This is DrinkLocalWine.com's third annual Regional Wine Week, in which we highlight regional wine throughout the United States. Who would have thought, when Dave McIntyre and I came up with the idea 3 1/2 years ago, that it would have led to DLW, wine week, and our annual conferences?
The funny thing, as passionate as I am about local wine? I'm still surprised that so many other people care as much as they do about regional wine. During my time at the State Fair of Texas over the past couple of weeks, the crowds were good, lively and asked intelligent questions. And we got the usual questions from people about how to start a winery or a vineyard.
What is even more encouraging is that the next generation of wine professionals is so enthusiastic about regional wine. Just two examples from the Fair: Hunter Hammett, the 30-something sommelier at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, told how he served Texas viognier to a group of French guests -- and how much they enjoyed the wine. Devon Broglie, the equally youngish wine buyer for Whole Foods in Texas and the Southwest, said that regional wine sales have flourished at Whole Foods during recession, despite the slowdown in the rest of the wine business.
There is more demand and more interest in regional wine than ever before. This week on the blog, I'll highlight regional wine -- the good and the bad, because nothing gets better unless you understand what the obstacles are.
Now, if we could get both Costco and Sam's to increase their meager offering of Texas wines, that would make me happy.
BTW - Enjoyed your article in the USA Today!!!
Hugh in ARLINGTON
Posted by: Hugh in Arlington | October 11, 2010 at 11:12 AM
That's the next great challenge, Hugh. To be fair, many Texas and regional wineries don't make enough wine to make it worth the while of the largest retailers. But there are some, and if enough customers ask, it will make a difference.
Posted by: Jeff Siegel | October 11, 2010 at 11:19 AM
I would LOVE to find a "good" Colorado wine! We had good wine, when we lived in Spain - NOTHING - while living in Central America. My wif grew up in Spain - it's Ok to rinse the bottle and fill at the local bodega, BUT, American 'boxed-wines' are a No-No!
Posted by: bjtrexel@yahoo.com | October 11, 2010 at 06:03 PM
My wif - after 50+ years - what do you expect? (wife!)
Posted by: bjtrexel@yahoo.com | October 11, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Bjtrexel- we just visited Alfred Eames Cellars winery in Paonia, CO yesterday. He (Eames)learned to make wine in Spain 40 years ago, and was telling us about filling up his bottle at the local bodega! Check him out at http://www.alfredeamescellars.com/. Note bottom of the home page: "For shipments to states other than Colorado order from VinoShippers.com >>" There are LOTS of really good CO wines (check out www.coloradowine.com), happy to recommend others. - Kuvy
Posted by: Kuvy | October 13, 2010 at 08:17 AM