Top 10 Traits of the Successful Family Winery

So, I’ve decided to put together Wilma’s list of Top 10 Traits of the Successful Family Owned Winery - just in case any of you are considering joining the ranks!  Here goes:

1.      Learn to bite your tongue. In fact, get really comfortable with it, despite the pain.

2.      Find your own corner of the cellar. In other words, don’t share areas of expertise or responsibility…especially if you’re married and intend to stay that way.

3.      Whenever possible, make it seem like your brilliant idea was your father’s, husband’s, wife’s, sister’s, brother’s, cousin’s…you get the point.

4.      Learn to coerce, beg, borrow, steal…whatever it takes to get your point across.

5.      Know when to smile and roll your eyes at just the right time.

6.      Understand the real meaning of the numbers, i.e. lots of zeroes after your debt load is NOT good.

7.      Have very small families. The more siblings involved, the more likely for conflict. (My Italian friends know this all too well.)

8.      Put aside an emergency fund for all the counseling, therapy and consulting advice you’ll need to keep harmony in the family.

9.      Perfect the art of apologizing.

10.  Drink a lot of wine.

Oh, and I forgot one more. Whenever possible, say “yes honey” and then do the exact opposite.