Our four-person undergraduate business team competed in the CORE Case Competition as Elevate Consulting. The challenge centered on Château de Vallois, a prestigious French wine estate, and asked us to propose a growth strategy that balanced innovation with the preservation of heritage and luxury. We examined the winery’s dependence on négociants, its limited direct-to-consumer presence, and the operational constraints that restricted scalability. Our analysis also incorporated competitor benchmarking and market trends, including the rise of experiential marketing and the growing influence of Millennial and Gen Z luxury consumers.

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To address these challenges, we introduced our solution, “Legacy Uncorked,” a two-phase strategy designed to sustain exclusivity while expanding reach. Stage one focused on offering exclusive estate experiences—vineyard tours, luxury tastings, and private dinners—to build consumer loyalty and deepen brand prestige. Stage two introduced a limited direct-to-consumer second-label wine crafted from the estate’s secondary grapes, strategically targeted toward younger consumers. This hybrid model created opportunities for new revenue streams, stronger customer relationships, and sustainable growth, while minimizing the risks of brand dilution. We reinforced our solution with a five-year implementation timeline, projected KPIs, and financial modeling showing a ~71% net profit margin.

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We delivered a 10-minute presentation to an esteemed panel of judges and demonstrated how our strategy would preserve Château de Vallois’s legacy while positioning it for long-term success in the evolving global wine market. Through collaboration, strategic analysis, and creative problem-solving, our team showcased a comprehensive and innovative approach that ultimately earned us first place in the competition. This recognition reflected both the strength of our solution and our ability to clearly communicate complex business ideas under pressure.