Slow
Living Radio celebrates California Wine Month, with guests Nancy Light from the
Wine Institute and Suzanne Groth, from Groth Vineyards and Winery. To start the show we head across the equator
to the state of Victoria, Australia to hear from Rachael Sweeney, CEO of Wine Victoria, about the wine
regions of this diverse and beautiful state.
Rachael Sweeney,
CEO,
A
state with 21 distinct wine regions, over 25,000 hectares of land devoted to
grapes, over 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors, Victoria is the perfect state
for both wine lovers to visit, and for wine buyers to look to for great boutique
wines.
Victoria has more wine producers than any other Australian
wine-producing state but ranks third in overall wine production due to the
lack of a mass bulk wine-production.
The
regions produce a huge diversity wines, from cool climate from areas such as Mornington Peninsula nestled alone pristine coastline,
where the ocean breeze contributes to stunning Pinot Noirs and crisp Chardonnay,
the rolling green hills of the richly agricultural Yarra Valley, where you can taste
estate wines that kick started Victoria’s internationally renowned wine
industry. In the high country, such as
the stunning Pyrenees named after the
mountain range between Spain and France, you’ll find an eclectic range of
Italian varietals, fortifieds and full bodied reds. Smaller family owned wineries abound, such as
in Rutherglen
or Heathcote with
European varietals, and great Sparkling and “stickies” (sweet wines).
A
visit to Australia would not be complete without visiting Victoria, first experiencing
the cultural hub of Melbourne, where iconic laneways burst with small wine
bars, amazing coffee houses, and Euro-chic boutiques. Where world class shopping meets art, food
and bargain markets. Where some of
Australia’s best dining, ranging from the most diverse and authentic Asian to
Mod-oz, Greek and Italian co-exist in pockets of the eclectic city. Beaches for surfing, slopes for skiing, mountains
for hiking and, of course the abundance of wine regions to sip, dine and
explore, make it one of Australia’s most exciting states to visit.
Nancy Light
Vice President of
Communications
Wine
Institute is the voice for California wine representing more than 1,000 wineries and affiliated
businesses from the beautiful and diverse wine regions throughout
the state.
The organization contributes to the economic and environmental
vitality of California and the U.S. through leadership in sustainable
winegrowing, an international marketing program that promotes awareness of and
appreciation for California wines throughout the world, and a partnership with Visit California to showcase the
state’s diverse and abundant wine and food offerings.
As
the largest advocacy and public policy association for California wine, and the
only group representing the industry at the state, federal and international
levels, Wine Institute's Officers, Board of Directors and professional staff work
to create an environment where the wine community can flourish and contribute
in a positive fashion to our nation, state and local communities.
In
addition to opposing franchise monopoly bills and seeking legislation that will
allow wineries to ship limited quantities of wine direct to consumers, Wine
Institute pursues numerous programs and community alliances and promotes
sustainable business practices from the ground to the bottle. The intention is
to reframe the entire social debate on wine in America by educating consumers
and decision makers about wine's legitimate place in a healthy lifestyle.
Promoting Environmental
Stewardship
Wine Institute helped develop and
fund the award-winning Code of Sustainable
Winegrowing Practices to promote environmental stewardship and social
responsibility in the industry. The Code is a self-assessment tool for vintners
and growers that provides practical information on conserving natural
resources, protecting the environment and enhancing relationships with
employees, neighbors, and local communities. We also host workshops, measure
the industry's progress and develop performance targets.
http://www.discovercaliforniawines.com/californiawinemonth/
Suzanne Groth
Owner, Vice
President Sales and Marketing
The
vineyards of Oakville are both home and inspiration to Suzanne Groth, and her
career and art continue to be profoundly influenced by the vineyards that
surround her.
Throughout high school and during summer breaks from college, Suzanne helped out around the winery. In fact her first job was cleaning her parent’s office on weekends, later working her way up to a tasting room position. Graduating from Lewis and Clark College in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history, Suzanne entered the art world, working in a gallery. Soon, deciding on a career in wine, Suzanne spent four years with the Henry Wine Group, a California wine distributor, selling fine wine to restaurants and retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area. She says, “It was only after selling other people’s ‘wine vision’ that I was able to appreciate how very special Groth Vineyards was.” She returned to the family business in 1998, working several years in wine sales and Public Relations before becoming VP of Sales and Marketing in 2009.
Throughout high school and during summer breaks from college, Suzanne helped out around the winery. In fact her first job was cleaning her parent’s office on weekends, later working her way up to a tasting room position. Graduating from Lewis and Clark College in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history, Suzanne entered the art world, working in a gallery. Soon, deciding on a career in wine, Suzanne spent four years with the Henry Wine Group, a California wine distributor, selling fine wine to restaurants and retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area. She says, “It was only after selling other people’s ‘wine vision’ that I was able to appreciate how very special Groth Vineyards was.” She returned to the family business in 1998, working several years in wine sales and Public Relations before becoming VP of Sales and Marketing in 2009.
Traveling
throughout the country, Suzanne learned first hand about the complicated
business of wine distribution and customer relations. With the birth of
her children, Jackson Groth Jones, and Genevieve Groth Jones, she has an even
greater interest in working to ensure the success of the family business for
the future of the next generation.
In January of 2009 Dennis and Judy increased the level of ownership to active partners, Suzanne and her brother Andrew, to 22% of the business to each. With increased ownership comes the responsibility of all points of sales and distribution, while her brother overlooks all aspects of farming and winemaking. Suzanne continues to oversee all aspects of direct-to-consumer sales including the retail room and the popular Team Red Stripe and Groth Cabernet Only wine clubs. Alongside her duties at the winery, she serves as the Napa County District Director for The Wine Institute, is active with Oakville Winegrowers, and serves on a committee for the Napa Valley Vintners Association.
In January of 2009 Dennis and Judy increased the level of ownership to active partners, Suzanne and her brother Andrew, to 22% of the business to each. With increased ownership comes the responsibility of all points of sales and distribution, while her brother overlooks all aspects of farming and winemaking. Suzanne continues to oversee all aspects of direct-to-consumer sales including the retail room and the popular Team Red Stripe and Groth Cabernet Only wine clubs. Alongside her duties at the winery, she serves as the Napa County District Director for The Wine Institute, is active with Oakville Winegrowers, and serves on a committee for the Napa Valley Vintners Association.
Intertwining
her art, family, and work, with each release of a Groth Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon, Suzanne produces a new painting. These paintings grace the
walls of the winery, and one hangs at the Wine Institute in San Francisco.
“Painting gives me the chance to portray our story and my family’s
dedication to our land from a different perspective,” she says. “Growing up in
Oakville has most definitely influenced my palette and eye.”
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