This just released from The Traveling Vineyard corporate office:

It is with great pleaure that The Traveling Vineyard announces, effective immediately, Indiana is ‘open for business’ to conduct Tasting Events and ship wines!

Great News!  Effective May 7, 2008, The Traveling Vineyard will offer its great wines and business opportunity to residents of Indiana.  The Traveling Vineyard team keeps growing as Indiana becomes the 28th state open for Tasting Events. 

Now, Indiana wine lovers are able to participate in the TTV experience by joining my team as a Consultant, Hosting a Tasting Event, or by buying wine from The Traveling Vineyard through my Personal Estate Website (www.myttv.com/penny9596).

What an Opportunity!  Indiana, known as the “Hoosier State”, with approximately 6.3 million people, is poised to be a great addition to The Traveling Vineyard family.  Residents of Indiana are fanatical for their sports teams (Indianapolis Colts and Indianapolis Pacers) and the Memorial Day tradition of the “Indy 500″ motor sports race.  They now can root for the availability of in-home wine tastings, great wines shipped directly, and a fabulous business opportunity through becoming an Independent Wine Consultant.

For additional information or to find fabulous wines, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Here we are in the middle of January, 2008… How’s it going with the New Year’s Resolutions?  Personally, the one I’m having the most luck with is “Drink more wine.”  Work, work, work!   

One of my new favorites is a Bonarda Reserva from the Tupungato district of Mendoza, Argentina.  The 2005 Ignis Bonarda Reserva (ARG032) is an amazing value at $12.99/bottle.  Full-flavored and rich, this wine is full of intense, black berry flavors, a hint of licorice and vanilla, and light floral notes.  The tannins are velvety, making the wine a perfect choice with a nice, juicy steak! 

Bonarda is a very common varietal in Argentina, but not so easy to find in the states.  For additional information or to order the Ignis Bonarda Reserva, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Known as the “king of grapes”, Cabernet Sauvignon is recognized as a big, bold, full-flavored wine. Cabernet also has a reputation for having exceptional texture and is often described as “extremely dry”. With age (or through decanting), this texture (produced from the tannins in the grape skins and seeds) settles down and becomes smooth and velvety, allowing the fruit and other flavors typical of the varietal (leather, tobacco, chocolate) to come forward and be appreciated.

What to serve with the king of grapes? A steak, of course! Preferably Au Poivre or smothered in grilled onions and mushrooms. A grilled portabella mushroom is a nice vegetarian option. And for the ultimate finish, try a bite of dark chocolate. The perfect end (or beginning?) to a romantic evening!

Top Picks:
03 Vina Alamosa, Premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Cachapoal Valley, Chile (CHI114), $14.99
05 Paseo Prestige, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maule Valley, Chile (CHI111), $14.99
05 Bentgate, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (NAP938), $17.99

For additional information or to find fabulous Cabernets, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Syrah, as it’s known in “old world” wine producing areas and Shiraz, in Australian and “new world” terminology are the same grape varietal grown in different parts of the world. Shiraz is typically a “jammy” wine with rich texture and dark fruit characteristics such as black raspberries, plums, and Bing cherries.

Shiraz/Syrah is delicious paired with beef stew, pork chops and even as an aperitif with almonds and other healthy nuts. Not hungry? Shiraz is also the perfect wine to curl up with on a long winter’s night with a loved one (or a good book) and a crackling fire.

Top Picks:
02 Tria, Syrah, California (CAL866), $14.99
04 Stormy Cape, Wrattonbully Shiraz, South Australia (AUS274), $14.99

For additional information or to find fabulous sparkling wines, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Rosé has come into vogue again in recent months, allowing even ‘wine snobs’ to enjoy this once-ridiculed wine. Rosé is produced by removing the skins of a red varietal during the fermentation process, staining the wine pink. The ideal food wine, rosé has a crispness that is balanced by fruity (often strawberry) characteristics.

