Field Dispatch Vol. 3

FIELD DISPATCH

MAGAZINE Q2 2024 Issue No. 3 “In vino veritas”

Thismagazinehasbeen craftedtoprovide comprehensiveupdatestoour luxurybusinessunitregarding branddevelopments,recent acquisitionsandcapability updatesthroughouttheyear.

Ourcommitmentistokeep youinformedandempowered intheever-evolvingworldof luxury

FIELD DISPATCH 01

N T

O

I

R

TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Dates 19 Recognizing important milestones Expanding Our Exceptional Team 16 Introducing the new faces behind our success. Inspired Hospitality 06 A customer’s perception makes the brand Sip & Discover 03 An inside scope into luxury hospitality Advancing Brand Equity 10 A spotlight on key developments in Brand’s innovation and progress 02

SIP & DISCOVER

INSIDE LUXURY HOSPITALITY

THE ART OF HOSPITALITY

THEPOWEROFINTENTION

with Ashley Rose, Rombauer Vineyards

Ashley Rose is an Executive Assistant for Rombauer Winery. She has been with the Brand for the past two years. Ashley sat down with Diego Del Pino to share her journey in the hospitality and wine industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers' preferences and tailoring their experience She stated, "I want every interaction someone has with someone on site here to be the best possible " Her role as an executive assistant at Rombauer Vineyards allows her to manage various projects and communicate with the leadership team to ensure seamless operations, including IT mergers and migrations

Ashley also discussed the potential benefits of AI in enhancing customer interactions and personalizing recommendations She believes in leveraging AI for pre-visit questionnaires to better understand customer preferences and enhance their experience. Ashley mentioned, "Let it work for you on the back end to really tailor-make someone's experience here." By using AI and data, she aims to facilitate training and improve staff understanding, contributing to an exceptional and memorable experience for guests

04

THE ART OF HOSPITALITY

AHIGH-TOUCHEXPERIENCE

with Paden Gatlin, North Coast Wineries

Paden Gatlin is a Trade and Consumer Hospitality Manager for the North Coast wineries. He has been with Gallo for the past six years and took the time to share his journey in the wine industry with Diego Del Pino. Throughout the interview Paden emphasized the importance of personalized experiences for guests. He discussed how his family's values of hospitality and creating a warm atmosphere have shaped his approach, saying, "hospitality and hosting people and welcoming people has always been really important to my family "

Paden believes in improving existing practices without relying too heavily on technology, emphasizing empathy, thoughtfulness, and meeting guests' needs. Paden also values traditions and connections in the wine industry, focusing on creating memorable experiences through thoughtful touches and welcoming environments. He prioritizes the essence of the wine experience, stating, "great hospitality provides the guests with what they didn't even know they needed " Paden believes in conveying a sense of place and tradition while making guests feel at home, ensuring thoughtful touches that go beyond luxury or flashy amenities

05

Nicole Hitchcock INSIDE ACCESS WITH

Nicole Hitchcock, a winemaker and leader at J Winery, shared her journey in the wine industry and her leadership at the winery She has recently been promoted to Estate Director of J Vineyards & Winery In her new role, Nicole will be responsible for the J Estate’s winemaking, operations, tasting room, member services, and brand marketing teams Her career began in a community that valued food and wine, sparking her interest in winemaking. She joined the winery 22 years ago as a distributor sales representative With a degree in oenology and Italian from UC Davis, Nicole quickly shifted her focus back to winemaking, climbing through the ranks until in 2016 being appointed to winemaker at J Vineyards; eventually earning the title of Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the year in 2022 Nicole has also championed diversity and inclusion within the industry, helping to launch the “Shifting the Lens” program at J Vineyards & Winery. With Nicole’s commercial and operational experience she will continue to drive success at J Vineyards & Winery

Nicole focuses on prioritizing people and culture at J Winery, stating, "First priority is for sure people and making sure that we've got people that are supported as they continue to adjust to their new roles and responsibilities " She also highlighted her commitment to evolving the brand by reassessing portfolio architecture and refreshing the brand's look and feel.

