One of the defining aspects of on-line wine content today is that it has become increasingly difficult to track what is available on the Internet, whether you are a consumer or a member of the trade. This is as much so for myself—who has a job that requires tracking of wine content—as it is for the average (or even above average) wine consumer. And so when I come across new sources of wine content and information that arouse my interest…
"How do you possibly post to you blog so frequently and where do you get your ideas on what to write about?" The query was submitted by a newish wine blogger who called me and wanted to get some advice. What he didn't know was that when he asked the question, I found myself, and still find myself, with a severe case of writers blog. The irony didn't sit well with me. The idea of writers block is pretty foreign…
What can be expected in the wine world in 2012? What trends will move the industry in 2012? These are questions I think about more often this time of year if only because I find myself more reflective as the year ends and another arrives. These are the trends I see being most prominent in the wine industry in 2012. CONTINUED REFORM OF WINE REGULATIONSAfter elections in Washington State that got the government out of the business of selling spirits…
Sitting back and watching the mirth, outrage, smugness and concern issued by other watchers of the most current turn of events at Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, I'm reminded just how important, powerful and relevant the critics are to the Wine Trade. I'm further struck by how these events and the reaction to them shine a light on the very complex relationship that has developed between Mr. Parker and others in the world of wine. By most accounts and from what…
What an interesting year in wine. Legal battles, political battles, movements rising, technology, new markets, and changes in the media led the news. Here are my top wine stories for 2011 A SMALL CRACK IN THE WALL: Initiative 1183 Takes Washington Out of the Booze Business and Into the 21st CenturyIt has been a long time since a state abandoned its control of the alcohol marketplace and turned it over to the private sector. Initiative 1183 in Washington State did…