Pair rosés with barbequed meats like pulled pork, smoked sausage and ribs or spicy foods like a vegetable stir fry.

Top Picks:
06 Rushdale, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, South Africa (SOA354), $11.99
06 Paseo Reserve, Syrah Rosé, Maule Valley, Chile (CHI113), $9.99

For additional information or to find fabulous rosés, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Sparkling wine has long been the beverage of choice for celebrating life’s milestones. Legend has it that Champagne was perfected in the 17th Century by a Benedictine monk named Dom Perignon, who upon tasting his creation exclaimed, “Come quickly brothers, I’m drinking stars!” A good bottle of bubbly can indeed be a celestial experience!

There remains some confusion when selecting a sparkling wine…what’s the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine? Essentially, Champagne is produced in the Champagne region of France and sparkling wine that is made in the “Methodé Champenoise” is from other regions of the world. All Champagnes are sparkling wines, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne.

And what about Frizzante wines? Frizzante wines are slightly carbonated and have fewer bubbles than other sparklings. A classic example would be Moscato d’Asti.

So what foods pair well with sparkling wines? Think about foods with interesting textures like soup and caviar when pairing with sparkling wine. Another great pairing would be an egg dish like quiche.

Top Picks:
N/V Calixte, Brut, Cremant d’Alsace (ALS115), $14.99
‘06 Meda Margherita, Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont, Italy (ITA617), $14.99

For additional information or to find fabulous sparkling wines, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant & Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard is slated to accept the 2007 Innovative Business Award from the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors this Wednesday, December 12, 2007.

The Traveling Vineyard offers in-home wine tastings with boutique, premium wines in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.  Through in-home wine tastings, 5 wines from boutique vineyards around the world are offered by The Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultants for hosts and guests to try.  The Wine Consultant gives educational information about wine, from wine appreciation to etiquette, and food and wine pairing ideas. Guests are given the opportunity to order wines and accessories from The Traveling Vineyard at the tastings, giving them an opportunity to ‘try before they buy’. A wine club is also offered.

Part-time, full-time, and “Big Time” jobs/careers are available.  A Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultant has unlimited income potential and may choose their own hours. 

For additional information on hosting an in-home wine tasting or employment opportunities with The Traveling Vineyard, please contact Penny Fitzgerald, 319-321-6045 or e-mail: winechick@southslope.net.  Visit the website: www.myttv.com/penny9596.

The Award: Innovative Business Award Presentation
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

The Location: The Englert Theatre Gallery
221 East Washington
Iowa City IA 52240
www.englert.org

In July, 2007, Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant & Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard hired Professional Business & Life Coach, Lisa Van Allen, of Van Allen Associates Executive & Personal Coaching.  Lisa helped Penny remove barriers and further define goals to help ensure success.  Rituals were implemented that set the stage for increased productivity, organization and measurable results. 

“Since working with Lisa Van Allen, Van Allen Associates Executive & Personal Coaching, in 5 month’s time, my team has increased 30% and my income has increased by approximately 43%,” said Fitzgerald.

 This incredible journey was documented in October, 2007, in the Edge Business Journal, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Please see below for the full story.

 The Coach:  Lisa Van Allen, Principal, Van Allen Executive & Business Coaching, 319-551-1414, lisa@vanallencoaching.com, www.vanallencoaching.com.

The Wine Consultant:  Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant & Team Leader, The Traveling Vineyard, 319-321-6045, winechick@southslope.net, www.myttv.com/penny9596.

EdgeBusiness  OCTOBER 2007

 Case Study 

This monthly feature shows how business expertshave helped entrepreneurs address specificissues that face small businesses. 

Independent consultant turns passion for wine into profit 

By Janet Rorholm

There are many opportunities to be an independent consultant for various companies — Longaberger, Mary Kay, Tupperware and Avon are just a few, but making it work is a real challenge.

