Not all it's cracked up to be . . .

I can totally relate on this one! I love educating people about wine but after a long day of pouring wine and saying the same thing, you really do start to go a bit nuts. Love the artwork. Thanks for the great post!

Right. I forgot to answer your question. The answer is yes. When I attend tastings of this size, I look for specifics. It is white or red today? Or is it going to be France or South America? I really try to narrow it down and go in with a game plan. Especailly if I'm trying to learn something. Otherwise, it turns into a free-for-all and I can't remember anything. I do feel like these tastings are worthwhile. I always learn something, the wines are terrific and I enjoy meeting colleagues in the industry.

Not that I've ever been to an event this big, but I would definitely check out my favorite wineries first. By the way, when we spoke on the phone last Friday night, you sounded like you were pretty pooped after a full day of pouring!

smaller groups are better and more interesting. keep it simple stupid-- not
implying that you might be at all. when I do attend tastings I look for wineries that offer interesting, unusual wines.

There's a smaller tasting in May that definitely fits the bill. Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and the Sonoma County Vinters will be pouring from 2:00-5:00 at The Four Seasons Hotel. Come check us out!

Hi Kim!

Marc & I met you at the Boston Wine Expo. Glad to see that you survived! I can see why they allow special hours for the trade. In my opinion, the event was too overcrowded after 1:00PM (after trade hours). If didn't have an opportunity to met with vintners before 1PM, it wasn't worth fighting the crowds to get to the tables!

Could you send me the details about the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and the Sonoma County Vinters tasting? I'd be interested in attending the event.

Pamela @ Enobytes

Hi Pamela,
The tasting is on Thursday May 22 from 2:00-5:00 for the trade and media. It is called Sonoma In The City and will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market St. San Francisco. If you have more questions, call the Sonoma County Vintners at 707-522-5843.
If you go, stop by and say hi!

This is great! Just wanted to say hi and add that I LOVE the fact you're doing a blog!!! Very cool! I'm assuming you had some help from Lynda tell her great job and that I said hello!!

Cheers!

I am a regular attendee (and volunteer) at the Taste of Vail (Colorado) and I think all the "characters" you describe have attended. At these kinds of events, I tend to visit my favorites first - it's like a visit with an old friend. Then I rely on word of mouth during the event to discover some new wines or wineries. I realize I'm probably missing golden opportunities, but I really have never had a bad time with this approach.

Sounds like you've got the perfect system.

I remember the Taste of Vail fondly-we used to do it years ago. Wish we still could but I'm afraid there are just too many darn tastings these days!

Advantages and The

Being in the business,,,I Concur,,their are characters galore at consumer tastings, and I've met all the ones you mentioned, plus the ones you didn't. When I get a chance to get away from the table, I try to check out wines from regions or varietals I'm least familiar with. Always seeking more knowledge! Great Blog, by the way!