Our History and Time Line
March 2010
- New franchise support center launched
February 2010
- Partnership with Wine Spectator renewed with new offerings
- Jolan Turkington joins VCF team to help with press and lifestyle writing
- Vintner’s Circle Hackettstown participates in Restaurant Week, in support of the Hackettstown Area Family Relief Fund.
January 2010
- Vintner’s Circle Andover opens
- Vintner’s Circle Middletown opens
November 2009
- Vintners Circle Franchising LLC is approved for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Franchise Registry.
- Vintner’s Circle ((DicksonCity|Dickson City)) soft opens
October 2009
- Tom Pfau joins VCF team
September 2009
- Vintner’s Circle Whippany opens
- Vintner’s Circle is [http://www.vintnerscircle.com/blog/news/best-practice-finalist/|selected as a Best Practice Finalist] for the 2009 New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards.
August 2009
- Jennifer Alviani joins the VCF team as Director of Marketing and Brand Development
July 2009
- Adam Geffner and Chantell Laing become the new owners of Vintner’s Circle Easton.
June 2009
- David Schmeltzle is interviewed for Top New Franchises.
March 2009
- Stan and Joanne Triplett make wine for the first time at Vintner’s Circle Easton. They made an Argentine Trio.
February 2009
- Don and Mary Gordon make wine for the first time at Vintner’s Circle Hackettstown. They make a Chilean Pinot Noir and were given the wine making session as a gift by their children.
- Tom Pfau begins consulting with VCF, developing technology
- Todd Billingsley purchases home wine making equipment at Vintner’s Circle Hackettstown to make wine at home. Todd makes a New Zealand Merlot.
September 2008
- Jennifer Alviani, president of Little Star Designs, provides branding consulting services to VCF.
August 2008
- Cas and Joann Jasonek make wine for the first time at Vintner’s Circle Hackettstown. They made an Italian Brunello.
February 2008
- Adam Geffner and Chantell Laing make wine for the first time at Vintner’s Circle Easton. They make an Argentine Malbec.
September 2007
- James Alercia opens Vintner’s Circle Easton.
August 2007
- Vintner’s Circle Hackettstown expands to occupy second floor in the old Best’s Farm Market.
January 2007
- Robin Raible joins the Vintner’s Circle Franchising team
July 2006
- First online web order received; Robin Raible was the first web customer
May 2006
- First retail store opens, approximately 760 sq feet
April 2006
- First web site built
February 2006
- Construction begins of initial retail space
January 2006
- Lease signed for initial retail space at Best’s Farm Market
December 2005
- First friends and family making wine with us
November 2005
- Prototype wine making shop built in Dave’s basement
October 2005
- Business plan developed
September 2005
- David Schmeltzle makes wine for the first time ever; does it at home in the basement and creates a big mess with strong fermentation odors