Wolfgang Blass is an entrepreneur who transformed the wine industry from an elite industry to an accessible and fun consumer industry. From experimenting with new blends, implementing global techniques, ensuring drink-ability and opening up new markets, Wolfgang pioneered a new business model for other wine makers to follow.
Last week, after more than 30 years in Canada, Wolf Blass Wines announced a partnership with grassroots entrepreneur organization Startup Canada with a special contest giving away $10,000 to a Canadian to start-up their idea.
What has been the greatest achievement of your career?
What do you always listen to?
My inner ambition to make things happen has always been my driving force.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Leaving Europe to come to Australia (somewhere I had never been before) in 1961 was a big risk. As was buying my first load of grapes to make my first wine. Or when I purchased the land where my winery still resides – all on the back of a bank overdraft. There have been many risks, but one must take risks to succeed.
Tell me about your business philosophy
My simple business rules have not changed at all in the past 45 years. To be successful, a business owner must be passionate about what they are doing. They must recruit the right people, ensure they are respected, remain challenged, and of course rewarded. There is no such thing as a quick buck.. I attribute the success of Wolf Blass over the past 48 years to being surrounded by a great team, especially in the winemaking side of the business, and ensuring that wines we released were always of the highest quality. Awards have always been important to me- they reassured me that we were ahead of the pack.
Do you have a favourite wine?
We always start a meal with Riesling, my favourite white wine and finish with an easy-drinking red wine. My current favourite is our Grey Label Shiraz from McLaren Vale.
What was your biggest learning curve?
How different countries operate in regards to their wine culture. How people buy and drink wine is different in most countries and I had to learn that as I go. We have sold our wines to more than 70 countries- so there has been considerable learning!
What has been the most enjoyable experience in your professional life?
To achieve the things that many critics said couldn’t be done. I am never satisfied with second best!
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