CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
GRIFF
Griff sat in the office facing Pete, unable to hide his concern.
“Our orders are secure for this year,” Griff said.
“But with the drop in wine consumption in recent years, we’re going to have to be sure we have customers lined up for this next harvest. We’re lucky to have an excellent reputation and enough buyers that we didn’t have to worry.
Now, we may need to adjust our sales program.
When I was in Florida, I thought we could open up that market.
Or, perhaps, we should aim for more customers in New York. ”
“I agree. Some vintners in the area are letting some of their vineyards lie dormant until the market changes.” Pete shook his head.
“Some more sophisticated people understand you don’t need to be guzzling wine all the time.
There’s a special place for exceptional ones.
An excellent wine with dinner enhances it, making the meal a real dining experience, whether it’s at home or out on the town. ”
“Tell that to people who think the only way to party is with a lot of cheap wine,” said Griff. “We have to keep our reputation by working with top restaurants where people who come for outstanding food are willing to pay the price for an excellent bottle of wine.”
“We need our creative team to come up with better media advertising,” said Pete. “Let’s meet with them.”
“Okay. We’ll invite them here,” said Griff. “I’ve got another area of concern. Let’s boost our security. I’ve heard of some break-ins, perhaps by the same people who’ve worked in the vineyards here until recently and now can’t get a job.”
“Okay. Let’s get on it,” said Pete. “Juan, Sophia, and their kids have moved into the second house on our property. It’s a relief to know that Juan will remain my right hand in the coming year. It gives me some time to myself.”
“More time to woo a certain someone,” said Griff. “When is Cristina arriving?”
Pete’s lips thinned. “You and my mother. I can’t believe the Cristina I remember from my childhood is someone I’ll be interested in.”
Griff laughed and waved a finger at him. “You know your mother is right about a lot of things. I should’ve listened to her advice about Cassandra. It would have saved me a lot of trouble.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry,” said Pete. “A man named Guy Phillips will be staying in the newly renovated cabin. Let’s see how that works out. Anything for positive publicity.”
“I agree,” said Griff. He hadn’t mentioned it to anyone else, but he was going to ask Guy Phillips if he happened to know Loralie Hamlin. Ellenton had sounded like a pretty small town.