For a non-workaholic, the holiday season is a time where we're with family. We can reflect on the things we're thankful for and become filled with hope for the coming new year.
The workaholic however, believes in these things and knows they mean something but sadly seem to neglect them. The workaholic always has horse-blinders on.
I am a workaholic.
I walk fast, talk fast, think fast, drive fast and eat fast. Every moment of the day is crucial, and there aren't enough moments in the day. It's all about how many and how much.
Workaholics are always asking questions like: When does this need to go out? When is this coming in? 7 days a week, 24 hours a day; A workaholic's life is lived on a balance sheet.
If it weren't for Facebook I'd forget everyone's birthday including my own. New Year, Thanksgiving and Christmas don't seem to even exist until they arrive, and once they do arrive they're almost painful to deal with.
Why is this?
I beleive it's because of routine.
Routine is my comfort and solace. My Rock of Gibraltar. It's the one thing that allows me to keep going during when times are tough, and the thing that allows me to make deadlines when business is strong. The only problem is when routine becomes addiction.
Like the gambler who finally wins the jackpot and becomes annoyed. All the gambler wants to do is keep the routine. Routine can either be something very good, or something very bad.
I breathe, eat and sleep business. I dream of it, and the only thing I love more than winepine is my wife and family. I just wish my wife and family would believe that! The routine seems to have captured all of my mind, heart and soul.
In a strange set of circumstances, my routine was broken just a few hours ago..
I spoke with a client today about a shipment of crates we're going to deliver to him this Monday (day after Christmas). We had been speaking about the crates for the last two weeks, but he'd been very busy preparing to see his family this Christmas. We worked out the details for the Monday delivery, and in closing he had said: Merry Christmas to you and your family Patrick.
This struck me shortly after we got off the phone. All I had been thinking about was taking care of the shipment. If he'd told me to deliver the crates on Christmas Sunday it would be done. I would've tried to figure out a way to deliver the crates and see my family afterward!
I think I hit rockbottom today.
This month alone i've had an uncle undergoing major surgery, a grandmother undergoing even more major surgery, and the untimely death of a good friend due to cancer. I went to my friend's funeral and was able to forget about business for a few hours. I'm going to see my grandmother today and will again be able to forget about business for a while.
I love my grandmother, uncle and friend, but these "chains of routine" have kept me from truly appreciating the real gifts i've been given. Those priceless gifts that are my family and loved ones.
All of these occurences have made me want to change my relationship to the current routine. At the end of my days i'm willing to bet that I won't be thinking about how much business I did, but rather the moments that actually took my mind off of business. I'm again reminded that those are the only moments that really matter.
Happy Holidays and thank you,
Patrick
Friday, December 23, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
What are Wine Crate Inserts?
We're often asked by first time clients: What are inserts?
Inserts cradle the bottles inside the box or crate. They come in either wood or cardboard. The wooden inserts slide into the inside of the crate. Below is a picture of wooden inserts for a wine crate:
The above picture is the inside of a 6 bottle crate with two inserts. The top and bottom inserts slide into the crate because the crate has routed grooves as shoown above. The 4 routed grooves allow the inserts to slide in and out.
When adding 6 bottles to the above crate, you would remove both inserts and place three bottles at the base/bottom of the crate. You would then place the inserts over the three bottles, and then place the remaining three bottles on top of the inserts. All will fir perfectly, and wont move in transit.
Cardboard inserts are a little different, and they're generally used for crates without these routed grooves. The cardboard inserts are crafted in the shape of a wine bottle. Below is a picture of two 6 bottle wine crates with cardboard inserts:
As you may see, there are two different sizes on the cardboard inserts. This is because the left hand crate is from Bordeaux, and the right hand crate is from Burgundy. The wineries in Bordeaux and in Burgundy often make differently sized bottles.
This is a flat crate that stores the bottles across from left to right. They aren't stacked like the other ones above.
The inserts in the Winter crate are in 4 different pieces: The top 2 inserts (where the lid is) are both removable as is the bottom 2 inserts (just above the winer logo) and they're both removable as well. There are a total of 4 pieces here, not two. It looks like the inserts are each one piece but they're not.
How you'd add the bottles: Remove the top parts of both inserts and place the bottles on the bottom insert. You would then put the top inserts back above the bottles to secure them in place.
Now the bottles are fully protected in the crate and won't move in transit. Close the lid and they're good to go!
Inserts cradle the bottles inside the box or crate. They come in either wood or cardboard. The wooden inserts slide into the inside of the crate. Below is a picture of wooden inserts for a wine crate:
6 bottle crate wooden inserts
The above picture is the inside of a 6 bottle crate with two inserts. The top and bottom inserts slide into the crate because the crate has routed grooves as shoown above. The 4 routed grooves allow the inserts to slide in and out.
When adding 6 bottles to the above crate, you would remove both inserts and place three bottles at the base/bottom of the crate. You would then place the inserts over the three bottles, and then place the remaining three bottles on top of the inserts. All will fir perfectly, and wont move in transit.
