Wine Business Invitational

During the fall term a team of students from Wine Studies and Business participated in the Intercollegiate Wine Business Invitational. The Linfield team competed against 17 teams from Washington State University, Michigan State University, Penn State University, Florida International University, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, and the University of Houston. The competition was based upon creating a wine brand that was supported through a business plan, financial plan, and wine label. The goal was to start a winery from scratch and come up with a name, a story, and go in depth to report on every small detail, from the type of cork used, to our winemaking practices, what varieties were used, the tasting room and winery model, along with complete financials. Over the course of several months, the team of seven students worked together to establish the brand, “Cultivar Cellars,” and wine called “Odd One Out” made from Gamay Noir. The Linfield team took the top prize for best business plan and overall honorable mention in the 2019 Intercollegiate Wine Business Invitational. This presentation provides an overview of the competition, our teamwork developing the brand, and all of the components in the business plan.