It’s not been quite a year since I decided to launch Wine On The Rocks and quite a bit has happened since DAY 001 and much more will happen by DAY 365… but that’s another blog entry. This entry is dedicated to my first JOINT episode with another blogger: Swiss Author and Foodie extraordinaire, Claudio Del Principe (Anonyme Köche). In addition to this episode, I also filmed a two part interview with Dieter Meier in regards to his Oranic Malbec & Malbec blends.

Episode screens:

[View with PicLens]

Claudio kinda thought I was crazy from the very beginning for even thinking of asking Dieter Meier to take part in a WOTR episode… considering I didn’t have an appointment… and was kinda just hoping he’d walk in to his own restaurant (Ojo de Agua)… and if/when he did, hoping he wouldn’t brush us off like a couple of groupies when I’d ask him to take part in my online show…

As Claudio and I were dining at Dieter Meier’s Ojo de Agua Contor back in November, who happened to walk in that very night? The man himself, Dieter Meier. A few words and laughs were exchanged and since the planets were in alignment after enjoying a bottle of his PURO Malbec, I asked Dieter if he’d take part in a Wine On The Rocks episode and he not only obliged but took part in two: the wine interview and Brazing Beef (screens above). Thanks to mobile devices with video capabilities, he liked what he saw. Which of course is a huge compliment coming from such an accomplished artist and full-out-all-rounder!

As the saying goes “Ask, and Ye shall receive!” Dieter was ON from the very beginning and all I can say is, his organic wines and meats are absolutely fabulous. The episodes were filmed in February 2010 at Dieter Meier’s Restaurant Bärengasse in downtown Zurich, one of the city’s finest culinary addresses.

Please visit:
Ojo de Agua website >>>
Restaurant Bärengasse in Zurich, SUI >>>
Anonyme Köche (German language)

This episode will be online on Thursday, May 13. Thanks go out to Dieter, Claudio and Henry Head for his help on cam.

The wine interviews (Part 001 and 002) are already online and can be viewed at www.winontherocks.com

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, God all mighty, Hallelujah. I’ve seen the light and held the hand of the Devil as I walked through the shadows. Free at last, I’m free at last. I have no idea what that means but…

If you like wine – like even this much l..l – the BLOOD INTO WINE trailer (view: bottom of article) alone should make you want more, more, more… if it doesn’t, take two aspirin and call me in the morning. I consider myself very fortunate to have received screening rights, as the chances of me being able to see BLOOD INTO WINE here in Munich are next to nil (unless of course I organise a public screening – hhhhmmmmmm, must analyse).

Flic screens:

[View with PicLens]

BLOOD INTO WINE in a nutshell:

1. Art Film
2. Documentary about winemakers in the Arizona desert
3. Tips on drinking and learning about wine
4. Anti wine snob
5. The wine world is a changin’! The way it’s presented too!
6. Starring: Maynard James Keenan and Eric Glomski
7. Directors: Ryan Page & Christopher Pomerenke
8. Director of Photography: Cary Truelick (TRUE!!!)
9. Editor: Rob Beadle (Mucho Grande!)
10. There’s more to American wine than just California.

The wine industry is going through quite a few changes (good thing), the way wine is being communicated and those doing the communicating have changed immensely (very good thing) and the timing of a documentary like Blood Into Wine definitely couldn’t be better (even better thing).

I’ll say it plain and simply, it’s my favourite wine documentary. Not just because:

1. it stars Maynard Keenan,
2. it’s fabulously shot and edited,
3. it’s funny,
4. the soundtrack is great,
5. it doesn’t take itself too seriously,
6. the characters are real and quite the characters to boot,
7. there’s no bullshit (OK, maybe just a bit – but those are the funny parts)
8. It’s Full-HD
9. Did I mention funny?
10. It explains wine in a easy to understand manner.

…but due to the fact that it’s watchable for 100 minutes.

Like many documentaries made in the past decade, it tackles the “big wine industry” and “wine critic” subject but they aren’t fighting it as some do – it’s accepted as a reality and co-existence is inevitable. In my opinion, this is due to the fact that Maynard has probably met his share of jackals in the music business and this is harmless compared to that.