Cardboard inserts are a little different, and they're generally used for crates without these routed grooves. The cardboard inserts are crafted in the shape of a wine bottle. Below is a picture of two 6 bottle wine crates with cardboard inserts:
Two 6 bottle crates with cardboard inserts:
Cardboard inserts are both stackable and removable. Each crate above has two sets of the inserts. Not one. There is a top insert and a bottom insert. They are stacked together.
When adding 6 bottles to each of these crates, you would remove the top inserts and place three bottles into each of the bottom inserts. Cardboard inserts are in the shape of bottles so they will all fit snugly.
Once the three bottles are in each crate, you would place the top insert above the bottles and add the remaining bottles to the top insert. The top inserts keep the bottles from touching each other. The inserts act as "pillows" inside the crate.
There are also 12 bottle crates that have cardboard inserts as well:
As you may see, there are two different sizes on the cardboard inserts. This is because the left hand crate is from Bordeaux, and the right hand crate is from Burgundy. The wineries in Bordeaux and in Burgundy often make differently sized bottles.
Below is a picture of a crate with wooden inserts that have been individually wrapped (left), one with cardboard inserts (middle), and one with no inserts (right)
The inside of three 12 bottle crates
The final picture is a flat crate with the inserts inside the crate:
Winter 6 bottle flat crate
This is a flat crate that stores the bottles across from left to right. They aren't stacked like the other ones above.
The inserts in the Winter crate are in 4 different pieces: The top 2 inserts (where the lid is) are both removable as is the bottom 2 inserts (just above the winer logo) and they're both removable as well. There are a total of 4 pieces here, not two. It looks like the inserts are each one piece but they're not.
How you'd add the bottles: Remove the top parts of both inserts and place the bottles on the bottom insert. You would then put the top inserts back above the bottles to secure them in place.
Now the bottles are fully protected in the crate and won't move in transit. Close the lid and they're good to go!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Artistic Origins and Design on Turkovich Wines
A Unique Family-Owned Business in Winters, California
Written by Lester Neblett, Owner of Artistic Origins and Design
There’s more!
Brother Dan also attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, three years behind Chris. Dan graduated in 2009, also with a degree in Wine and Viticulture. However, as a side job, Dan made ice cream and cheese for the creamery on campus. So when Chris had the grand opening for Turkovich Wines, Dan made cheese for the event. The cheese was such a big hit that Dan could start Winters Cheese Company in 2010.
304 Railroad Avenue, Winters, CA 95694
Phone (530) 795-3842
Website: turkovichwines.com
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Napa Wooden Wine Box Pictures (Exclusive Class)
Exclusive Class Wine Box & Crate Pictures
Below are assorted wine boxes and crates from Napa Valley.
Bond 6 Bottle Flat (Slide-Top Lid)
Groth 6 Bottle (Flip-Top Lid)
Harlan Estate 3 Bottle Flat (Slide-Top Lid)
Axios 6 Bottle (Flip-Top Lid)
Rare Chaleur Estates 12 Bottle (Standard Lid)
Maya 3 Bottle (Flip-Top Lid)
Visit Winepine at: www.winepine.com
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wood Wine Crate & Box Profiles: Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-region: Pauillac
Classification: First Growth
Production: Approx. 20,000 cases per year
Grape: Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. The varietal percentages change a bit from vintage to vintage.
Crate design: Chateau Lafite Rothschild has the largest case production of all of the First Growth's; so it's not uncommon to acquire a 6 bottle crate, single bottle crate or 3 double-magnum crate when purchasing at private auction. The most common crate size still remains the 12 bottle size. The Lafite Rothschild logo and artwork is highly recognizable, and many wineries near Pauillac often mimic it on their crates.
Rarity: Very rare. Although many Lafite crates are produced every year, wealthy collector's and wine investors almost always store their original Lafite Rothschild wines in the original crate.
Crate designation: Exclusive Class First Growth ($100.00)
Our opinion: Chateaue Lafite Rothschild is known as the "King's Winery", and is considered the most regal First Growth. Lafite Rotshchild has been linked to wealth and high society for nearly a thousand years. Even today, the wealthiest men in the world seem to enjoy Lafite Rothschild more than any other wine.
Case in point: The Russian billionaire: Mikhail Prokhorov, had invited 60 minutes to his lavish home for dinner. The only wine served during all 7 courses was a variety of different vintage Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Visit us at: www.winepine.com
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-region: Pauillac
Classification: First Growth
Production: Approx. 20,000 cases per year
Grape: Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. The varietal percentages change a bit from vintage to vintage.
Crate design: Chateau Lafite Rothschild has the largest case production of all of the First Growth's; so it's not uncommon to acquire a 6 bottle crate, single bottle crate or 3 double-magnum crate when purchasing at private auction. The most common crate size still remains the 12 bottle size. The Lafite Rothschild logo and artwork is highly recognizable, and many wineries near Pauillac often mimic it on their crates.
