yet none had the infl uence to quell her vision. Backed by research, a strong business plan, and new technologies, her confi dence only strengthened.


Within a relatively short period of time, and with the help of a diverse


and talented team of wine makers at her side, she was able to capture the respect of expert wine connoisseurs from around the globe.


“I may be one of the rare people who never looks at race or gender as a


point of difference when it comes to dedication, competence, education, loyalty, and hard work. That is the kind of team we have at Kluge Estate,” she explained in regards to a question about hiring a diverse workforce. Some work is outsourced when the job involved is too expensive. For instance, Michel Rolland, Laurent Champs and MariAnne Capponetto are consultants who are tops in their fi eld. Patricia adds, “Their infl uence is the reason we are who we are today.”


Regarding the critics that say it’s bad for our economy to hire foreign


consultants and workers instead of U.S. citizens for work, “is complete and utter nonsense. It is short-sighted and prejudicial. America of all countries should not have that opinion. Haven’t we all come from somewhere else to make this great country work?”


Her team is indeed as versatile as it can get as far as the North American


tapestry of commerce is concerned. “Our director of Wine Making Operations is Grégory Brun from France, while our second in command for Vineyard Operations is Rafael Sanchez, from Mexico. We have nine vineyard supervisors from Latin America,” she announces. But also let it be known that, “talent, expertise and hard work are critical to making us the vineyard in high standing that we want to be.” The wines have become a by-product of world attributes coming from such infl uences as French, American, European, Asian, and African American. “We hire those who are the best at what they do.”


Apart from all of their success, Mrs. Kluge states that her worst business


mistake was not to hire the very best marketing team at the beginning. In fact, they had a disastrous team. They were too small at the time to attract seasoned industry talent and had to make with limited resources.


9


I wondered how someone with her deep pockets could not afford a


top notch marketing team, to this she offered a heartfelt opinion, “It takes more than money to be successful. You must earn your stripes, earn respect, get the best loyal assistants to surround you and create a support system. One needs to work diligently, so it takes more than money or just showing up.”


She then further explains that the most important asset entrepreneurs


must have in order to achieve success is to, “Follow your instincts, stand up every time you are beaten down, never take no for an answer, and only work with or take advice from people who are smarter than you.” The most apt exemplifi cation of what makes Patricia Kluge be who


she is comes from a quote by her grandmother, “get on with it”. Today, Kluge Estate’s offers a new sparkling wine that has really


taken off and they have started the Kluge Estate Wine Club. It’s a great way to share wine with people who may not have easy access to purchasing it in person.


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