I read LOTS of wine blogs and I'm always on the lookout for the next new one that will educate me, entertain me or inspire me. There were a number of such blogs launched in 2008. Here is my list of
FERMENTATIONS' MOST INTRIGUING NEW WINE BLOGS OF 2008
(in no particular order)
1. Hosemaster of Wine
Ron Washam's wine blog is smart, irreverent, funny and thoughtful. The man writes very well and if you take a look at this blog he does it all a little bit differently.
2. Steve Heimoff.Com
Consider it "Mainstream Wine Writing Unleashed." Heimoff is clearly in his element in the blogosphere where he has room to expand and indulge beyond the grasp of an editor. He says what he thinks and brings considerable perspective to the wine blog world.
3. Michel-Sclumberger's Benchland Blog
This is one of two winery-based wine blogs in my top 5. Writing a compelling winery-based wine blog is more difficult in my view. It is somewhat limiting. But Judd Wallenbrock and Co. over at Michel-Schlumberger have kept the Benchland blog entertaining, thoughtful, regularly updated and managed to promote their own interests without boring anyone.
4. Rational Denial
It's thought provoking with a bent toward debunking myths and entertaining its readers and fast becoming one of my favorite wine blogs on the net.
5. Wilma's Wine World
It's not because Kim (Wilma) Stare-Wallace is such a nice and authentic person that she gets on this list. It's because her blog, representing Dry Creek Vineyards, does exactly what I've always advised wineries who buy my time to advise them should do: it draws the curtains back on what it's like to be in the wine business without much filter, with a veil of humor and with honestly. It's just a great read.
