NW Grapes taking break in 2009
[February 15, 2009] At the request of Rod Church, the Nanaimo Winemakers Club Executive, at its meeting on February 12, has agreed to take a break from NW Grapes operations in 2009. This means no Central Coast or other grapes through NW Grapes this year.
There are two reasons for the break. First, Rod Church wanted one and no one else is prepared to take over as Grape Coordinator. Second, demand for grapes is likely to be down this year. Several people who traditionally buy a lot of grapes have said they will be cutting back this year. They have built up a significant inventory of very good wine over the last few years because of the variety and quality of grapes we have been getting. Also, there is the exchange rate, which will increase prices and probably cut into demand a bit. So the time seems opportune to take a break and build up a good base of orders for 2010.
John Taylor and Rod believe they can maintain our contacts in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara on the Central Coast and return there next year for more of the grapes we have been getting. The general view of the Club is that we are getting excellent grapes at reasonable prices. And we have a system worked out that is improving in reliability.
NOTE: Just because “NW Grapes” will not operate in 2009 does not mean there will be no grapes coming into the Club. Various ad hoc arrangement will likely spring up to cooperate in accessing various other sources of grapes that are available. In general, however, many members are expected to take a bit of a breather in their wine production in 2009 and built up demand for 2010.
SIDELIGHT: The Club has lost its current freezer option in Nanaimo. This is sad because it was a good deal, but it is not a major concern. There is another freezer here. It will cost more to use, but it will also come with a bit more flexibility in use. The details of this are for the future.