Nine prestigious “Double Gold” Awards were presented to local wine makers.  Congratulations to Blind for the 2009 Norton; Matt Haas, Dubuque, for his Seyval Blanc, Cayuga, Cherry, Peach, and Blackberry Port; Jeff Fitzgerald, Newhall, for his Brianna and Sparkling Apple Cider; and Tom Capper, West Branch, for his Foch (60%)/Brianna (40%) blend.

Gold Awards went to Fitzgerald for his Norton Port and to Dale Winnike, Hills, for his Cabernet/Grenach/Shiraz blend and Riesling wines.

Silvers were awarded to Fitzgerald for his Old Vine Mencia, Amarone, Norton, Foch, Apple, Black & Blue (Blackberry/Blueberry blend), and Rhubarb; Haas, for his Chambourcin, 2008 Norton, Niagra, Edelweiss, and Traminette; Brad Ross, Vinton, for his Concord, La Crosse, and Foch; Winnike, for his Barbaresco, Strawberry, and Red Meritage (Cabernet, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blend); Greg Irvin, Belle Plaine, for his Raspberry/Mulberry and Strawberry wines; Larry Points, Solon, for his Norton (50%)/King of the North (50%) blend, and Frontenac/Leon Millot/Concord blend; Jim Ford, Belle Plaine, for his Cherry; and Brett Schminke, Vinton, for his Spiced Apple.

Judges Matt Braafhart, Jill Flynn, and Penny Fitzgerald Hard at "Work"

Bronze Awards went to Blind, for his 2010 Benton County Blend, Chilean Merlot, and Zinfandel; Fitzgerald for his Apple Cranberry and Spiced Apple wines; Maggie Krug, Hartwick, for her Honeydew/Banana blend and her Apple wine; Schminke for his Concord and Rhubarb wines; Any Elliott, Atalissa, for his Marquette/GR7 blend; Haas, for his 2009 Norton; Arlan Hollenbeck, Vinton, for his Strawberry/Rhubarb; David Paustian, Vinton, for his Riesling; Points, for his Norton; and Winnike, for his Syrah.

The Eastern Iowa Wine Club also has a traveling trophy, known as the “Fochy Award”, given to the best Marechal Foch wine (must be at least 85% Foch to be considered).  This year, the trophy will be held by Brad Ross, Vinton.

The wines were judged at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites, Vinton, Iowa, before being displayed at the Benton County Fairgrounds.  A public tasting was open to Fair goers on Thursday evening.  Tasters were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite wine.  After the final count, Jeff Fitzgerald’s Norton Port was named People’s Choice.

2011 EIWC Competition – Final Results

Additional information on the Eastern Iowa Wine Club may be found on the website or on Facebook.

Know Your Numbers.  Statistics vary by industry, company, and even representative (or employee if you work in a corporate setting).  Direct Sellers will want to understand their event average ($), the number of bookings per event, and the number of recruit leads they must talk with in order to gain one new team member, among others.  If your company’s system doesn’t provide these types of reports, begin tracking your important metrics manually.  I know it’s painful, but without knowing your averages, how will you know what effort is required to reach your goals?  How will you measure your progress?  Tracking your metrics will allow you to observe trends, map out your plan, and understand your strengths and weaknesses.  (If you are just beginning your journey or entering a new phase of your career, utilize company averages or ask your upline or supervisor for guidance; then track your success and adjust as necessary.  If numbers make your eyes start to twitch, find a buddy who loves business analytics!)

Break Down Your Goals.  An African proverb says, “You must eat an elephant one bite at a time.”  It’s the same with goals.  If your goal is “to reach the number of points necessary for my company’s incentive trip in 6 months”, determine the minimum number of points required per month.  Increase the number of points slightly, or divide the total by less time to give yourself an “insurance policy”.  If you overshoot your goal, it will be a bonus in your paycheck!  As an example, a goal of “losing 10 pounds in 2 months” could be broken down as 5 pounds per month.  Or, to ensure success, you could break it down as “losing 1.5 pounds per week”, which, if met, would mean you’ve lost 12 pounds rather than 10.  Woot Woot!

Do Some Math.  Now that you know your statistics, how much activity is necessary to achieve your monthly goal?  How many new team members will you need to invite?  How many parties will you need to hold?  In order to hold that many parties, how many will you need to book?  How many people will you need to contact each day to achieve this level of activity?  (This may be another time to talk with your “Metrics Buddy”.)  There may be multiple paths to success…utilize your strengths and develop your areas of opportunity.  One caveat:  you’ve heard the adage, “Plan your work, and work your plan”; make sure you don’t plan to work all the time.  You need “downtime”, too.  Work when you’ve planned to work, and play when you’ve planned to play so you don’t burn out.