06

As the conversation continued, Nicole and Diego Del Pino explored the challenges and opportunities in the industry Diego emphasized the importance of investing in PR and social initiatives to connect with consumers They discussed the need to adapt to new structures and trends, with short-term sacrifices for long-term vision For instance, Nicole shared plans for rebranding, such as "reinvigorating the look and the feel of the brand," while focusing on enhancing hospitality experiences

In wrapping, Nicole talked about new product offerings and marketing strategies, mentioning that the team was "putting together different trials of wines that may not be as expected within the portfolio " She expressed excitement about exploring new sparkling offerings and pop-up events to attract consumers. Nicole has a great deal of enthusiasm for the future of J Winery and its potential growth by evolving the brand and enhancing consumer experiences

07

STAY INSPIRED

LUXURY HOSPITALITY

H E V A L B L A N C

CA LOOK AT EMERGING TRENDS

Cheval Blanc, renowned for its exceptional luxury hospitality, epitomizes a refined and personalized approach to guest experience Rooted in the French art de recevoir, or the art of receiving guests, Cheval Blanc's hospitality philosophy revolves around creating unforgettable moments tailored to the individual preferences and desires of each guest From the moment guests step foot into a Cheval Blanc property, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth, elegance, and unparalleled service Every aspect of the guest journey, from arrival to departure, is meticulously curated to exceed expectations and create lasting memories At the heart of Cheval Blanc's hospitality is a commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and attention to detail

Each property is a masterpiece of design, blending contemporary luxury with local culture and heritage to create a truly immersive experience From exquisite accommodations to world-class dining, spa treatments, and personalized activities, every element is thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and delight Whether it's a bespoke dining experience overlooking breathtaking landscapes or a rejuvenating wellness retreat, Cheval Blanc's dedication to excellence ensures that every guest receives the highest level of care and attention, leaving them with cherished memories that linger long after their stay

09

REDFINING THE NOTION OF HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCES

Cheval Blanc's vision of time perception transcends the mere measurement of hours and minutes, instead embracing the concept of time as a precious and transformative asset Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of local culture and the natural rhythms of the surrounding environment, Cheval Blanc invites guests to immerse themselves in the present moment, savoring each experience with mindfulness and intentionality

Whether it's a leisurely stroll through lush gardens, a sunset yacht cruise, or a private meditation session on the beach, time at Cheval Blanc unfolds at a pace that allows guests to reconnect with themselves and the world around them Furthermore, Cheval Blanc fosters a sense of timelessness through its seamless integration of tradition and innovation While rooted in timeless elegance and heritage, Cheval Blanc continually seeks to push the boundaries of luxury hospitality, offering guests bespoke experiences that are both authentic and forward-thinking

“EXCLUSIVE, PRIVACY, CRAFTSMANSHIP, CREATIVITY, AND ART DE RECEVOIR.”

10

Cheval Blanc is deeply committed to sustainability, recognizing the importance of preserving the environment and supporting local communities for the long-term wellbeing of the destinations in which it operates With a focus on responsible luxury, Cheval Blanc implements various initiatives to minimize its environmental impact and promote social responsibility From energy-efficient building designs to sustainable sourcing practices and waste reduction efforts, Cheval Blanc integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations

One of Cheval Blanc's key sustainability initiatives is its dedication to supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage Through partnerships with local artisans, farmers, and craftsmen, Cheval Blanc celebrates the rich cultural traditions of each destination while providing economic opportunities and empowerment to local residents Whether it's through cutting-edge culinary creations, immersive art installations, or exclusive partnerships with local artisans, Cheval Blanc invites guests to embark on a journey where time seems to stand still, allowing for moments of reflection, discovery, and pure indulgence

11

BRAND UPDATES

LUXURY BUSINESS UNIT

R O M B A U E R

Winning Customers’ Hearts: Building Lifetime Loyalty

At Rombauer Vineyards, our high-touch culture is not just a philosophy; it is a series of actions and interactions that deeply connect with our community and customers. Whether surprising wine club members with unexpected dinner invitations while we are on the road or through heartfelt gestures like our Events Manager gifting her Rombauer sweatshirt to an admiring fan on the ski slopes, our team is dedicated to genuine engagement that makes every Rombauer enthusiast feel uniquely valued. This personal approach is echoed in our tasting rooms, where guests share touching stories, such as a group that returns to Napa each year to celebrate the life of a beloved wife and friend with her favorite Rombauer Chardonnay Now that Rombauer has joined the Gallo family, our commitment to forging meaningful relationships has grown even stronger.

13

ROMBAUER.