In October, 2007, Janet Rorholm of The Gazette interviewed Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard for a story regarding in-home wine tastings and career and job opportunities as a wine consultant for The Traveling Vineyard.  Jonathan D. Woods, photographer for The Gazette attended an in-home wine tasting at the home of Louie and Jan Caspers, Amana, Iowa.  The caption on one of the pictures used for the article (The Gazette, Sunday, October 28, 2007, Section D: Money, Page 1) included, “The Caspers, played host to five couples at their home where Penny Fitzgerald, an independent consultant and team leader for The Traveling Vineyard, offered tastes of five wines and an abundance of information ranging from etiquette to food pairing and pricing.”

For the full article, see below. 

Contact Penny Fizgerald for additional information regarding in-home wine tastings or employment opportunities with The Traveling Vineyard. 

Phone: 319-321-6045; E-mail: winechick@southslope.net; website: www.myttv.com/penny9596

Wine Hits the Road

Traveling Vineyard brings the grape to the masses in new business venture

By Janet Rorholm
The Gazette
Sunday, October 28, 2007

Penny Fitzgerald of Newhall is one of those lucky people who can say she loves her job so much it doesn’t feel like she’s working.

Fitzgerald was first bitten by the wine bug on a trip to Napa Valley in California with her husband, Jeff.

A friend heard about the company The Traveling Vineyard and told her about it. Fitzgerald, who used to work in sales, jumped at the chance to turn her newfound love of wine into a career, becoming an independent consultant in May 2006 and later a team leader.

“My motto is, ‘So much wine, so little time,’” she said.

The Traveling Vineyard is a relatively new direct sales company similar to Mary Kay, Tupperware and Avon. It was founded by the company Geerlings and Wade in 2002.

The Traveling Vineyard contracts with mostly smaller, private-label family vineyards worldwide to carry and promote their wines, selling them for a modest $15 a bottle. The wines are usually exclusive to The Traveling Vineyard.

Today there are about 1,800 Traveling Vineyard consultants across the country and about 50 in Iowa, so the idea is relatively new, especially in Eastern Iowa, but Fitzgerald has seen strong interest in hosting parties once people learn about it. AOL recently featured The Traveling Vineyard as one of the top home-based business opportunities available.

Part of that interest in wine-tasting parties likely stems from strong customer interest in wine. Last year, $25 billion was spent on wine.

“Wine has become the No. 1 alcoholic beverage sold in America, overtaking bear,” she said.

As an independent consultant, Fitzgerald books wine-tasting parties in people’s homes. She brings five wines for partygoers to taste. Because of liquor laws, Fitzgerald cannot sell the wines. She takes “interest” orders and the sales are handled by the company.

“Part of what we do is take the mystery out of it. And we let you taste the wine before you buy it,” she said.

Without much knowledge about wine, people tend to make decisions based on marketing campaigns and labels rather than real information, Fitzgerald said.

“I know because that’s what I used to do,” she said.

Unlike the other direct-sales companies, this one is of interest to both genders.

Louis Caspers and his wife, Jan, recently held a party at their Amana home, attracting about a dozen friends.

“I think it’s a pretty cool concept,” said Louis Caspers of Amana.

He admitted he’s no wine connoisseur and so he appreciated learning more about the different wines, especially what wines are best served with different foods. He also said the party was a hit with his friends.

“The had a lot of fun. They must have liked (the wine) because there were a lot of orders,” he said.

Being in direct sales for a home-based business is no easy task, however. It takes passion and perseverance to make it. Statistics show a 50 percent failure rate for all new startup businesses, but multilevel marketing or direct sales businesses have a staggering 90 percent failure rate.

Fitzgerald, however, is determined to beat the odds. She earned an all-expense-paid trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, based on her performance and is striving to earn next year’s trip to Tuscany, Italy and to become a director in the company.

She has 18 wine tastings booked for October, beating a company record she set in April with 13. She has eight booked for November already.

“It’s a good gig. There are a lot of perks,” she said.

