In 2012, Jason was able to leave
his job and work in the winery full
time beside Colleen.
The Gerkes seized the
opportunity to maximize
equipment use in 2014 by renting
a building in nearby Weston that
would serve as a second winery and
tasting room. Warehouse space was
added to their home location in
2015.
“Weston Wine Company
allows us to make eight different
wines, use our equipment to
be more efficient and grow our
sales,” Jason explained. “Now,
we have two outlets for our
wine, two different brands and
diversification.”
At Jowler Creek, marketing is
centered on the environment and
has an earthy tone. In Weston, the
Gerke’s brand targets women with
a fun, fiesta and Mardi Gras feel.
Building a Brand
With only infant knowledge of
the wine industry, the Gerkes had
much to learn in their quest to
create a successful vineyard and
winery.
“I took one wine-making class
in college,” Colleen explained. “I
never thought I’d use it.”
Yet, the Gerkes were eager to
learn and combined their savvy
communications and marketing
skills with a lot of sweat and desire
to make a go of their newfound
business.
“We’ve worked hard to learn
and catch up on the production
side (of the business) and
learn everything we can about
growing quality grapes and
making quality wine,” Jason said.
“Communications and marketing
has really helped us be successful
to this point. People have to
know you’re here before they’ll
come and become a customer. We
can utilize those tools — social
media, marketing, advertising,
communications.”
The fruits of their labor have
provided. The Gerkes now employ
Adding sheep to their vineyard to assist with weed control helped the Gerke’s business become Missouri’s first green winery. In addition
to sheep, the Gerkes maintain a small flock of chickens and market the eggs through their winery’s tasting room.
8 HEARTBEAT | SUMMER 2017