Hospitality Makes the Wine Taste Better!

Last week, I spent time in Oregon's Willamette Valley with my family on a b3 Remarkable leadership retreat. In addition to discussing the future of b3, we hiked, relaxed, and tasted some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the country.

One day, we stumbled into a winery tour at Rain Dance Vineyards. The wines were impressive. But what we talked about even more than the wines was how the owner, the general manager, and the staff made us feel: like we belonged there. Not like customers. Like guests. They created a loving, family-friendly experience.

We bought wine that day. We added it to the go-to list in the Horton home. And we've been telling people about it ever since… including right now.

Later that same day, we visited another winery up the valley. They poured wines that were just as good. Maybe better. But the room was sterile. The environment was uppity and cold. It soured the grapes, so to speak.

The first winery made us feel at home. The second made us feel like a transaction.

Similar product. Completely different memories.

And here's the lesson: your product may get people in the door, but hospitality is what they tell their friends about. Hospitality also makes the product taste better.

Embrace hospitality in everything you do and it will make you better, your business better, and the world better.

Go out and continue to b3 Remarkable!