Comments on: What’s it all about….EWBC?

By: David McDuff

David McDuff — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:19:29 +0000

Thanks for the quick response, Alastair. And thanks for adding me to your blogroll. I’ve returned the gesture.

cheers,
David

By: Gabriella Opaz

Gabriella Opaz — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:21:17 +0000

Jose Eduardo, I might suggest that you are indeed a wine blogger. Albeit new to the scene, you are still sharing with us your stories from your winery, have RSS and are accepting and responding to comments. Hence, I would absolutely call you a blogger, and clearly, a passionate one at that.

What I think was so wonderful about this conference is that we attempted to bridge the gap between personal, wine journalist, retail, winery and potentially, wine consultant bloggers. We all share a desire to interact with wine, as well as share our passion with others in a very positive and collaborative way.

Do we know where we are going with our newfound discoveries from the conference? No, but I don’t think it matters. As Alastair so beautifully pointed out, “there is room for some serendipity”

By: Alastair Bathgate

Alastair Bathgate — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:28:12 +0000

Hi David

That is a very easy one. A big YES.

It was very interesting to meet other bloggers and equally the wine tastings and winery visits were worth the trip on their own.

The expenditure was remarkably low thanks to the organisers who secured sponsorship and negotiated good hotel rates.

If I could be in California for the USWBC I would be. Assuming you attend, say hello to Doug Cook from Able Grape for me.

BTW – I like your blog and have added to my blogroll.

By: David McDuff

David McDuff — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:58:24 +0000

Hello Alastair,
As I’m still giving consideration to attending the US WBC in October, I appreciate your thoughts on the EWBC. Let me ask you a simple question, if I may. Did you find the overall experience worth the time and expenditure?

By: José Eduardo

José Eduardo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:51:36 +0000

Allow an opinion of a non-wine blogger on this matter! It’s quite clear that all of this is quite in the beginning and directions are still being searched. That was the feeling I had when the discussion subject was “To point or not to point in blogging” or “How to earn money (monetize) with wine blogging”. We/They want to be different and do it brand new in this new platform, but at the same time they are not so sure about it. And I understand why, I think, they have to break the circle and contact the outer world to reach the real “masses” of Wine Buyers (not wine drinkers) and see what’s their feedback.

Al, it was a real pleasure to have exchanged a few thoughts. Cheers!”

By: Andre Ribeirinho

Andre Ribeirinho — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:31:48 +0000

I agree with Gianpaolo. I believe there is a stronger reason why we all joined in Rioja. We can see some light at the end of the tunnel but we don’t see what is generating it.

It was a pleasure to meet you!

By: Alastair Bathgate

Alastair Bathgate — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:49:22 +0000

Thanks All.

To conclude the saga you will be pleased to hear that my bag sent a postcard from Palermo saying the weather was nice.

It eventually turned up at London Stansted at midnight last night. One of the wine bottles had shattered, leaving shards of glass in my clothes and a good stink of English wine everwhere!

Sorry you never got a chance to try the wine – next time eh?

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:18:46 +0000

very good points! I hadn’t read this while we talked yesterday, but lots to think about

I trust you, and your bag, got home OK in the end

Very glad you could make it and I look forward to getting together again very soon

By: gianpaolo

gianpaolo — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:12:13 +0000

I think we are all wondering about the meaning of it all, but from my side I can certainly say that there must be one, otherwise we wouldn’t all be happy to have been and to meet with each other. Nice meeting you, I hope your bag enjoyed Palermo.

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:05:07 +0000

Good post Alastair. I´m sure we´ll work it all out eventually…