Labrusca is the Latin name of the naturally growing grapevine. It is not a cross-breed made for an exotic or distinctive purpose, but grows and produces grapes in nature by its own right contrary to more sophisticated and delicate vines. Labrusca can under normal conditions live longer than humans, and is incredibly resilient to harsh weather conditions such as cold, snow and heat as opposed to most grapevines. It has been an enduring, sturdy and highly reliable nutrient for mankind over the ages. We like to think that our fundamental approach to investing has many of the same characteristics to produce wealth.

Grapevines are thought to be native to the area near the Caspian Sea, in south-western Asia. Seeds of grapes were found in excavated dwellings of the Bronze-age in south-central Europe (3500-1000 BC), indicating early movement beyond its native range. Egyptian hieroglyphics detail the culture of grapes and wine making in 2440 BC. The Phoenicians carried wine cultivars to Greece, Rome, and southern France before 600 BC, and Romans spread the grape throughout Europe. Grapes moved to the Far East via traders from Persia and India. When the Scandinavian Vikings in their world travels discovered North America, they called it ”vinland” – the land of the wine, because of the Labrusca strain encountered there.

Labrusca is able to adapt and produce the best from whatever environment it encounters. The grapes are not considered great grapes for wine producing, and are more suitable for sweet foods. We are not to be considered global connoisseurs of wines, but we will use our long term investment philosophy to find the best global opportunities to grow our client’s assets – and with our fund we can yield the best risk adjusted return from all weather (market) conditions that will be present.

Hence, Labrusca seemed to be the perfect inspirational name for our family office.

We will strive be as cautious and as enduring as the name implies; and hopefully this will result in the continuation of our record of superior long term results.