2017 Winner
Wise 50 Over 50 Award™
Peter Scherer – Grape Vine Tours
www.grapevinetours.ca
Where there is a will there is a way. I was in the fruit and vegetable business for over 30 years . Running my own fruit farm and farm market did give me a great deal of business skills needed to start a new business. It meant transferring the skills learned from one business into another. I also have a degree in Geography and Economics, as well as a degree in Education which helps. I also financed my start up business with my own money. I found that starting a new business is very difficult if one does not have money. I was fortunate. I am looking forward to growing this tour business with the wine and craft brewers.
I started this business in 2014 at the age of 63 which some may say is too old to start a new business. However in my opinion your never too old. Why did I start Grape Vine Tours? It appeared to be a good retirement job.
The idea for a wine tour company originated with my son Mark who went on several tours in Niagara with a company that offers tours to small groups using mini vans. Since Chrysler builds min vans in Windsor we decided to use these locally built vans to transport customers to the wineries. We pick people up at their residences, B&Bs, hotels and marinas and return them after the tour.This avoids drinking and driving. We offer tastings at 4 wineries and lunch is included at one winery.
We give back to the community by donating wine tours to various community fund raisers including Neighourhood Charitable Alliance in Kingsville run by Matt Isaacs. This organization raises money to help out needy families in Essex County; Kingsville Fashion Show – raises money for the work of the Kingsville BIA and U.M.E.I. a local Christian High School – Funds raised are used for the school finances.This school accepts children of all faiths.