Focus On The Effort and The Results Will Come!  It’s easy to get discouraged when you have a long-term (or even mid-range) goal, and don’t receive immediate gratification.  Some days (possibly several) you won’t make progress.  As long as you are doing the daily activities necessary, the results will eventually happen.  Just like it is recommended you do not step on a scale daily if you are trying to lose weight, do not worry about the outcomes daily, either.

Measure Your Progress and Adjust As Necessary.  Depending on the duration of the goal, measure your progress quarterly, monthly, or possibly weekly (for very short-term goals).  Are you seeing results over time?  If not, were there days when you did not complete the tasks you determined were necessary?  Occasionally, things come up.  Don’t beat yourself up or dwell on missteps.  Instead, recalculate the effort required in the time remaining.  If you are putting forth the effort and still not seeing results, step up your effort and evaluate your reports for potential problem areas.  Seek additional training or support whenever necessary.

Remember Your Goal.  Keep your goal fresh in your mind with pictures (a goal poster, a photograph, a printed flyer, or even a screen shot of a website).  Think of how you will feel when you achieve that goal.  What will it mean to you and your family?  This visualization will help you remain enthusiastic and passionate…  Enthusiasm is contagious and very attractive!

I like to remember the acronym “BE SMART” when goal setting.  Goals need to be Balanced, Emotional, Specific, Measurable, you need to be Accountable, Realistic, and Timely.

When formulating your goals, think about Balance.  There are many facets to your life and you’ll want to grow each area.  Physical, spiritual, intellectual, relational, financial, social… What do you want each piece to look like?  Do you want to improve your health?  Develop your relationship with God or your higher power?  Learn a new language or skill? Connect on a deeper level with your spouse or family?  Be debt free or make a special purchase?  Volunteer for a community organization?  If you are out of balance in any particular area of your life, other areas suffer.  Do you want to advance in your career at the expense of your personal relationships?

You must also have an Emotional attachment to your goal… a burning desire or craving.  It’s not enough simply to think it would be good to learn to speak Italian, or to know you need to lose 10 pounds.  You must yearn for your goal deep in your heart.  And, you need to stay connected to that feeling.  How do you do that?  Create a goal poster with pictures of what your life will look like after you’ve attained your objective.  Cut and paste pictures from magazines, draw your ideal, download images, get creative.  Just keep visualizing your goal to stay connected and attached.

Goals must also be Specific.  It’s not enough to say, “I want to lose some weight”.  That’s a start, but a goal would be stated, “I will lose 10 pounds.”  Or, “I’m going to earn my company’s incentive trip for myself and my spouse.”  A litmus test to determine if a goal is specific enough is, “Is it Measurable?”  Ten pounds is definitively measurable; as is earning an incentive trip.  “Lose some weight” and “be successful” is not measurable.

If you want to ensure your success, find a buddy and be Accountable to them.  I recommend finding someone who has like-goals…perhaps someone at your company who is also working toward the incentive trip, or someone who is also trying to lose 10 pounds.  Make sure that your partner cares about you and is interested in your (and their own) success!  You may benefit from “tough love” at some point and you want someone who “has your back”, is willing to “tell you like it is” and someone from whom you can hear that kind of message.

Your goals also need to be Realistic.  You may desire with all your heart to go on the company’s incentive trip, but are you willing to do what it takes to get there?  And do you have the resources necessary to make it happen?  Look at your company or industry averages to determine what effort will be required and break it down.  If you don’t know what it will take to reach a goal, ask for help (your Upline, if you are in a Direct Selling business).

And finally, make sure your goal is Timely, or that you have a Timeframe for reaching your goal.  The specificity needs to include a date or deadline.  “I will lose 10 pounds in 2 months”, or “I will reach the number of points necessary for the incentive trip in 6 months.”

I love a full-bodied red wine in winter.  In my mind, there’s nothing more romantic than a steak dinner with all the accoutrements, paired with a lovely Malbec, followed by a twirl through the living room, putting on your favorite “Dancing with the Stars” tango moves with your sweetheart.  Malbec has become known as the new “it” grape…a must-have for any wine enthusiast, and a safe bet for anyone unsure of what to bring to dinner.  Malbec is commonly grown in South America and some would argue the best Malbec wines are produced in Argentina.

