Striving For Excellence

For three years in the late 70s, legendary Champagne winemaker, Guy Devaux, employed Turrentine Brokerage in a secret project to sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grapes from various regions of California and Oregon for the production of luxury class sparkling wine. This complicated and fascinating project eventually became Mumm Napa Valley. After the winery was built and had finished its first crush, Guy invited my wife and me to a dinner at the winery, which was organized to recognize key contributors to the winery's success, including the architect and contractor, the winemaking team and the marketing team. After these folks were commended and applauded, Guy began to describe someone who had diligently labored in the shadows for several years to help them figure out the best regions and sources of grapes to achieve the product they wanted to make. As he spoke, I realized that what he was saying could apply to me and as he continued it became clear that he was in fact talking about me. I literally felt my ears tingle with interest and joy at the recognition!

Some of our clients have recently made our ears tingle through Vineyard and Winery Management magazine. Based on the magazine's survey of the industry, with nearly 1,100 responses, Turrentine Brokerage has been named the best grape and bulk wine broker for 2014. We appreciate the recognition and consider it a good opportunity to revisit the question: What does excellent service look like from our clients' point of view?

Clients have told us that excellence in grape and bulk wine brokerage consists of:

• Knowledge of the possible pitfalls and dependable help in avoiding them  
• Accurate and unbiased advice on the current market, based on many transactions and a long history
• Personal service and an energetic staff who respond quickly to client needs and inquiries
• The ability to add value with creative solutions
• Attention to detail which helps deals go smoothly
• Experience and skill at mediating disputes
• An understanding of the powerful, long-term supply cycles that can often determine success or failure in the wine business

Our goal is to provide excellent service to our clients, service that helps clients take advantage of opportunities, avoid problems and achieve a competitive advantage in a challenging business. 

-Bill Turrentine