About

Sommtable is a marketplace that connects who we are with what we love.

We are always looking for the passionate few, truly dedicated to their craft.
The vintner, studying both the field and the cru.
The gin maker, dialing in their latest batch.
The chocolatier, packaging joy by the box…
If this is you, we’d love to have you.

..and about you-know-what.

We’re living through strange times right now, and you don’t need me to add another gloomy reminder of that fact.

I’ve seen lots of people sharing their thoughts and opinions on the current situation.

But, I haven’t seen many people talk about what they’re actually doing in our industry.

So I want to share with you how I’m responding to the current situation.

Preparing for a new normal.

I know things seem crazy right now. In fact, things ARE crazy right now. But there will come a time in the near future when things get back to a “new normal.”

Restaurants will open again. You’ll see Somms swooning from table to table – Winemakers will return to crushing… distillers concocting recipes, and so on. But somehow the dynamics of our life before will change. They have to change, because if there’s one things this crisis has taught us, is we must be quick and alert in order to be alert.

More than ever, products are about truth and substance. And I’m doing what I can to share that with the world.

I’m doing weekly live video events where we interview experts from all around the world. Check VINELY (link)

I’m reorganizing our wine import and logistics so we can begin selling online.

I’m interviewing sommeliers and enhancing their profiles on Sommtable – helping them set up their Virtual Experiences for Wine & Spirits and more (view)

I’m doubling down on our newsletter content. (view)

I’m also doing what I can to make the business more efficient as a whole. Now is the PERFECT time to do the sort of boring stuff that makes businesses run more smoothly. Think of all the times you’ve ever wished there was just an extra hour in the day. It might not be ideal, but now we finally have those hours. Take advantage of them to focus on something that’s important to you. If you look hard enough, you may find more than a handful of opportunities. I have.

I’m working to improve myself and my business. I’m improving old content and learning new business skills, like SalesForce.

I’m creating systems for hiring and onboarding contractors. I’m preparing investor pitch decks that clearly explain who we are.

While it’s true that people aren’t buying like they normally would, they do want content. In fact, content demand has probably increased fivefold in the last few weeks. This means that now is a great time to build your audience!

I know that can be challenging since opportunities to film fresh material are more scarce. I myself had planned on filming a few music videos at various wineries, but have to put that on hold. For now, I’m repurposing older interviews and finding ways to make them fresh again.

I’m also giving back.

I’m in a position where I can give some of my time to small entrepreneurs looking to pivot their business online. I’ve been giving free design classes on Facebook, building free eCommerce Wix websites, on occasion helping clients paint ads on restaurant windows.

So that’s how I’m responding to things.

Now, I’d like to hear from you. How are you responding to the current situation?
Let me know. I read every email.

Stay healthy,
Birdie deQuay

Nurturer of improbable ideas