That's what I'm talkin' about!

Hervé sent me the link to this article in the Wall Street Journal which talks about a movement that embraces the "average persons" thoughts on wine vs. the so-called wine critics. Even more, studies are now showing that the consumer is not influenced by wine critic ratings when it comes to liking wines.

This article could not have come at a more appropriate time. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Gullo, a fellow Oregonian and wine lover. Jim is a writer whose stories on the Oregon wine scene grace the pages of The Oregonian, Portland Monthly, The Mix and Sunset to name a few. Jim has recently taken over the domain oregonwine.com and hopes to establish the site as the go-to online destination for all things Oregon wine. After coffee and pastries at St. Honoré in Northwest, we sauntered next door to Square Deal Wine, where the staff was gracious enough to let us sit inside and taste some wine. Jim came bearing 2 bottles of Italian-styled Oregon wine, made by Gino Cuneo under the Tre Nova label. Jim is collecting tasting notes from the average wine drinker and I was happy to play along. I gave my thoughts on the lower price point bottle ($17) and I believe they were something along the lines of " This is an exciting wine! The fruit and spice are well balanced. I would be really happy with my purchase if I came home with this". Not exactly Wine Spectator vocabulary, but that's the point. (details on this wine to come) I love this idea and do believe that in assessing not only the current wine industry landscape, but the overall marketing and social media climate-there is no arguing the power of the people.

Stay tuned for more on the Consumer Wine Awards and the Next Gen Wine Competition mentioned in the WSJ article. How fun?



Jim & I at Square Deal....very professional indeed!