A Warm Summer Memory for a Cool Winter Day

I am truly amazed by the fact that so many people visit us from all over the country, the point of their travels being to see Oregon's beautiful wine country! We live in a small world, which makes what I do when I meet people very special and exciting. 

Beth Bering
Winery Ambassador

A particularly memorable experience that I had recently was when I met one of my customers in person for the first time.  Her name is Barbara, she's from Tennessee, and her very favorite WVV wine is our 2010 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir.  I contacted Barbara for the first time in July and she welcomed my call graciously, even from her desk at work.  I introduced myself and explained how I can help her as her personal Winery Ambassador.  She remembered Willamette Valley Vineyards and was delighted about the idea of ordering her Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, however, she did not have her credit card with her at that moment.  Barbara even went so far as to place me on hold as she called her credit card company to obtain her credit card number, however, this particular company has strict security policies and would not provide her with her own number over the phone.  Barbara ensured me that she would call me back that same day when she got home from work to place her order.  As I talked more with Barbara, I learned that she would be visiting Oregon during August for a class reunion.  I told her that I would love the opportunity to host her for a complimentary tour and tasting at the Estate when she visited Oregon. She loved that idea and accepted my invitation.

At the end of the day Barbara did call me back (as she promised) to place her order, and we further discussed her upcoming visit.When I finally met Barbara and her friend in person, it happened to be a beautiful day in mid August, perfect for our scheduled tour. I set them up for a tasting outside on the deck so they could enjoy the gorgeous view and took several pictures of the two of them.  They had a great experience tasting the wines together and Barbara even joined our wine club.  As I talked with Barbara and her friend during the tour, I learned that she at one time lived in Kirkland, Washington in the early nineties.  Interestingly enough, I also lived in Kirkland, Washington during that same time period that she lived there.   Which makes my point... we do live in a small world!

-Beth