Press Room
Wine of the times: 'Even in a weak economy, alcohol consumption stays ... strong' – 2008
By Emily Anderson
Grand Junction, CO, Colorado
PALISADE - Even with the economic woes of the Great Depression plaguing Americans in 1933, the country still found time to repeal the prohibition of alcohol.
So it's fitting that despite pains in the pocketbook for many this year, people from all over the nation still plunked down $40 to get into Colorado Mountain Winefest Saturday in Palisade or get the VIP treatment for $175.
"Even in a weak economy, alcohol consumption stays pretty strong," said Jamie Lummis, who sells insurance to wine-makers through Moody-Valley Insurance Agency Inc.
Trudi Mitchell and her husband, Stan, flew all the way from Alaska to enjoy Winefest. The couple coordinated a visit with family to coincide with the festival. They couldn't decide whether or not to lay down the big bucks for the food, wine and seating-filled VIP tent, but Trudi Mitchell, a North Slope oil worker, said she doesn't regret the purchase.
"It was a splurge, but it was worth it," she said.
Winefest coordinators Marilyn Jensen and Guy Parker said 5,000-plus people bought tickets to Winefest this year. High gas prices didn't keep many regular and new faces away, Jensen said. The festival advertised heavily out-of-state this year, especially in Utah and Texas. Jensen even noticed a few ticket-buyers from Florida on the roster. "We're at least equal to last year. Given the economic situation, that's really good," Parker said.
Both ticket and wine sales performed well at the festival. Amber Ridge Vineyards co-owner Lorinda Corley said she's noticed a slight slow down in customers this summer, but loyal customers have kept sales reasonable.
"It's been a pretty good summer considering the economy and the price of gas," Corley said.
Carlson Vineyards owner Parker Carlson said his booth was "slammed" during Winefest.
"So far (sales) look real good," he said.
"It doesn't seem to be effecting us here today," Mesa Park Vineyards owner Chris Felczak said of the national economic downturn.
Some people come to Winefest for fun, some as part of a vacation and others to learn more about the wines. Volunteer Joan Root said she met a few liquor and wine store owners that wanted to taste wines so they could expand their merchandise and make knowledgeable recommendations to customers.
Regardless of the reason, Winefest sponsor and First National Bank of the Rockies chairman, CEO and president Pete Waller of Grand Junction believes wine enthusiasts will keep coming to the festival and locals will be cushioned from any possible recession.
"The economy here in Colorado and particularly on the Western Slope, with energy and it being such a beautiful place to live, we're kind of an anomaly," he said.
Reach Emily Anderson at eanderson at gjfreepress dot com.