Not exactly a wineryWeb site, Geib Ranch Vineyard has a Web site intended to showcase their grapes to potential buyers. It's a Flash-based site, and the home page does open with a picture of a vineyard (one of my pet peeves for winery sites), but it has a wealth of information about how Jim and Patti Geib "grow their grapes and tend their vines" (Does anyone else remember that ancient Gallo jingle?).
What I like about the site is that the information presented is very clearly focused on what people who buy grapes to make wine would want to know. The "About the Grapes" section allows you to see their property from a photographic, planting, and production perspective. It's my favorite page on the site - in fact, I've told the Geibs that I think it should be the home page (instead of that darn picture of the vines - my pet peeve again). Overall, an attractive presentation, designed by Sodari Design.
Take a look at their site and leave your impressions of the Geib Ranch site in the comments here. Especially if you buy grapes - what could they do better to meet your needs? Is a Web site a good way to sell premium fuit?
If you're looking for fruit now or in the future (Cabernet Sauvingon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec, or Sauvignon Blanc), drop Patti Geib a line (or a phone call at 707 833 2817) for more information.
Mike,
What a gift you have given to Geib Ranch Vineyard by including us in your winery website report. We are truly grateful and your timing was perfect! The website has become the best tool I have to showcase our premium Sonoma Valley grapes, available for the first time in twenty years.
The website is also giving the grower relations/buyers, after a ranch tour, the opportunity to bring our Kenwood vineyard back to the winery to share with winemakers, owners and, if necessary,everyone else up the new corporate ladder. I have been told, it is helping the buyer with their job, as well.
The website itself, has directly produced several ranch tours, with more scheduled,and there is interest in purchasing our fruit.
We are taking to heart your great advice, updating our site with new harvest results and more clearly stating our call to action, mission statement, and contact info.
I understand your pet peeve, and we liked your idea of making "about the grapes" our home page. It would set us apart from others because I also feel it is unique. But, what this vineyard picture shows, is also a marketing tool. We grow our Zin, Merlot, and Cab Sauv grapes, on steep rocky hillsides, stressing the vines enough to produce excellent fruit; just what a winemaker wants to make fine wines.
I continue to appreciate the education you provide, and your insights on winery websites has been invaluable for us, as grape growers.
Nothing stays the same; true for our evolving farming practices, as well as our website! Thanks, again Mike!
Posted by: Patti Geib | February 16, 2007 at 08:57 PM