...so take your time and tell me what you think.)

My thoughts: I think the answer lies in defining the dimensions of quality that are appropriate to the industry. The obstacle is incorporating taste as part of a quality dimension (and I do think that taste needs to be accounted for -- have you ever had a bad clementine? I have and it was bad because of taste and therefore did not meet my quality standard). If everyone has different taste -- can a benchmark really be established? If so, who has established this unbias benchmark -- or who has the capacity to do so?

Ok, enough deep thought for one night. Post what you think. Let's see if we can get a lively discussion going!

Temecula

How about a hot air balloon ride to check out S. California's wine region? Come on down to Temecula. This was my first trip out to the area (located half way between San Diego and Los Angeles). Boy is the weather more pleasant than Chicago -- oh sunny CA, how I miss you (and I've only been back for 9 hours)! It will feel like a real vacation everytime I go visit my parents.

Since I was only there for the weekend, I did not have the opportunity to go visit any of the wineyards in the area. I imagine the task of going to see them all will take a number of visits due to the sheer volume --a result of the town's initiatives encouraging investments in wine production to drive wine tourism. As a result of this initiative, a lot of the land currently planted with orange trees is being replanted with vines.

Although this blog is about wine -- Here is my inspiration for today:

This here is an industrial strength stove! Now, imagine you had one of these puppies in your house, apartment, McManus kitchen, etc. -- What would you cook? What would you serve with your dinner (in regards to wine)? And who would you invite to dinner?

Costco and Wine

Tonight the President, CEO and director of Costco visited our Successful Entrepreneurship class. Mr. Sinegal is one of the co-founders. The Costco story is one that is quite amazing. Competing with the likes of Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot, the wholesale chain is now one of the fifth largest retailer in the world (I think I have my numbers right -- don't quote me). They attribute their success to their ability to contain costs with their operational efficiencies, but more importantly to always doing the right things for their: customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders. In terms of operations -- they focus on selling the products that will give them the biggest volumes. (Hold on I am getting to my wine related fact...) For the consumer, they deliver and gained a reputation for selling high quality products. Mr. Sinegal mentioned their wine section as excellent in terms of quality (and, of course, price). So here is a question for you all: can you imagine buying an expensive wine at Costco? Do you think that a premium wine sold at Costco might have a negative impact on the brand equity? DISCUSS.

Club Will, Casino Royal, Howl at the Moon and Weiner Circle

Oh yes , it was indeed a long night. This posting is more to share some picture from this memorable evening ---versus writing about my latest discoveries and insight on the wine industry. Enjoy.

Club Will

Sydney, London, Chicago

Casino Royal: Gambling for a good cause!

Howl at the Moon!

And finally the infamous Weiner Circle! (I did not order the chocolate milkshake...)

Pictures from Saturday

Terlato Tasting

Last night the new Kellogg Cork and Screw team hosted their first event. They planned an excellent food and wine pairing event at the Allen Center hosted by the Terlator Wine Group (formelly Paterno -- I wonder why they renamed the company with the family's last name). Our master of ceremony was the third generation owner, John Terlato, a very dynamic speaker. His presentation included an overview of the trends that have shaped US wine consumption. He talked about the impact of WWII embargos, prohibition, the Judgement of Paris and the movie Sideways. It was a great presentation followed by a very informative wine tasting. We had the opportunity to taste from their portfolio of products:

• a Sauvignon Blanc: this was served with risotto prepared with goat cheese using a very interesting technique of freezing, frying, etc. -- all this effort to make sure that the cheese complimented (versus masked) the risotto. The pairing was very good. Grassy, fresh -- easy to drink! This is my favorite white wine of the night.
• a Sanford Chardonnay: my least favorite of the bunch -- this was served with shrimp and some other type of fish. We took a vote to see which compination people liked best and the room was split half and half.
• a Rossi del Mantalcino: this Tuscan wine is made from the Sangiovese varietal (which I can't for the life of me pronounce). This was served with BBQ pork -- fantastic. This was my favorite pairing of the night.
• a Rutherfold Merlot: this was actually served as the enigma of the night. Amongst the 6 of us at our table we guessed: Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon -- and we felt strongly that it could be a blend. My guess was a blend that included malbec. Come to find out that the wine was indeed a blend! (Mad skills I tell you!!) Between the two reds, this was my favorite.

Post tasting included a quick dinner at BK lounge. I'll post pictures from this event in the near future!

Here are some quick facts from last night's lecture: Pinot Noir is the hardest varietal to harvest, a luxury wine is a wine that costs more than $15 (according to current market segmentations), and people are really interested in Zinfandel's right now!