The 2008 Bailando Malbec from Mendoza Argentina is perfect for Valentine’s Day.  “Bailando”, literally meaning “dance”, is a rich, smoky red, full of black raspberry and cherry flavors, with a hint of pepper.  Wonderful with a steak dinner and that dance mentioned above.  The wine has been compared to the tango…seductive, graceful, powerful, HOT.  But, if doing the tango isn’t your thing, this wine is also amazing with a bacon cheeseburger.  Particularly if the cheese is pepper-jack and you throw on a little BBQ sauce and jalepeno peppers to bring the heat!  ($14.99)

The Tanglerose Backyard Red from Sonoma County California is wonderful paired with English toffee and dark chocolate.  Made up of a blend of red, mostly Italian grape varietals (79.2% Sangiovese and 16.6% Primitivo, with small amounts of Barbera and Merlot), this California blend, while smooth and fruity, also packs a punch at 15.2% alcohol.  The grapes in this blend are typically grown in the Tuscan region of Italy.  Sangiovese is the base grape used in Chianti and in Super Tuscans.  It is believed that Primitivo is an ancestor of the Zinfandel grape.  Blend these together and you have a perfect marriage of bright fruit and smooth, round berry flavors.  Close your eyes, and the flavors of blackberry, cedar, chocolate, and cassis and velvety texture take you away to a romantic Italian villa.  (Open them up and you’re back in Eastern Iowa…just don’t look outside.)

The Tanglerose is an excellent choice to enjoy curled up in front of the fire, either with your loved one or a good book.  With a meal, pair it with anything barbequed or with a bit of spice.  It’s strong enough to stand up to lamb or Italian sausage, yet round and fruity enough to serve with lighter fare or appetizers (try it with smoked almonds for a simple but spectacular snack).  This wine is balanced, silky, and a clear favorite.  ($14.99)

Fissata Rosa Condole Mosto Parzialmente Fermentato da Uve…but you can call her “Fissata”…is a light, Italian bubbly that is sure to be a hit.  Crafted in the Alba region of Piedmont in northwest Italy from Brachetto, Freisa, and Malvasia grapes, Fissata (from the Italian “to be fixated upon something”) is a Moscato-style red wine that is fruity, fun and has a bit of frizzante.  Dried Strawberry and raspberry flavors exude in a slightly sweet, lower alcohol wine that is great served with (or as) dessert.  Fissata is a favorite with those who enjoy lighter, fruitier wines.  Chocolate-dipped strawberries, angel food cake, or cheesecake all make excellent pairings.  ($17.99)

Awards:

2008 Bailando Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina – Silver, Best Buy, 2010 World Wine Championships.

Tanglerose, Backyard Red, Sonoma County, California – Silver, Highly Recommended, Best Buy, 2010 World Wine Competition.

Penny Fitzgerald is from Eastern Iowa, and is a Director and Independent Wine Consultant with The Traveling Vineyard.  For online ordering or additional information, visit www.myttv.com/winechick.  Penny may be reached at winechick@southslope.net or 319-321-6045.

Two such wines have become new favorites:  the Sacco 2005 Dolcetto d’Alba, Italy, and the Scotto 2008 California Chardonnay Marsanne

Dolcetto, meaning “little sweet one” in Italian, is rumored to refer to the size and sugar level of the grape.  The wine itself is neither little nor sweet, but boasts bright, crisp fruit flavors of cherry, with hints of spice (think cinnamon and ginger), earthiness, leather and tobacco, pairing perfectly with red sauced pasta dishes and all things Italian.  The wine is balanced in acidity and tannins, fruit and spice – also a wonderful compliment to dark chocolate.

One sip of the 2005 Sacco Dolcetto d’Alba will give you insight into why this region is renowned as one of the best wine districts in Italy.  Dolcetto d’Alba is produced from 100% dolcetto, in one of the DOC’s (Denominazione di Origine Controllata or controlled areas) centered in the Piedmont (or Piemonte, meaning “foot of the mountains”) region of Northwest Italy.  Alba has become known as one of the premier Italian cities for foodies and wine lovers from around the world and is also famous for white truffles, big red wine varietals such as Barolo and Barbaresco, and the sweet, delicate Moscato.

Chardonnay has “lost favor” with some wine lovers in recent years…occasionally scrutinized as “overly oaky” or “uninteresting”.  The Scotto family has masterfully blended 13.7% Marsanne with 86.3% Chardonnay to create a fruity, crisp Chardonnay blend that is full of flavor and intrigue.  The wine went through a cold fermentation (fermented at 52 degrees Fahrenheit) to protect and develop the delicate fruit flavors, and was not aged in oak, but rather was aged sur-lie (on the yeast) to add smoothness, complexity and character.

