Sep 5, 2008
I suppose there is probably no possibility that the term "Port" will be removed from the list of placenames that the U.S. and he European Union have agreed will not be used on products originating from the States. What a shame too, because this term, Port, really shouldn’t not be on such a list alongside the likes of "Burgundy", "Champagne", or Bordeaux. I was reminded of this mistake made by America’s trade negotiators when I came across this article in…
Aug 27, 2008
I am absolutely fascinated by the initial discussions that have resulted from Rodney Strong Winery’s program of sending samples of a new wine to a selection of wine bloggers. The PR initiative is described here by Dr. Debs, here by Tim Elliot of ACAN Media, and here by Jeff at The Good Grape, and here by Mike Duffy of Winery Website Report. What appears to be different or unique about Rodney Strong sending samples of its new Rockaway wine to…
Aug 15, 2008
Well, the gauntlet was certainly thrown down today. Is the "Napa Valley" Brand in decline? Is it faltering in the face of increased competition. Is it possible that the marketing powerhouse that is Napa Valley Cabernet hasn’t kept up with the competition? Bill Ryan, a columnist at the Napa Valley Register, essentially told his readers (those in the wine industry), either change your marketing ways or see the demise of Napa Valley as the premier wine region in the New…
Aug 8, 2008
I hope I’ll be forgiven, in this case, of trying to figure out what utility an "Electronic Tongue" able to identify a wine and it’s chemical make up has for my own life and career. As it turns out, I can already identify what’s in a wine pretty much by looking at the label on the wine. So what’s in it for me, a lowly wine PR dude and wine drinker? To be sure, I understand what the scientists find…
Aug 1, 2008
Yesterday I made one of my favorite summertime meals, one I’ve not executed in a very long time: Vichyssoise and Crostini with roasted garlic, goat cheese and parsley. I set down the meal on the table, called the family to supper, sat down, watched my son dig into the Vichyssoise and then heard him declare: "What is this?" "Vichyssoise!," I responded. His retort: "Isn’t it just cold soup?" And there I realized that I had inadvertently raised a boy who…