Peter deutsch wine biography sampler

But it caused a storm at Norton Simon, where the higher-ups were new to wine and had no understanding of the Bordeaux futures market. The order came down to speak with Lichine and unload the futures.

Peter deutsch wine biography sampler: The 43rd annual Wine Spectator

At this stage in his career, Bill was already contemplating a new path, so he came up with an unusual offer. After selling the futures, Bill founded his company in Januaryat 44 years of age. He set to work from his home in Chappaqua, a suburb north of New York City, with just a telex and a phone. Rising at 5 a. At mid-morning he would drive into New York City to visit retail accounts and also venture into Connecticut and New Jersey—the beginnings of broader ambition to cover the East Coast.

By the end of the first year, he had an office in downtown Chappaqua and his first employee, a secretary who would stay for more than 20 years. He reached out to Deutsch. We understood each other perfectly, and had long conversations.

Peter deutsch wine biography sampler: Experience: Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits

The Beaujolais Nouveau concept was hugely popular among Americans, and also provided a valuable entry into the marketing side of the business. It would eventually build the brand tocases in its territory over the next 15 years. We had a couple of potential winners. Duboeuf was our big volume player, our profit generator, and our hook with the wholesalers.

He had graduated from college the previous year and landed a job in advertising, where he soon became restless. He needed help to cover Maine to Florida, and the idea of working with him was very appealing. When Peter returned home, his father sent him forth to sell. But the company was still only a regional player, and major consolidation trends were afoot during the early s as wholesalers, and even some retailers, were becoming multi-state players.

Peter deutsch wine biography sampler: Purpose From humble beginnings,

This problem sparked a conversation between Peter and his father in With only five employees, life was good. I pledged that we would begin structuring the company around the country, while never making less money than in the previous year. The first step would be to find new suppliers to partner with nationally. The Spanish brandy and Sherry producer was doing about 50, cases at the time.

Splitting the profits evenly with Osborne, Deutsch used the new revenue to begin hiring regional people—and got to know wholesalers around the country in the process. Deutsch is applying that same concept of continuity within its own ranks. With the rapid pace of change in the industry, anticipating trends is one of the key challenges facing all drinks marketers.

Meanwhile, Deutsch plans to leverage the contributions of the three generations currently involved in the business. Looking back on his bold move of 35 years ago, Bill remembers when independent, family-owned companies made up a bigger part of the wine and spirits business. Even if their ranks have thinned, these companies are still making a lasting mark on the industry.

Since then, a few more have come along and joined our industry. We believe that the distributors throughout the country truly enjoy working with family companies where they see one, two, three generations becoming involved. They know those companies are here for the long term—not here today and gone tomorrow. Search for:. Contact us at marketwatchcustserv mshanken.

Today, he runs the company with his son, Peter left. Photo by Julie Bidwell Family Dynamic As Deutsch and its competitors adapt to a new landscape in which increasingly larger suppliers, wholesalers and retailers hold sway, the company says family ownership still confers a number of advantages—among them a more nimble decision-making process than those of corporate players.

We think there is tremendous upside on each of them. Mike will bring a fresh perspective where we see something that could be strategic and correct for the organization. SND: The landscape for wine and spirits has been challenging. How does Deutsch plan to attack the market over the coming year and drive further growth for Josh Cellars and other brands?

Deutsch: Despite the wine and spirits industry seeing decline over the past couple of years, we continue to buck trends and drive growth for our key brands, including Josh, The Crossings from New Zealand, and even Yellow Tail.