Oct 31, 2019
Let me start by inviting anyone to try to paint me as a misogynist; to make the case that I’ve worked to protect the “patriarchy”; to argue that my perspective and my work and my writings have diminished the role of women in the wine industry. With that invitation issued, please someone tell me why I’m wrong to read the following and think to myself, what a bunch of crap: “What is the impact of mostly white men occupying these…
Sep 9, 2019
One of the reasons I’ve kept this blog going for so long is it provides me with a means for continuing education. By committing to regularly examining my ideas and opinions on issues of wine marketing, wine politics, culture and wine, and technology and wine, I’m able to continue to educate myself so that I better serve my clients. The wine media too, as well as the occasional beverage and regulatory conference, is also a great source of continuing education….
Jul 2, 2019
Honor your icons. Do it consistently. Recognize individual contributions. Never minimize pioneers. Accentuate your history. All these important, but too infrequently recognized, principles are on wonderful display today in the honor being paid to Charlie Barra who recently passed at the age of 92. Organic Wines Uncorked has a really lovely tribute to Mr. Barra who spent more than 70 years working in the California wine industry, primarily in Mendocino County. Among the things reported in Organic Wines Uncorked’s tribute…
May 15, 2019
The biggest frauds of the wine world are still slinging their corrosive lies. We know this because we read today that Doug Wregg’s “Real Wine Fair” and its promotion of “Natural” wine appears to still be going strong among a very small number of dupes, lost souls and the ignorant among us. Mr. Wregg is unlikely to take exception to me using the terms “fraud” or “corrosive” liar, or “ignorant” to describe him and others willing to stick to the…
Apr 17, 2019
If it wasn’t clear to you before, once you step into any wine retail setting in the state of Oregon you realize immediately that Pinot Noir is as dominant in this state as Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Blends are dominant in Napa Valley. In 2017, according to the University of Oregon’s 2017 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Report, Pinot Noir represented 2/3 of the entire value of the Oregon wine grape crop. That’s called dominance. However, what about that other 1/3…