A bunch of crazy wine bloggers!

Last weekend I took a couple of days off to play.  Well, and maybe to work a bit too, learn a bit, taste a bit, and to exchange ideas. The occasion was the European Wine Bloggers Conference, the location was the city of Logroño, in the beautiful Rioja region of Spain.  The conference was organized by Ryan & Gabriella Opaz of Catavino and Robert McIntosh of The Wine Conversation.  We spent three days eating drinking and getting to know each other, 40 wine bloggers from all over Europe.  It was a blast!  Ryan, Gabriella and Robert did such an amazing job organizing the whole event, we all owe them a huge round of applause for a flawless conference. 

Between all of the wine tasting and delicious meals, we did actually do some work.  There were three very interesting round table discussions all with the participation of different participants, bringing varying perspectives to each topic.  I was on the panel that discussed the use of point scales on wine blogs and whether they were appropriate and/or necessary.  Ryan led the discussion and we were also joined by André Riberinho of Adegga.  It was quite a lively discussion, and I for one definitely walked away from the discussion of whether or not points are important for a winery.  In my ideal world, I could sell my wine simply based on the fact that it's imported by Kermit Lynch (USA) or Martin Kössler (Germany),  that it has a nice label, that I write a funny blog, and that the wine is good!  Apparently though, there are people our there that like points though, big points.  It seems if you can get your wine rated by someone who counts at 92 points or above, that gets a lot of people's attention, and you can even sell your wine for more money.  Interesting.  Sometimes I forget that we're actually trying to make money doing this, Matt and other people often have to remind me. 

Speaking of making money, that was another round-table discussion, throwing around ideas of how, as bloggers we might be able to make some money from our musings.  We have a ways to go on that subject, but it certainly was interesting.  The other round table was on wine blog writing, the ways in which it is different from print media and the similarities. 

We also visited several wineries in the region and had the opportunity to understand the terroir and the different philosophies behind winemaking in the region.  There are many similarities and many differences when comparing it to southern France.  We saw multi-million dollar installations and smaller more humble wineries, some dating back several generations, others only a decade or so.  One thing that is really quite different is that almost without exception, the wines are aged in oak barrels, and are released several years later than we release them here.  I could go into all of the rules, but I don't want to bore everyone!

All in all, it was an amazing event, and I think that everyone left feeling like they benefitted from their attendance.  We all made lots of new friends and contacts, we all have new acquaintances in other wine regions and countries of Europe.  I was disappointed that I was the only representative of the French wine blogging community, and that was a shame because there are lots and lots of excellent French wine blogs out there!  I guess I'll have to rally the troups for the next edition!  If you read French and are interested in discovering some new blogs check out Vitiblog.

Once again congratulations, and a huge heart felt thanks to Ryan, Gabriella and Robert!

PS: you can see some great footage and interviews with some of the participants at : Vinus TV

Comments

[Andre Ribeirinho]

It was great meeting you!
We had lots of fun and your feedback was very important.

Will try the wine one of these days.

Cheers,
André

ps: I love your truck driver picture I see on some sites. :)

[Iris]

If you can convince the organizers to choose a moment less close to our wine-harvest here in the South, I will accompany you with enormous pleasure next time, to "fortify" the French delegation:-)

[Robert]

Nice to meet you too and thanks for the kind words

I hear there was a lot of bad weather in your area in the last few days - nothing affecting you I hope!?

[Gabriella Opaz]

Interestingly, we were just talking about need for a stronger French delegation yesterday on the New Wine Consumer radio show. And of course, because no dates have been set for next year's event, we will of course keep your suggestion in mind Iris. Thanks for sharing it.

As for you Amy, we equally thank you for taking time out of your busy harvest schedule to come join us. Granted, we knew that we could tempt you with the word "sherry", but I am pleased to know that you took something away from the event. And of course, we are always open to suggestions. So please keep them coming!

Cheers!

[ryan]

It was an honor to meet a celebrity winemaker such as yourself! :) Seriously it was a ton a fun and I look forward to next time.
Iris, we'll try to get away from the harvest time, and hopefully you can join us! Cheers

[Emilio Saez van Eerd]

It was great meeting you. Your blog is one of my sources of inspiration. I still would like to know how to get your wine here to Spain, or Valencia to review it on our blog, together with the wines of the other winery blogs.

Let's talk soon after the harvest!

Emilio

[José Eduardo]

Dear Amy,

It was a real pleasure to meet you in person on the EWBC2008. Hope that the weather clears and allows you to have your harvest.From sunshine Portugal, José Eduardo

[Justin Roberts]

Hi Amy

It was really good to meet you at the EWBC. I've been hiding out near Cahors since (so I know all about the rain). Got back to Jerez yesterday.

Justin