Pros

Good pay and benefits relative to other wine industry employers. Many individual managers are committed to creating a good product and a positive environment.

Cons

Poor communication from management, poor advancement opportunities, overemphasis on short-term growth rather than long-term stability. There is very little importance placed on developing employees as a long-term investment; people are expected to move on rather than to grow into new positions.

Advice to Senior Management

Fill upper management positions with people who understand the beverage business, including wine, rather than with people who are primarily sales or HR managers. Consider decentralizing senior management so that employees around the world have more contact with and communication from you and can better understand your goals.