Rarity: Very rare. Although many Lafite crates are produced every year, wealthy collector's and wine investors almost always store their original Lafite Rothschild wines in the original crate.
Crate designation: Exclusive Class First Growth ($100.00)
Our opinion: Chateaue Lafite Rothschild is known as the "King's Winery", and is considered the most regal First Growth. Lafite Rotshchild has been linked to wealth and high society for nearly a thousand years. Even today, the wealthiest men in the world seem to enjoy Lafite Rothschild more than any other wine.
Case in point: The Russian billionaire: Mikhail Prokhorov, had invited 60 minutes to his lavish home for dinner. The only wine served during all 7 courses was a variety of different vintage Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Visit us at: www.winepine.com
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Wood Wine Crate & Box Profiles: Chateau Haut-Brion
Chateau Haut-Brion:
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-region: Pessac-Leognan
Classification: First Growth
Production: 9,000 - 14,000 cases per year
Grape: 90% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a 10% split between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Crate design: Haut-Brion has the most unique sized crate of all the Bordeaux wineries. It's very thick and chunky piece, similar to a 6 bottle flat but about twice the height. The inserts of an Haut-Brion crate are very attractive and can be removed very easily. Chateau Haut-Brion has the most simple design logo of the growths but it's highly recognized.
Rarity: Extremely rare. Haut-Brion produces the lowest amount of crates amongst the 1st Growths.
Crate designation: Exclusive Class First Growth ($100.00)
Our opinion: The Pessac Leognan region traces land cultivation for wine back to before Jesus Christ. Once the Roman Empire established a vineyard on what's known as Chateau Haut-Brion, they realized there had been grape cultivation for wine centuries before.
Although Haut-Brion has a great deal of historical significance, it's had a great many problems with it's various owners. Chateau Haut-Brion is owned by the Clarence Dillon Family Corporation, and it was purchased by the American buisnessman Clarence Dillon in 1935. It's one of the few Bordeaux wineries owned by an American.
Visit us at: www.winepine.com
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-region: Pessac-Leognan
Classification: First Growth
Production: 9,000 - 14,000 cases per year
Grape: 90% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a 10% split between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Crate design: Haut-Brion has the most unique sized crate of all the Bordeaux wineries. It's very thick and chunky piece, similar to a 6 bottle flat but about twice the height. The inserts of an Haut-Brion crate are very attractive and can be removed very easily. Chateau Haut-Brion has the most simple design logo of the growths but it's highly recognized.
Rarity: Extremely rare. Haut-Brion produces the lowest amount of crates amongst the 1st Growths.
Crate designation: Exclusive Class First Growth ($100.00)
Our opinion: The Pessac Leognan region traces land cultivation for wine back to before Jesus Christ. Once the Roman Empire established a vineyard on what's known as Chateau Haut-Brion, they realized there had been grape cultivation for wine centuries before.
Although Haut-Brion has a great deal of historical significance, it's had a great many problems with it's various owners. Chateau Haut-Brion is owned by the Clarence Dillon Family Corporation, and it was purchased by the American buisnessman Clarence Dillon in 1935. It's one of the few Bordeaux wineries owned by an American.
Visit us at: www.winepine.com
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wood Wine Crate & Box Profiles: Chateau Latour
Chateau Latour:
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-region: Pauillac
Classification: First Growth
Production: 16,000 - 20,000 cases per year
Grape: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Crate design: Chateau Latour has the very ancient logo of the "Lionness of France" standing above Fort Castillon.
Rarity: Extremely rare. We have a great difficulty acquiring Latour crates. Although Latour produces the most cases amongst the other 4 First Growth's, they are the most sought after by major wine investors and collector's.
Crate designation: Exclusive Class First Growth ($100.00)
Our opinion: Chateau Latour has the most well-known historical story of all the First Growth's. The Latour logo is based on the legend of St. Joan of Arc. During the Hundred Year War between France and Britain, the Castillon fort was the last bastion of France's defense force. Joan of Arc stood atop the Castillon fort with her battlecry, and was able to break the lines of the British singlehandedly. This is how she became known as the "Lioness of France".
Visit us at: www.winepine.com
*A very rare Chateau Latour 3 bottle crate
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-region: Pauillac
Classification: First Growth
Production: 16,000 - 20,000 cases per year
Grape: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Crate design: Chateau Latour has the very ancient logo of the "Lionness of France" standing above Fort Castillon.
Rarity: Extremely rare. We have a great difficulty acquiring Latour crates. Although Latour produces the most cases amongst the other 4 First Growth's, they are the most sought after by major wine investors and collector's.
Crate designation: Exclusive Class First Growth ($100.00)
Our opinion: Chateau Latour has the most well-known historical story of all the First Growth's. The Latour logo is based on the legend of St. Joan of Arc. During the Hundred Year War between France and Britain, the Castillon fort was the last bastion of France's defense force. Joan of Arc stood atop the Castillon fort with her battlecry, and was able to break the lines of the British singlehandedly. This is how she became known as the "Lioness of France".
Visit us at: www.winepine.com
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