Independents

Jewelers Uncork New Opportunities

IndependentsAug 05, 2019

Jewelers Uncork New Opportunities

A handful of retailers are lending their talents to the wine and spirits industry. We talked to them about their side businesses for a special feature in our Retailer Hall of Fame issue.

20190805_Padis_Winery.jpg
Padis Vineyards, located in the heart of California’s Napa Valley, is owned by jewelers Steve and Judy Padis.
The Chevy Chase Inn in Lexington, Kentucky, opened its doors in December 1933, just as Prohibition was coming to an end.

Click <a href="https://magazines-nationaljeweler-com.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/retailerhalloffame/2019/index.html?page=1" target="_blank">here</a> to read the full story in the Retailer Hall of Fame issue.
Click here to read the full story in the Retailer Hall of Fame issue.

Over the years, the bar solidified its spot as the local watering hole, welcoming generation after generation into its low-key, homestyle atmosphere.

It was even immortalized in a 2013 book titled “Chevy Chase Inn: Tall Tales and Cold Ales From Lexington’s Oldest Bar,” which chronicled its history and shared tales from local patrons.
 
True to its Kentucky heritage, the inn serves up all types of bourbon, even hosting a “Pappy Thanksgiving” every fall to give customers a chance to try top-shelf Pappy Van Winkle bourbon at cost.

Like so many well-loved, historic spots across America, though, the old bar eventually found itself at risk of being bulldozed for new development until three men—including one jeweler—stepped in to save it.

In 2015, Bill Farmer, owner of Farmer’s Jewelry, and two of his friends, bought the 85-year-old bar, saving it from turning into a run-of-the-mill retail space.
 
Like the Chevy Chase Inn, Farmer’s Jewelry has been stitched into Lexington’s neighborhood fabric since 1950, when his father opened the store on the same block of Euclid Avenue as the inn and a row of retail shops, including the city’s oldest flower shop.
 
“We approached buying Chevy Chase Inn as a chance to save something,” says Farmer, who felt the destruction of the bar would “ruin a lot of memories for a lot of people.”

The Chevy Chase Inn, which opened in 1933, recently got a new neon sign that’s a replica of the original thanks to a Kickstarter campaign.
The Chevy Chase Inn, which opened in 1933, recently got a new neon sign that’s a replica of the original thanks to a Kickstarter campaign.

The jeweler, who also serves as a Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council member, was already wearing many hats before deciding to move into the bar business.
 
“Retail drives you to drink,” says Farmer, with a hearty laugh.
 
In all seriousness, though, he notes that both his jewelry business and his bar business have something in common—they are there for people to celebrate and commemorate happy occasions.
 
Lessons learned as a jeweler carry over to his bar business, says Farmer, particularly the art of listening.
 
“If you can listen in retail, you can learn what the customer wants. Same in the bar.”
 
For jewelers looking to branch out into other areas, Farmer advises looking for an opportunity (like he had) within an existing local business or interest and being ready when that opportunity presents itself. 

He warns against stretching oneself too thin or jumping too hastily into the unknown.
 
In the Heart of California Wine Country
For California jewelers Steve and Judy Padis, opportunity presented itself in 2004. They purchased property in the Oak Knoll region of California, which is located about an hour north of San Francisco in Napa County, and slowly began building out Padis Vineyards over 15 acres.
 
The couple owns and operates a handful of Padis Jewelry locations around the San Francisco Bay area but also are longtime wine collectors, amassing a stash of more than 10,000 bottles.
 
It was Judy who introduced her husband to the world of wine during the couple’s dates in Napa Valley.
 
“I had never really experienced wine tasting,” Steve admits. “It became a passion and as soon as we could afford it, we decided we were going to make our own wines.”
 
The Padises had their first vintage in 2008 with the help of master winemaker Robert Foley. 

“If someone asks me what I do I say, ‘I do diamonds and wine.’” — Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and Padis Vineyards

Currently, Padis Vineyards produces around 3,000 cases of wine per year, mostly red wine from their homegrown red grapes. About 10 percent of their production is chardonnay, which is made from grapes they’ve purchased.

Their inner jeweler shines through on their wine labels, with a cabernet dubbed “Brilliance” and a blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah called “Sintilation.” (And, no, that is not a typo.)
 
“If someone asks me what I do I say, ‘I do diamonds and wine,’” Steve says.
 