In addition, the fact that this is a documentary about two people (Maynard Keenan and Eric Glomski) who’ve decided to set up shop in the Arizona Desert – of all places – is constantly present. Vines could have been planted in a number of “easier” places on the planet but these boys chose the desert.

Nothing comes easy! Not only does Maynard mention this towards the end of the film but you really do experience the fact that there’s immense passion involved… and it’s not like they’re trying to hide the fact that it’s a business either – figures are mentioned and it’s not Monopoly money!

Now some’ll probably say “Maynard’s wines sell because of Maynard and this film got made because of him too…” And I’d say you’re right to a certain point – he can get the word out there easier than most but in the end, the product has to speak for itself.

Note: I have yet to try Maynard’s and Eric’s wines, as they’re not available in Germany. Well, not that I know of.

What I think you will get out of this film:

1. Starting up a winery isn’t all romance (you’re probably too tired to screw at the end of the day anyway)
2. Treading a new path is anything but easy
3. Treading a new path is more satisfying
4. It’s possible to grow things in the desert – and make good things out of these things (such as wine)
5. You have to trust your own palate
6. Maynard rocks in more ways than one
7. Wine is for everyone
8. Wine has a way of getting into your veins and not letting go – I don’t mean alcoholism
9. There are options on the wine market, you just have to discover them (when you find them, never settle for second best – start demanding!! Change? Yes we can!)
10. Starting a winery and making it successful takes just as much cash as it does passion
11. Sustainability is the only true way

Who do I think will like this movie?

1. People just discovering wine (decent tips)
2. Tool, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle fans
3. Fans of art movies and well made documentaries
4. People who pride themselves on not settling for second best
5. People who DON’T like the stuffiness that often accompanies wine
6. Fans of the Bikini Bandits (www.bikinibandits.com)

Who do I think won’t like this movie?

1. People who DO like the stuffiness that often accompanies wine

And to those people I say… Fuck you G-MART!

Some of you may say – you’re only pushing BLOOD INTO WINE cuz you’re breakin’ with tradition by doin’ the wine & rock thing and you only wanna meet Maynard & Eric!

And to those people I say… YES! And of course… Fuck you G-MART!

Hallelujah – I’ve seen the light! www.bloodintowine.com

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The European Wine Blogger’s Conference is announcing its 2010 location in Vienna, Austria, on October 22-24!

Last year’s conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal, brought together over 120 bloggers, social media innovators and wine industry leaders from 14 different countries. Compared to the first edition, held in 2008 in Logroño, Spain, participation tripled, with very positive results. After the event, the bloggers provided a wealth of feedback online by means of articles, photos, videos and tweets, all praising this exceptional experience and the warm hospitality, friendliness, beauty and gastronomy of the host country.

For more information, please visit the European Wine Bloggers Conference site —>

Being confronted with 1000 wines and an expected attendance of 4000 people, there are surely a few things to think about when it comes to attending a wine event – the BIBENDUM ANNUAL TASTING 2010 is no exception. Here are a few tips :-) Look forward to seeing you there!

BIBENDUM ANNUAL TASTING SURVIVAL GUIDE

1. RSVP and then print off email confirmation ticket. This will help you get tasting double quick when you arrive
2. Schedule nothing else for the 20th January 2010 – you might want to stay all day!
3. Have the breakfast of champions that morning…tasting is tough work…
4. Put your lucky tasting pants on…the right way round. This will really aid mobility
5. Get involved in the educational tasting trails on the day
6. Save some space for your lunchtime bento box (Yay!)
7. Bring your phone, blackberry, iphone and camera….and be prepared to use them
8. Tell us exactly what you think about the tasting, the wines, the fashion, the lack of fashion and the day in general. How? See point 7
9. Have a blast and learn a lot

For those of you living in or visiting London on JAN 20, the annual Bibendum Tasting at the Saatchi Gallery is an event not to be missed. The biggest problem at such events is not which wine to taste but which wine to taste first – luxury problems I like to call them. 1000 wines, 200 producers and a fantastic location to boot.

I’ve added this event to my schedule upon hearing how well it’s put together and the Bibendum team is allowing me inside with my camera and has given me carte-blanche when it comes to doing interviews as well. Thank you Bibendum :-) See you there!

