Good Morning!

I am always surprised by the power of social media. I never know who or what people find interesting and who is actually paying attention to what is being said about anything or being said about themselves. I bring this up because I always post a “tweet” or maybe a few when I try new wines.

Recently on a Saturday we were in Fredericksburg, TX and went from winery to winery and one of the places we went was Rancho Ponte, I had heard great things about their wines. When we pulled up I was impressed with the grounds and the building looked to be pretty new. It looked kinda like a upscale pole barn with a porch that was filled with tables, and lots of folks sitting in the Texas heat enjoying their wines and friends.

We went inside and it was spotless and very orderly. There were 3 folks hosting the tastings and there were many folks standing at the bar. I also keep track of tasting room experiences, I think because I connect human interaction and energy with the whole experience of drinking wine. If I have fun or am treated well, I seem to like the wines more! Our host was a nice guy but he was overwhelmed with the amount of excited tasters. He was quick to pour and the explanations of the wines were quick and he was off to the next guest. I don’t blame him, people react to crowds differently. I am kinda spoiled because I have tasted wines all over the world and been in tasting rooms with hundreds and hundreds of folks and still have had a relaxed and great time.

I liked, really liked the Syrah and ended up buying 3 bottles of wine, but the rushed experience left me a bit flat. So when we go back in the car, I “tweeted” about the great wine but service was a bit lame….In less than an hour I got a message saying someone had called in sick and it put them behind the 8-ball with the tasting room. I was so surprised. I was also thrilled that a small winery in Texas was so on top of their PR game.

Whoever “tweeted” me back thanked me for my patience and thanked me for enjoying the wine and ask me to give them another try in the future and let them know how the next trip to Rancho Ponte turns out. I will go back and I will “tweet” about how it is…I want to thank Rancho Ponte for taking customer service so seriously. Also, I applaud your social media savvy and I will be back and I love your Syrah.

I knew social media is a game changer, I think the folks at Rancho Ponte are on target with growing their business, taking care of their customers and really caring at a deep level. I have read Gary V’s book The Thank You Economy and I have no idea if they have read it…but they followed all the steps in making me want to love them and come back and visit again!

If you get the chance and are in Fredericksburg, Texas, stop in and try the Syrah!

Much LOVE and wine,

Tammi