Hello my people. I don’t have a savvy intro for you today. I’ll just say I’ve got some interesting projects on the go, so stay tuned for more from me. In the meantime, please enjoy your weekly wine-newsy roundup. Cheers!
The Rhone Rangers Experience—2022
categories: Wine
This past weekend I had the pleasure—nay, the honor—of moderating the featured tasting and seminar at the 2022 Rhone Rangers Experience. It was a special event for several reasons. Top of most people’s minds is the fact that this annual tradition had to take the obligatory COVID-pause. So, of course, it was wonderful to see friends and colleagues from across the US gather together and, yes, even hug.
For me, the opportunity to participate goes a bit deeper. The Rhone Rangers was one of (if not the) first event I’d ever attended in a pseudo-professional capacity. Back in those days, I was but a newbie freelancer writing for just a few small outlets, and pretty much just getting paid in wine samples and event tickets. And so it was, the lovely Girls on Food blog ‘hired’ me to attend the SF Rhone Rangers event, complete with VIP tickets for the seminar and media-only portion of the walk-around tasting. (I wish I could find the link to the original article…)
Green as I was to the wine-scene, little did I know the characters I was meeting—Randall Grahm, Bob Lindquist, Neil Collin and Jason Haas—were ‘celebrities’ of wine history. Maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t, because they each became wonderful acquaintances and, in the case of Randall and Jason, I do in fact consider them friends. It also allowed me to make quick friends with smaller producers, like Larry Schaffer (tercero wines) and of course the boys over at Crux and eventually others, like Bob and Maggie Tillman over at Alta Colina.
Whether big name or small producer, the Rhone Rangers—these boots-on-the-ground, passionate producers of wine—have always welcomed me with open arms, a generous attitude, and have been critical in my pursuing my wine passion.
Anyway, my point is that it is nice that my Rhone Rangers Experience has, in effect, come full circle. The shy blogger girl who once was, returned as an experienced wine industry reporter, journalist, and editor—just as open and eager to learn from these exciting, innovative winemakers.
Latest Wine Headlines: February 12—18
Hello my people and happy weekend—happy long weekend for those who may have the three-day due to President’s Day on Monday. What is up with me, you ask? Well this weekend, I’ll be moderating the Rhone Rangers Experience in Paso Robles. Looking forward to seeing folks I haven’t seen in awhile, making some new friends, and of course tasting some fabulous wines.
What else? Oh yes, I’ve started teaching WSET classes, most recently at the newly created Odyssey Wine Academy. It’s so wonderful to share the knowledge and passion I’ve acquired over the years through my studies with fellow wine enthusiasts.
Alright, that’s all of my selfish news. You can find the real news below. Enjoy!
Latest Wine Headlines: February 6—11
Happy weekend, all. And for those of you who celebrate—Happy Valentine’s Day weekend-ing. Remember all that stuff I said I’d be busy doing last week? Yes, I’ve been busy doing it all. But I still managed to find some time to put together a few fun wine-newsy items for you. Please enjoy.
Latest Wine Headlines: January 29—February 4
Hello my people and happy weekend. I’ve got your weekly newsy round up for you, featuring a lot of fun stuff. I’m particularly in love with this new NY restaurant concept. And have totally bookmarked this wine-with-soul-food article.
On a personal note, I’d love to share a bit what I’ve been working on. Coming up next week, Wine Industry Network is hosting its annual (virtual) leadership conference. I’ll be moderating the session about Wine Business HR. Registration is FREE. I also just finished recording a podcast for the Green WineFuture, along with Jason Haas (Tablas Creek) and Richard Leask (a man with MANY talents in the viticultural sphere) all about—you guessed it—regenerative agriculture. You’ll definitely want to listen in on the podcasts leading up to this one. Ours will be released in just a few weeks (episode 6).
At the end of the month, I’m moderating the 2022 Rhone Rangers event seminar “Rhone Essentials.” Tickets are still available. This is an in-person event, so if you’re local or in the area the weekend of the 20th, pop by! There’ll be a Grand Tasting and you’re sure to see yours truly wandering around and sipping some of my favorite wines.
I’ll also be judging at a few local wine competitions, including East Meets West (let the battle of the coasts commence!) and the Foothill Wine Competition (definitely looking forward to some interesting wines). Stay tuned for winning results.
And if that’s not enough, I’ve taken my first steps to becoming a WSET educator. More to come on when and where.
That’s all from me. Hope everyone is safe, healthy, happy. Don’t be shy, drop a line. Cheers.
