Winederful Gets Hand-Curated Wineries

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Do you remember back in March when I talked about Vidon? I mentioned the new owners Dru and Erin Allen, along with my great chat with Dru. I bring up Vidon again this week because they announced a new president, Tiquette Bramlett. What makes this announcement so impactful is that Tiquette is the first black woman in the U.S. to be the head of a winery. I said back in March how much I enjoyed sitting down with Dru and getting to know him. Soon, I hope to know more about Erin and Tiquette. Here’s Wine Spectator’s post on the announcement, and you need to watch Linfield’s Archive interview with Tiquette.

I saw something on the socials this week asking someone to make a wine called “The Mondays.” This way, when a case of “The Mondays” arrived at your doorstep, it was a good thing. I got a good chuckle out of it. This past Monday was far from a “Case of the Mondays.” I finally finished the update to my app, I have been heads-down coding.

Warning, if you don’t want to read about my super awesome, amazing, knock the socks off your feet App update, go ahead and stop reading now. The remainder of the newsletter is all about me this week.

You’re still here?!?!? Wow, thanks! Let’s dive in.

When I sat down to create Winederful, I wanted a way to navigate and find new wineries. I thought it would be a “simple” App to assemble as all apps are super simplistic. My first iteration was to "simply" list all the wineries in a map view and list them alphabetically with a search function. With this functionality in place, the ability to save a winery for future reference was pretty decent.

Throughout my journeys in Wine Country, I was constantly asked, “Which winery is your favorite?” Eek, that’s an impossible question to answer, but there are a handful of wineries I enjoy. The conversation continues with answering the question with a question. “What are you looking for when visiting a winery?” Getting this answer proves invaluable, and thus I created “Hand Curated Wineries” for the app.

My desire is to provide as much information as possible about the wineries in this “Hand Curated” list. I created content on over 40 wineries for now, with more coming down the pike. The extra content gives a sense of visiting the winery before even stepping foot onto the property. The original content covers a brief overall of the winery and hospitality, tips for visiting, top wines, and membership information. If I happen to have done a newsletter on the winery, that story is also included. Bringing in this original content wasn't enough.

You will find the essential information in any “directory listing” on the screen, but that’s like sitting down to have a fantastic home-cooked Italian meal with hand-made pasta only to eat the Olive Garden breadsticks. Not that there is anything wrong with the breadsticks from Olive Garden, but there is so much more! Sharing is caring. The ability to text, email with friends or loved ones about a winery to visit is essential. Wine is social! The app needs to be social as well.

Maps and reservations! Pretty much all the wineries have gone to a reservation system. Once you find a winery to visit, it is imperative to find another winery close by to have the balance of tasting overwhelm driving in your day of visiting wineries. Tapping on the map, you get an idea of where the winery is located. There is an option to see other wineries close by, and poof, you are almost the hero of the day finding unique wineries for your outing. Don't forget turn-by-turn directions! Don't think where you need to go. Have Siri tell you the way. When you tap on “Book a Tasting,” your superpowers are complete getting the reservation details moving forward.

I updated the existing photos to make them easier to see and created a one-tap scenario for adding pictures. Before, I had “Tips,” aka insider information, but transitioned them to “Reviews.” One last feature I created is the ability to send me a “Tip.” With the app being free and everything else I do costing less than a red penny, I ask you to show your appreciation. There is no obligation whatsoever, but if you see value in the services I provide, tipping your Oregon Wine Fellowship Artisan is always appreciated!

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I have an ever-growing laundry list of features I want to implement, but if you have any suggestions, do not be afraid to click that Reply button to share your thoughts. I will be rolling out some minor updates in the next couple of months, but my next big update will be “Hand Curated Wines,” focusing on Oregon Sparkling in August. Stay tuned!!

Lastly, here's a link to download Winederful if you're curious and haven't already downloaded it.

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With Gratitude,

A.J.

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PS - The next #ajsHappyHour is Tuesday May 18th and with Memorial Day being so close the theme is Summer. Open a bottle that reminds you of Summer or a bottle you enjoy during Summer. Yes, Summer needs to be capitalized!

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PPS - Yes I know the email was sent at 6:15 instead of 6:10. ConvertKit did and upgrade. 6:10 is no longer an option. Sigh!

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