At a glance:
Business: The Traveling Vineyard
Consultant: Penny Fitzgerald of Newhall, Iowa
Phone: 319-321-6045
E-mail: winechick@southslope.net

Contact the writer 319-398-8469 or janet.rorholm@gazettecommunications.com

Check out the cool article below about in-home wine tastings and wine consulting opportunities featuring Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant & Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard.  For additional information, contact Penny Fitzgerald, 319-321-6045,  visit www.myttv.com/penny9596, or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

‘So much wine, so little time’

Woman brings Traveling Vineyard to people’s homes
By Kathryn Fiegen
October 6, 2006; Iowa City Press-Citizen :

 Bob Lackman, branch manager of Beisser Lumber, 415 Westcor Drive in Coralville, was in a bit of a conundrum.His boss, Kim Beisser, was hosting an Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce party Sept. 28 and wanted Lackman to put together food and drinks for the event.

Beisser loves wine. Lackman didn’t know anything about wine. Completely by chance, he sat at the same table as Penny Fitzgerald at a different Chamber of Commerce event. Each person at the table told the group what they did, and Fitzgerald said she was a local wine consultant with The Traveling Vineyard, a company based out of Canton, Mass.

It was a perfect fit.

“I said to myself, ‘This is awesome. I don’t have to deal with this, I’ll grab her after the meeting,’” Lackman said.

Before Sept. 28, Lackman and Fitzgerald tasted wines for the party, and she paired different wines with the hors d’oeuvres the company would serve. Lackman ordered five cases of wine.

“It was a hit with my boss,” he said, adding that his boss ordered two more cases of wine from Fitzgerald the night of the party.

Fitzgerald, 42, a resident of Newhall, said she has been a wine consultant since last spring, although she has loved wine for a long time. She used to work in sales with Kable Media Services, in Mount Morris, Ill., but said she realized her heart wasn’t in her job.

“I liked what I did, but it really wasn’t as exciting as wine,” she said. “I wasn’t as passionate about it.”

She read about the Traveling Vineyard in a newspaper article and knew it was for her.

“Wine is romantic,” she said. “People love talking about it. It’s an exciting product and an exciting process.”

The Traveling Vineyard, conceived in 2002, is a division of Geerlings and Wade, a retail-based wine distributor. There are about 1,800 Traveling Vineyard consultants in the country and fewer than 40 are in Iowa.

Traveling Vineyard wine consultants host tastings in customers’ homes and market wines that come from all over the world.

People shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by wine, she said. She shows up to each party with five different bottles of wine and wine glasses. At parties, she teaches people about different kinds of wines, how to taste and store them and what to eat with them.

“It makes it a little less intimidating,” she said.

Lackman said that is the way he felt after he got help from Fitzgerald for the Beisser party.

“She actually lets you be a little bit more intelligent about it,” he said. “She’s very good at what she does.”

A lot of the wine she markets can only be found through The Traveling Vineyard, she said, and the types of wine change with the seasons. The average price-per-bottle is $14.99.

“(The company tastes) premium wines from all over the world,” she said. “They taste 200 wines for everyone that goes into our inventory. I tell people to stock up if they find one they really like.”

Traveling Vineyard wine consultants make 20 percent of what customers buy at parties and online. The company reimburses consultants for the five bottles of wine they bring to the party. Consultants don’t “sell” the wine because only the company has a liquor license.

Rather, they market it and get paid on a basis similar to a commission. The average party sells $650 in wine and accessories, she said.

Fitzgerald said many of her party customers come back to her for more parties and wine.

“I was amazed,” she said referring to the amount of repeat customers.

Fitzgerald said she is the only Traveling Vineyard consultant in Eastern Iowa. She is mostly booked for tasting parties through December, with 11 in October. In her calendar, she marks the days she has parties in green and interviews with potential new consultants in orange. There are hardly any days in October with no color on them.

Eventually, she would like to work her way up to a director in the company, which means she would have her own team of consultants to manage.

“So much wine, so little time,” she said. “I can’t cover all of Eastern Iowa.”