When a longstanding wine club member recently visited our tasting room, intending to cancel her membership after the acquisition, we invited her to enjoy one final tasting. This gesture of warmth and welcome not only reaffirmed her connection to Rombauer but also inspired two of her friends to join the club. In 2024, Rombauer Vineyards is set to amplify these connections through an exciting calendar of events and personal engagements, from charity auctions to Giants games. Our upcoming Blue Parties are expected to host over 150 attendees, each

a lively mix of consumers, distributors, and influencers -- celebrating our community and introducing new audiences to the Rombauer way Meanwhile, intimate in-home tastings and exclusive wine dinners in key cities like Boston and Dallas will offer tailored experiences, ensuring every guest feels like a part of the Rombauer family. A highlight of the year, our European wine cruise in June, promises an immersive experience for 240 guests From intimate exchanges to festive events, we delight in bringing people together through the Joy of Wine and making memories with every bottle shared.

14

D

I S R U P T I O N I N

T H E W I N E

R E G I O N ’ S F U T U R E

Dave Phinney's reputation as the audacious, boundarypushing vintner behind the renowned Prisoner Wine Company is firmly established, his daring, artistic labels propelling his wines into a league of their own After orchestrating the sale of Prisoner and later Orin Swift Cellars, Phinney retains a firm creative grip on the reins, exemplifying entrepreneurial freedom within his ventures. Embodying nostalgia and innovation, the recently unveiled Orin Swift tasting room in downtown St Helena is a testament to Phinney's roots and aspirations, paying homage to his childhood in Los Angeles through the playful motif of Rock, Paper, Scissors

In a landscape crowded with imitators, Phinney remains unrivaled, drawing inspiration not only from within the wine industry but also from cultural icons like Pharrell and Banksy. His distinctive labels and unapologetic approach reflect a commitment to authenticity and creativity, transcending conventional norms As Orin Swift's footprint expands with the revitalization of historic spaces, the newly renovated Orin Swift tasting room stands as a beacon of innovation and sophistication, seamlessly blending historical charm with contemporary design

“We go outside the wine space now for label ideas.”

15

Nestled in downtown St Helena, the space captivates visitors with its eclectic decor and immersive ambiance, inviting exploration and discovery. From the striking Art Deco architecture of the former Bank of Italy to the meticulously curated tasting experiences, every detail reflects Dave Phinney's relentless pursuit of excellence. With a nod to the past and an eye towards the future, the tasting room embodies the essence of Orin Swift Cellars, promising guests an unforgettable journey through wine and artistry.

Phinney's vision of accessible luxury comes to fruition, offering diverse tasting experiences that cater to all enthusiasts, echoing his lifelong mission of inclusivity in an increasingly exclusive wine world.

13 16

LOUIS M. MARTINI

On Wednesday, April 10th, Louis M Martini hosted over 400 guests at the Louis M Martini Estate Park for their “Searching for Spring” Industry Night The event featured 20 vendors, including internal partners Rombauer Vineyards, J Vineyards & Winery, and Massican Winery, in addition to local Napa purveyors, such as Tre Posti, Zuzu Paella, Always Sunny Sorbet, and over a dozen more.

VINTNER’S WELCOMING PARTY

For many guests, this was a reintroduction to the Louis M. Martini property since the estate underwent renovation in 2019 This was an incredible way to align the winery as a steward of the Napa Valley community they have been a part of for over 90 years

The industry night proved a resounding success, boasting an impressive turnout of over 500 RSVPs and 400+ distinguished attendees. Meticulously orchestrated by the LMM hospitality team, every facet of the affair exuded intentionality Revered as "the premier industry party in the valley," the event left an indelible mark Louis M. Martini eagerly anticipates not only establishing this as an annual tradition but also exploring further avenues to foster meaningful connections within the local Napa Valley community

18

IMPORTANT DATES

LUXURY BUSINESS UNIT

IMPORTANT DATES

BIRTHDAYS

May

2 Forest Kellog | 3 Jason Harakh | 6 Kimberly Hewson | 7 Heather McCarthy

7 Bonnie Carman | 10 Emanuel Martinez | 10 Kristen Peck | 11 Rachael Boyd |

June

July

1 Priscilla Zaragoza | 1 Ollie Ciabattini | 4 Naomi Torres | 4 Sacramento Gonzalez

WORK ANNIVERSARY

Parke, John 11 years in May

Sheedy, Alexandra 10 years in May

Herron, Katie 11 years in May

Ayala, Veronica 9 years in May

Diaz, Ismael 15 years in May

Weststeyn, Natalie 5 years in May

Handa, Corey 5 years in May

Bautista, Fernando 18 years in May

Pool, Michelle 4 years in May

Adams, Joshua 2 years in May

Gonzalez, Alex 1 year in May

Salazar Anaya, Juan Carlos 1 year in May

Walsh, Jessica 7 years in May

Johnson, Brian 16 years in May

Martinez, Emanuel 4 years in May

20

FIELD DISPATCH

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook