Book Review: David Gilbertson’s Wine Bar Theory

David Gilbertson’s Wine Bar Theory

For those that are “too busy” to read a book once in a while, that excuse will not hold water (or wine for that matter) when it comes to David Gilbertson’s Wine Bar Theory.  An hour, at most, is all you will need to peruse though this one.  Although I strongly recommend reading through it a second time to really get a handle on the 28 rules presented in this brief but illuminating manifesto.  A notable aspect of Wine Bar Theory, curious title notwithstanding, is that the philosophy can be applicable to various businesses regardless of size.  Aside from the handful of points regarding the acquisition of other companies, this is book provides a solid guideline of how to conduct a respectable small business or sole-proprietorship.  That’s not to say, however, that those rules on acquisition won’t come into play later.  The basic message that runs throughout this book is one of laid-back common sense thinking that can admittedly get lost when things become more complicated in business.  Take a step back once in a while to objectively evaluate your own work and where it’s heading.  Much like wine, and the grapes used to make it, a healthy business should maintain an organic type of growth, progressively getting better with age.  Organic in the sense that no decision should be forced but rather patiently steered towards the natural, or logical next step, thus never compromising the quality of the product and the people that make up the business itself.  The most important tenet this book offers is that trust, sincerity and humility, attributes often manufactured and regurgitated in many a company policy, are never to be artificial nor neglected.  Basically be a good person (business) and good things will happen as per the golden rule, karma or whatever you wish to call it.  My advice…grab a glass of wine and kick back with this book for an evening.  It is well worth the time.