For more info, please read on (info available on the Bibendum Times website) -

Event Information

There’s nothing else like a Bibendum Annual Tasting. It’s a full frontal onslaught on all the senses and if you’ve never experienced it before then we suggest that Bibendum Times at the Saatchi Gallery is the perfect place to start.

The annual tasting features over 1,000 brilliant bottles from more than 200 winemakers, all there to share their passion with you on the day. View some of the producers already confirmed to attend or download the full list of all attending producers as a PDF. More than just a tasting, it’s a chance to join all of us at Bibendum for a massive celebration of all things wine. It’s the biggest day of our year, mainly because it’s when we get to meet all of you.

Bibendum Times is all about where we are now, where we’re going and all the fun we’re all going to have along the way. On the day you’ll have the chance to get involved in all sorts of new ways; not just through sampling some of the best wines from around the world (don’t worry, there will be no shortage of that!) but also on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube, even the technophobes among you! So RSVP now and we’ll see you on the day!

When: 20^th January 2010 9.30am – 7.00pm

Where:  Saatchi Gallery, Kings Road, London, SW3 4SQ

Gambero Rosso’s “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) world tour has become a highlight in many a wine lover’s calendar and on February 01, 2010 the show will be hitting Munich and held at the BMW Museum.

The event highlights some of Italy’s top wines and many of the producers travel to take part in this coveted event. The Munich venue will be held at the famous BMW Museum, Olympiapark 2, 80809 Munich – doors open for press and industry at 2:00 pm and at 4:00 pm for consumers. The event ends at 7:00 pm.

I will be attending the event and hope to get some of Italy’s finest producers in front of the mic… maybe they’ll have an opinion on who’d win illustrious caged matches!

Another Gambero Rosso event to look out for is the Top Italian Wines Roadshow 2010

Zurich: NOV30 2009
Moscow: DEC02  2009
Copenhagen: JAN 2010
Berlin: JAN20 2010
Paris: FEB16 2010
Brussels: FEB17 2010
London: MAR09 2010
Warsaw: MAR10 2010

————————————-

In der Ausgabe 2010 des „Vini d´Italia“ wurden diesmal 391 Drei-Gläser-Prämierungen vergeben. Erfolgreichste Weinregion ist einmal mehr das Piemont mit 84 Spitzenweinen. Platz zwei belegt die Toskana mit 60 Top-Weinen.

Eine einmalige Gelegenheit zur Verkostung eines Großteils dieser italienischen Top-Weine sowie zum informativen Gespräch mit den anwesenden Winzern, Önologen und Experten haben Fachhändler, Gastronome und alle Weininteressierten auch diesmal wieder.

Wann:
Montag, den 1. Februar 2010

ab 14:00 Uhr (für Fachbesucher aus Weinhandel und Gastronomie)
ab 16:00 Uhr (für Publikum). Die Veranstaltung endet um 19:00 Uhr

Wo:
im BMW Museum, Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München.

Kartenvorverkauf:

für Fachbesucher
Karten zu 35 € über www.gamberorosso.it

für Publikumsbesucher
Karten zu 30 €  bei MünchenTicket sowie an der Tageskasse

Now this isn’t exactly NEW news, but whoever said I was quick on the uptake. ACT NOW WHILE YOU STILL CAN – BE HEARD MY FRIENDS, BE HEARD!! Many of you may already know that some silly German politicians (for one, cough, cough – Kurt Beck, glad the SPD has taken a nose dive) have decide to push plans through in order to build the B50, a bridge spanning 1,7 KM, in the Mosel Valley (Germany’s largest bridge!).

Not only will this “kinda” ruin the natural beauty of the area but also damage natural resources and destroy cultural wealth built up over thousands of years – the world renown and loved Mosel Riesling!

Now this doesn’t mean that it will affect all Riesling producers in the Mosel Valley, but it will affect more than enough. “Who cares” you may ask? Well it’s exactly that type of mentality which is taking us to hell in a handbasket faster than a Porsche GT3 on a German Autobahn! Get it?

Reasons to sign the petition:
1. This bridge will only save commuters approx. 30 minutes. That’s it?? And they want to spend hundreds of Millions of Euros (270 M to be exact, projected, which means double that!!) – part of which are my hard earned Euros!!! Bastards!!
2. World famous Riesling vineyards will be affected.
3. The eco-systems in towns such as Ürzig, Zeltingen, Wehlen, Graach and Bernkastel are at risk. Who gives a hoot? OK, let them build a bridge in your backyard and let’s talk in 10 years… while they’re at it, let them add a couple of cell phone antennas and electrical masts.
4. Huge negative effect on tourism.
5. 7 years of planned construction… hehe, YA RIGHT! Make it a double, Charlie!!!
6. It’s a cultural bashing – and not just on wine culture!
7. Godzilla will possibly damage that little church in the foreground of the pic since he will more than likely use fire on his path of destruction when this monster gets built!

Save the Mosel Valley and crush the B50 before Godzilla does. Contact Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel: Yes, she would love to hear from you!!! Trust me on this one!!

Sign the petition here. Scroll down a bit for the English version.

Don’t let me ramble on since I’m not even a writer. You’ll find much better articles here (by real writers):
- JancisRobinson.com
- Decanter
- Harper’s Wine & Spirit
- S.A. Wine Information
- Bibendum Times

Keep on keepin’ ON!

What a whirlwind week it’s been. Miss Earlywood and I flew in to Lisbon a couple of days early in order to take in the Lisbon sights, scene, food and wine – the calm before the storm.

Take 1 – You have to visit Lisbon

I love this city! Not too big and not too small. Big enough to fill 3-4 days without having the feeling you’ve missed anything. Lots to discover.

Take 2 – Culinary treats, great value wines out the yin-yang and man, do they know their coffee

My favourite place to eat was RESTAURANTE BEIRA GARE (R. Primeiro de Dezembro), a stone’s throw from the Theatre. As the first rule of thumb goes – if the locals eat there, you should too. This is not the kind of place to go on a first date since the set-up is all but romantic but if you happen to score on the night of your first date after it being spent in that “other place” (and yes, that goes for the gals too), it’s the place to “regenerate” the day after with a medley of tasty tid-bits, protein loaded bacalhau and vinho verde… then go home and start all over again. Yes, you know what I mean. Recommendation: the pork sandwiches if pork is your thing!!! Yummé!

Coffee – I had the fortune of enjoying every cup ordered. Even the drip coffee in the hotel (VIP Hotel Lisbon – viphotels.com) was very good. In a perfect world, great coffee would be served everywhere. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world.

Take 3 – The EWBC an overview

Thanks to Gabriella and Ryan Opaz (Catavino.net) in coop with Andrea and Emidio of the Adegga team (adegga.com) and Robert McIntosh of (wineconversation.com), the conference was a huge success. The logistic details for such an event are endless and everything worked like a fine oiled machine. When Robert asked “Who can’t connect to the internet?” in a room with 100 people and only four raised their hand, my thought was WOW! Only 4? And you know what? Andre and Emidio DID get those four people online.

Not only were the conference sessions well organised, questions & open discussions were encouraged and many took part. The eclectic mix of participants, languages, backgrounds and projects was overwhelming. Everyone mingled, there was absolutely no feeling of competition and everyone seemed to be genuinely interested in what others were doing.

The events organised around the conference had something for everyone and the sponsors didn’t skimp a bit. Very impressed I was and kudos to the progressive Portuguese wine scene. A definite highlight in anyone’s calendar, a guided tasting with the Douro Boys (douroboys.com) which took place on Friday the 31st! And not only that, followed up by a trip to Douro with the Boys opening up their cellars and dining rooms for the lucky 30 or so who were lucky enough to take part on the following Monday and Tuesday. My head is still spinning. Another tip when visiting the Douro Valley – Aquapura Hotel (aquapurahotels.com). There’s 5 star and there’s 5 star. Enough said!

There were also various trips on the Sunday, three to be exact, to choose from. Miss Earlywood and I chose to go to Tejo where we visited Quinta da Lagoalva to take part in a wine tasting as well as visit their cork oak groves and then on to visit Amorim, the world’s largest cork producer.

Not to mention the fabulous and numerous wine tastings and dinners organised around the conference. I now have to go on a diet – but that’s nothing new.

