Wine Dude Online

This is a new segment where I will occasionally interview people from some of the places that I have visited or wineries that I would like to know more about. For the inaugural segment I interviewed Brian Lamborn who manages the marketing and sales aspects for his family’s vineyard, Lamborn Family Vineyards. I came upon Lamborn Family Vineyards by chance last December while planning our annual trip to Napa Valley and have to say that now consider their Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel as two of my favorites. So here is what Brian had to say:

WinedudeOnline (WDO): Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Lamborn Family Vineyards: I was born and raised in the San Francisco East Bay and spent all of my weekends growing up at “the Farm.” I was born in 1975 and we developed our vineyard in ’79, so I really grew up amongst the dirt and vines, and I absolutely loved it. I never viewed it as work (at that point in time it was a lot of work, but more a hobby than an occupation, and that quickly turned to passion). From an early age I knew I loved the wine industry so it’s no surprise I find myself in it now. Prior to starting work for the family business full-time (finally on the payroll – no more free child labor!) in 1999, I lived and worked in Australia for a while where I expanded my wine knowledge, particularly of Southern Hemisphere wines. I am married with an amazing daughter and two fantastic sons. They are young (5, 4, and 2) but, as my parents allowed me, I want them to do whatever makes them happy in life. It would be gratifying to see them involved in the family business in some capacity in the future, but only if that’s what they really wanted to do. I work a lot and when I’m not working I am with my kids. However, when time allows, I am a fanatical fly fisherman, sports enthusiast, and music lover.

WDO: Seeing that you manage the marketing and sales for Lamborn Family Vinyards, what is your take on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Bloggers etc…) with regards to promoting your brand?

Lamborn Family Vineyards: I believe that social media is an invaluable tool for both emerging and established brands, regardless of the industry. Sites like Twitter and Facebook allow us to interact with customers and business associates alike on a much more personal level than previously allowed. Like CDs and the home phone, email seems to be on its way to oblivion. I think that those individuals who get involved with social media in hopes of increasing sales are misguided. Social media is more about relationship building and networking – and most of all, allowing the user to control his/her message. Wine bloggers have quite a bit of power and that is increasing every day. Social media is fantastic in that it distributes the “power” – the power and influence is redistributed from the few to the many, and that’s an amazing thing. There’s nothing more powerful than word of mouth marketing (which has always played a key role for Lamborn Family Vineyards) and social media provides that platform. Consumers no longer have to trust what they read in a major magazine, as social media allows us all a voice. For those who haven’t gotten involved yet, I believe they are missing the boat.
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