The vineyard is situated between Napa’s warm upper valley and the cooler Los Carneros region to the south, just about an hour away from the couple’s San Francisco stores.
 
The seasonality of the wine business works in the Padises’ favor, slowing down as the jewelry business revs up in November and December.
 
The two worlds meet often, says Steve, with a lot of jewelry customers visiting the winery and vice versa. The couple has even held master classes at the winery, giving people a view of picturesque Napa Valley while they examine another natural beauty—the diamond.

European Winemaking in Western Pennsylvania
For jeweler Tom Glatz, the opportunity to branch out into the alcohol business came knocking at the back door.

The tasting room for Glatz Wine Cellars operates out of the rear of Glatz Jewelers in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, a small town about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

Though the winery began in 2000, Glatz’s roots in winemaking go way back.

“People ask me how long I’ve been making wine. Longer than jewelry, I tell them,” he says, noting that his family has been making wine in Europe, mainly in Germany and France, for more than 200 years.

The Glatzes’ vineyard spans six acres on the family farm in Hopewell Township, just a few miles from their jewelry store in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
The Glatzes’ vineyard spans six acres on the family farm in Hopewell Township, just a few miles from their jewelry store in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

It’s still a family affair for Glatz, who operates the winery and jewelry store—which opened in 1976—with his wife Marlene, and his sons, Aaron (who makes the wine), and Dale (who repairs the jewelry).

The vineyard is just a few miles away from the store, spanning six acres on the family’s farm in neighboring Hopewell Township.

As with the Padises, the jeweler’s touch is apparent upon reading the wine list at Glatz, with bottles bearing names such as “Amethyst,” “Tanzanite,” “Topaz” and “Chocolate Diamond.”

The store and the winery flow seamlessly into each other. Customers often grab a glass to sample from the winery in the back, then step out onto the patio (located off the side of the store) to inspect potential jewelry purchases in the natural light.

The winery also doubles as an event space for local charities and fundraisers, which, in turn, helps to bring more attention to the jewelry business.

From Silicon to Napa Valley
While jewelers-turned-vintners have uncorked an additional revenue stream that pairs nicely with their stores, a small-production winery comes with its own challenges, says Carole Lawson, CEO of the Salem, Oregon-based Craft Wine Association.
 
Some of these challenges are unique to wine-making, while others will sound familiar to retailers, including: How do I entice people to buy what I’m selling?

There are tools and algorithms available to get a ballpark figure on what it costs to open a winery, but Lawson suggests adding 20 to 30 percent on top of that, accounting for weather and operating requirements that can vary by state.

“There’s a fantasy about what it’s like [to own a vineyard.] You don’t think about the pruning, the planting, the pests and the weather that can impact the production of the grapes themselves.” — Carole Lawson, Craft Wine Association

Glatz estimates he sank about $250,000 into producing his first bottle.
 
And, although the family has been making wine since 1980, it took the Glatzes years before they were able to sell their first bottle, due in part to Pennsylvania’s particularly strict alcohol laws.
 
After an arduous licensing process, including several attempts at getting their bottle labels approved, the Glatzes began marketing their wine in 2007.
 
Glatz once thought he would retire to his winery—a relaxing respite after years in the stressful world of retail—but has since thought better of it after learning first-hand what goes into the day-to-day operations of a vineyard.
 
“It’s a lot of work, about 14 hours a day,” says Glatz, who relies on his son and master winemaker Aaron and employees to do the manual labor.
 
“There’s a fantasy about what it’s like,” says the Craft Wine Association’s Lawson. “You don’t think about the pruning, the planting, the pests and the weather that can impact the production of the grapes themselves.”
 
The biggest challenge to operating a winery, she says, is being realistic.
 
One can buy a vineyard or buy grapes, press them, and bottle the wine with beautiful labels, but the real challenge is marketing it and getting people to buy it.
 
Still, Lawson, who spent decades working in Silicon Valley before “flunking out of retirement” and starting the Craft Wine Association, understands what draws people from other industries to wine.
 
“There is a romance about the wine industry,” she says, noting its similarity to jewelry in this way. “The marketers have done a great job of making it feel opulent and [giving it] a sense of having arrived.”
—Fashion Editor Ashley Davis contributed to this story.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
tags:

The Latest

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy