By way of intruductions...

This is my first blog post - ever.
Now that I'm actually doing it, I can't think of what to write. After reading blogs of my friends & acquaintances, I've been inspired to throw my hat in the ring (which may eventually be followed by the towel).
You see, unlike most people in the so called "blogosphere," I have opinions - a lot of opinions, and strong ones at that. With this blog, I'll be focusing more or less on wine (and other alcoholic beverages), but some of my other interests will definitely filter through as well - if all goes according to plan.

I'm a guy in his early 30's, who's been lucky enough to spend the last 10 years working in the the wine business as a buyer for a couple of retailers. During that time I've learn a lot about wine - not just the geeky particulars, but how people use wine, what place it has in our lives, and how our perceptions of wine are shaped by commerce.

Many of my friends, like Matt, often ask me questions about what I do - and through these conversations I've come to realize that most people are uncomfortable with all there is to know about wine and that much of the commercial world of wine trades on this.

I've noticed that people who are thoughtful about how they spend their money - shopping at local shops and farmers market, consuming organic produce, watching independent films, etc - will buy wine made by huge corporations, unaware of how the wines were made, marketed, and sold.

There are many in the wine business who rely on this ignorance, LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Moët & Hennessy) would rather the consumer didn't think of champagne as an agricultural product, made by real people - people like Benoit Tarlant, people who care about making great wine and put all of their efforts to that end rather than spending millions of dollars on marketing.

That's what I want to talk about on this blog. I don't want to be preachy, or come off holier than thou. I just want to let people know about what my friend Joe calls "real wine," and encourage people to think a little bit about what you pour into your glass.

So, I hope you'll join me in what I intend to be an interesting experience!

Comments

[matt]

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!

[Chicken Fried Gourmet]

Welcome to the Blogosphere, looking forward to whats to come.

[Mary]

Hi Paul,
I'm so glad that Matt tipped us off to your blog. You're just the kind of person we need around here. Welcome.

[Tina M]

Hey Paul!!
I, like Mary, am glad that Matt referred us all to your site. I am a newby "winophile" and am looking forward to learning new things that may help me enjoy my wine education more thoroughly. Good luck!!

[verena]

hello paul!
i am from austria (the south east of styria) and we have wonderful wine here too.
i am looking forward to reading more from you.
take care,
verena :)

[rp]

one post at a time, bud, and you will be hooked in no time! welcome...