Fruit flavors evident in this Chardonnay/Marsanne blend include tropical citrus, pineapple, melon, and green apple.  The wine pairs beautifully with shrimp, fish, or Asian cuisine.

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

I love to talk about wine (if I’m not drinking it, I want to be talking about it!).  I love my job.  In fact, I’ve been promoted to Director & Independent Wine Consultant.  I get to share my passion for wine through in-home wine tastings and teach others how to turn their love of wine into a fun and lucrative job or career.  It’s a great “gig”!

Another awesome change with the new Traveling Vineyard is the ability to pursue additional interests.  One of mine is networking.  I believe that “givers gain” and you achieve more personally when you help others reach their goals.  I’m also pleased to announce that I have been named Director of Operations for Professional Women’s Network (PWN) in Eastern Iowa.

I’m going to be busy!  And busy is good.

If you’d like information about wine tastings, The Traveling Vineyard or PWN, I’d love to talk with you!

~Penny

319.321.6045
winechick@southslope.net
www.myttv.com/winechick

For information on PWN, visit www.pwn.org, or email pwn@pwn.org.

Penny is excited to deepen relationships with the members of PWN through her new role as Director of Operations, supporting the growth of the organization and assisting with our mission of “promoting and enhancing the status and influence of women”.

Penny is also an Independent Wine Consultant and Director with The Traveling Vineyard®. Since joining The Traveling Vineyard, Penny has developed markets, consistently achieving Top 10 Recognition for excellence in personal sales, new business, customer loyalty and recruitment. She has also served as a local judge for the Mid American Wine Competition and organized the Eastern Iowa Wine Club competition. Penny enjoys traveling with her husband, especially on Traveling Vineyard incentive trips to wine regions around the world.

Penny actively participates in many organizations, including Professional Women’s Network, Metro Networking Associates, the Iowa City Business Club, and Vinton Unlimited, holding leadership positions with some of these and other organizations. Since joining PWN in 2006, she has served on the Special Events and Program committees and has enjoyed the friendships and business relationships gained through involvement with the organization.

Prior work includes sales support and management positions for companies providing distribution and product fulfillment services. She has also worked in support roles, organizing meetings and coordinating schedules for Fortune 500 companies.

The Professional Women’s Network, Inc. was founded in November 1979 by Jean Kruse, Liz Sparks and Carolyn Stephens. These women believed that an organization was needed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to assist women in their upward mobility in the professional and business world. Because of the efforts, dreams, and ideals of the founders, the Professional Women’s Network, Inc. is now a reality – women helping women in their search for friends, business contacts and professional development.

For information on PWN, please visit www.pwn.org; email pwn@pwn.org; or contact Penny Fitzgerald at 319.321.6045.

Anyhoo…a new policy is going into effect where individual blogs about wine and the company are no longer allowed.  Wine is a highly regulated industry and the rules vary by state, so this policy really protects us all.  Being Independent means I can build my own business, but am supported by our home office (they understand and keep up with the laws by state).  I would never want to give someone incorrect information about The Traveling Vineyard or the wine industry!

I want to assure everyone that a job (or a career, or even a hobby) with The Traveling Vineyard is a great thing!  The wine is amazing and the format is really fun (for hosts, guests, and consultants)!  If you would like information, you may contact the company directly at www.thetravelingvineyard.com, or www.myttv.com.  They will answer questions and get you in contact with someone from your area for more specifics. 

You are still very much welcome to contact me (hopefully you will keep my contact info) – I will always be a Traveling Vineyard Team Leader and Independent Wine Consultant…I just won’t be posting about wine or the company on this site.

Hopefully, our paths will cross in the future.  Until then, a very heartfelt Cheers to You – Enjoy the Vino!

Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard, 319-321-6045 (eastern Iowa), winechick@southslope.net.

“It is a pleaure to announce The Traveling Vineyard is “open for business” for Wine Tasting Events in the District of Columbia!

“What an opportunity! 

“Bordering the state of Virginia, with roughly 600,000 residents, Washington, D.C.’s metropolitan reach encompasses 1 million day-time commuters.  As the Capital of the United States, D.C. is home to all three branches of the federal government and many historical monuments and museums.  Now, with The Traveling Vineyard opportunity available, D.C. will be home to many new TTV Wine Consultants!”

A Washington, D.C. area Taste of the Business (Traveling Vineyard Business Overview) is being planned for January, 2009.  Details to be announced – stay tuned!

Will you take advantage of this ground floor employment opportunity in the wine industry and become a Traveling Vineyard 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.

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.