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68 P R A C T I C A L W I N E R Y & V I N E YA R D April 2015 W I N E B U S I N E S S first 5 acres of Sera Fina vineyards, which include Primitivo, Malbec, Barbera and Sangiovese. In 2014, Tech CU financed Sera Fina Cellars with a $1.4 million adjustable- rate 25-year SBA loan that Sera Fina used to purchase the property (40 acres of land, a 5,000-square-foot winery and 3,000-square-foot tasting room and bar- rel room). Scotto has planted 5 acres of vineyards and will plant 7 more acres. He will purchase much-needed equip- ment for the vineyard (such as new vineyard netting), and they are investing in research and planning for a new well that will ensure a sufficient water supply in the future. "We are not hurting for water right now, but I am hedging my bets." Scotto explains. "Drilling is expensive, and so when we do it, I want to be sure the well will be in the right spot." Scotto will use some of the financing to plant up to 7 acres in the future, adding Pinot Grigio, Malvasia Bianca, Zinfandel and Nebbiolo vines. Tech CU qualified Sera Fina Cellars under the International Trade Loan Program due their exports to Europe. "This is one program wineries should consider, as there are no minimum requirements," says Anzalone. "The winery has to show they are currently exporting or are planning to export either directly or through a distributor." The only limitation for a winery is that they cannot distribute to a country listed on the Country Limitation Schedule (CLS) for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Sera Fina Cellars has steadily grown as a brand since Scotto first opened its doors in 2010. Like many small business owners, he has been challenged by the shifting economy, having to wear many different hats, and even the forces of nature. Yet Scotto has remained dedi- cated to his vision. With the first full harvest of Sera Fina Cellars' vineyards in 2014, the support of his family, and a financing boost from a small business loan, he is upbeat that Sera Fina Cellars is now moving into its next phase of growth. "I like to say that when we first opened, we had the best looking dirt in Amador County: just rocks and dirt, and a whole lot of potential. Today, that dirt has turned into something very real — Sera Fina grapes — and our winery is taking shape. We have already been on quite a journey to get to this point, but the truth is, we are just getting started." PWV HoytShepston_Monthly09 10/31/08 4:44 PM Include Code 0114 on your first order for an extra 10% off! 510-732-7010 A Division of Bay Seal Company Providing Sealing Solutions for over 50 Years wineryseals.com How money will be used Sera Fina Cellars was able to purchase the property they were leasing, including a winery, tasting room and vineyard. • The tasting room gives Sera Fina a retail space for nurturing customer relation- ships, holding wine club and other special events and showcasing their wines, which ultimately helps the winery build its brand. • With purchase of the vineyard land, Sera Fina will increase production of its premium estate wines and sell them direct-to-consumer, which is more profitable and creates greater consumer loyalty. • Sera Fina Cellars will increase production of non-estate wines, giving the winery additional inventory to expand into 30 new markets. Winemaker Paul Scotto also purchased much-needed equipment for the vine- yard, such as new netting, and is investing in research and planning for a new well on the property that will ensure a sufficient water supply in the future.