Comments on: The People’s Wine Press

By: 1WineDude

1WineDude — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:56:59 +0000

viva la revolution!

By: gabriellaopaz

gabriellaopaz — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:39:03 +0000

Tania, thank you for your continued support! We realize that it's difficult to convey the message regarding the importance of social media and blogging, but it's extremely important if they want their brand to be easily accessible to the international market. And as always, if there is ever any questions you have, please never hesitate to contact us.

By: tania branco oliveira

tania branco oliveira — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:22:27 +0000

Luís de Camões, big and not so well loved Portuguese writer said “Times change, wills change. The being changes, the trust changes; the all word is composed by changes, always taking new qualities”.
I think that for some people change is just so hard… it’s easier to be against that to work with… just don’t give it a lot of attention…
Honestly I think you speak for different audience, different target… yours is bigger than his and after all… it’s you that are changing the wine industry! I’ve been reading the things you and other famous wine bloggers write and it’s just great to see the comments that people leave, how interested they are… you communicate with them and that what is important and new!
I was present at your workshop in Essência do Vinho and it was the first time I heard about Gary and other famous wine bloggers… You made me open my eyes to a new reality and I just have to thank you for that.
One of my concerns at the moment is to inform consumers and small producers (the big already know about you) about your job and I’m doing it with a lot of pleasure.
Keep on the good work!

By: Leo Baduria

Leo Baduria — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:34:52 +0000

Excellent piece Gabriella!

The days of influential wine critics like Robert Parker are numbered. Sure, they will continue to have suckers for followers but, sooner or later, most wine lovers are smart enough to find the courage to start making their own choices and walk away from dependency on 90-point ratings. Wine blogs have certainly made wine reviews democratic!

By: RichardA

RichardA — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:14:16 +0000

Not sure if it came across sufficiently, but my Civil War comment was meant as a joke. Just considering how the Revolutionary War was eventually followed by the U.S. Civil War. I don't think there is any Civil War right now, or that anyone is pushing for one.

By: gabriellaopaz

gabriellaopaz — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:27:02 +0000

You bring up a very good point Richard, and I appreciate you putting it out here. And for the record, Tom, and anyone else in this particular camp, is welcome with open arms to the EWBC in Lisbon. I am far from interested in creating a civil war. What I would rather foster is a joint effort to reach the same goal – further developing ways to better educate the consumer.

By: winehiker

winehiker — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:55:25 +0000

Gabriella, you are none but a radical, an extremist, a mutineer! And this colonist appreciates thy fine parable.

By: quevedo

quevedo — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:26:33 +0000

I understand Mr Parker's point. He is the most respected wine writer and he wants to continue in that position. With the emerging of the wine social media he had two options: to join the community and continue his leadership or to fight the community and destroy it. He preferred the second. Now it is our job to show him he was wrong.

By: Justin

Justin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:08:58 +0000

It's a good post. I think this is exactly the way the wind is blowing.

By: RichardA

RichardA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:22:54 +0000

Hi Gabriella:
I find myself disagreeing with your characterization of Parker as a monarch. Though he may be the most influential wine writer, he does not rule alone. There are other influential wine writers as well, for example some of those from the Wine Spectator. To me, it might be better to consider them an Aristocracy.

As most commonly used, an Aristocracy usually refers to an elite ruling body, and often with a hereditary element. Though if we return to the terms roots, in ancient Greek, it meant “rule by the best.” Though that has drastically changed over the centuries.

What many might refer to as the old school wine writers, like Parker, have long formed such an “elite” group, generally resistant to outsiders. And, there may even be a hereditary element as well. Consider how Parker brought in new writers to the Wine Advocate, to follow in his shoes.

I don't believe the “empire” or “aristocracy” has yet been overthrown. They still wield great power though some inroads have been made by bloggers. There is still a lengthy road ahead for bloggers. As you said, there is still “confusion, growing pains and questions.” And it is great that the blogger conferences are trying to help with those issues.

And let us hope we don't eventually get torn apart by a blogger Civil War.