Take 4 – The EWBC and why I hope it takes place in 2010

The Wine Blogging scene in Europe is quite large but in my opinion it’s puttering along with quick tools and is having trouble shifting gears because of it… keeping up at such a quick pace without a map isn’t easy. But the great thing is, everyone I met loves to drive and wants to get better at it (myself included). None of the participants were resting on their laurels and progression was surely the general objective, regardless of how long or how often one’s been blogging or has been in the wine industry – and yes, there were some very seasoned professionals in attendance.

The energy and motivational level was very high and the feeling you were taking part in something new, something with potential, was quite electric. The only way is up and that’s a good thing.

In my opinion, it’s extremely important that the EWBC take place in 2010, regardless of where it is, in order to keep up the momentum currently won. The objective should be to progress exponentially by next year and take things to the next level. Without a goal such as the EWBC to look forward to, it will surely be more difficult.

I would love to see people working more collectively. Not just by adding buddy links but through creative exchange. If you feel you’re missing a resource (photography, writing, video, tech stuff, whatever…) find it one way or another and give back. We aren’t going to do this as loners.

Take 5 – What I’d like to see at the EWBC in 2010

Blogger Case Studies – a yearly review of three or four blogs based on the practical use of things learned at the 2009 EWBC.

Video Blogging Workshop (hardware, software, conception shooting, editing and sound basics) Choosing 2 or 3 volunteers to conceive a EWBC trailer, shoot footage over 2 days time, edit it on the spot and have a showing at the closing dinner?

Hhhmmmm – more to come if I think of anything! Any suggestions??

In conclusion – an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. I met so many people I can’t wait to see again and you know what? I’m sure I will!

You can expect a vid soon and I’d love to hear your feedback :-)

FB

PS: In addition to those mentioned above, greetings also go out to the following people (in random order) – thanks for adding to the great time I had:

20 Dollar Wine Blog – Jason Mancebo
Reign of Terroir – Ken Payton
Wine and Dined – Jill and Andi Freedmann
Spiltwine – Louis Villard
Uncorked in the Alps – Julia Sevenich
1000corks.com – Sam CRUSHER KOWALSKI
Art After Science – Zev Robinson
Miss Vicky Wine – Anne-Victoire Monrozier
MocaMedia – Gwen Alston
The Wine Maestro – Brett Jones (man, why weren’t you on the Benny Hill cast??)
Dan Carbon – Symington Family Estates
BKWine – Per Karlsson

The 2009 European Wine Bloggers Conference (EWBC) will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from October 30 – November 1, 2009. Bringing together bloggers of all backgrounds including: winemakers, wine writers, marketers, foodies, retailers and distributors from around the world, this year’s conference will address, “The Future of the Social Wine Brand”.

Founded and organized by Gabriella and Ryan Opaz of Catavino, and Robert McIntosh of The Wine Conversation, the 2008 conference, in La Rioja, Spain, was the first international event for Wine Bloggers and the first of a growing series of conferences and events under the “Wine Bloggers Conference” banner. In addition to the annual European event, there is also an annual US event based in California and plans to include a series of local events beginning in 2009 and 2010. Our goal is to create a network of wine bloggers across the globe to spread information, broaden the culture of wine, improve industry standards, and above all else, create a physical space to communicate and share ideas.

The Social Wine Brand is the sum of interactions and relationships created by a wine brand through social media platforms in order to improve its overall sales. Bloggers are key to this process and the EWBC will bring together bloggers, with different roles to play, to learn from each other – wineries who are creating the brands, reviewers who are evaluating and sharing them, and retailers who are delivering the brands to the customer and generating the revenue in this value chain.

The 2009 European Wine Bloggers Conference programme will include several panel sessions addressing topical subjects for all online wine communicators, as well as several streams of smaller group sessions to generate and nurture some practical discussions.

The 100 wine bloggers expected at the EWBC 2009 will not only attend a wide range of educational sessions, but also visit several key wineries within easy reach of Lisbon in addition to a host of traditional Portuguese meals. The entire event will provide ample opportunity for bloggers to experience the food, wine and culture of Portugal, all while discussing issues pertinent to the future of the social wine brand.