Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog

The Intersection of Wine and the Penis

The relationship between wine, this blog and penis enlargement seems to be growing.

(And I suspect the previous sentence will only increase the size and frequency of comments on this blog about the "devices that gain 1-3 inches in your penis size".)

Now, as everyone knows, size doesn't matter, whether we are talking about penises or wine. This is a fact despite all the growth in concern over penis size expressed on a number of blogs and the tendency over the past couple of decades in the world of wine reviewing to express excitement about wines said to possess significant girth and length.

Personally, I've never been concerned with size or girth. Nor, as far as I know, have any of my very good friends, who also tend to appreciate not the size, but the way a wine fits into the occasion. Still, there appears to be great interest in the issue of size as evidenced by the recent spat of comments on Fermentation by anonymous wine lovers who understand the potent link between wine and penis size.

Nothing else could account for this insightful comment that has shown up on a number of posts on this blog: "penis enlargement products and penis enlargement reviews that discover top penis size enlargement pills, patches, oils and devices that gain 1-3 inches gain in your penis size at www.penissizeenlargement.net." Though clearly excited about the potential of gaining 1-3 inches with pills, patches and devises, this prolific commenter is challenged where grammar is concerned. But I'll let that pass because I believe one should encourage the growth of passion where ever possible.

However, to-date, I've seen no research that suggests wine can do anything to enlarge a penis. In fact, the best research tends to suggest that when taken in somewhat copious amounts, wine can actually decrease its size, or at least its functionality. But this research only takes into account the effects of drinking wine and not the manual application of wine on to body parts. I look forward to this latter form of research.

So, since there appears to be great interest among readers of this blog in the interaction of penises and wine, I'll try to keep a close eye on any research that enlarges our body of knowledge on this topic. To do anything else would simply amount to shafting my readers.

Will Dedicated Wine Lovers Support Quality?

The best source of independent, web-only wine writing will no longer be free beginning July 6th.

That's right, Appellation America recently and quietly announced it would be transitioning to a subscription format on that date. Though this move will significantly reduce its readership, it undoubtedly will have a much more active and dedicated readership and one that demonstrates real appreciation for outstanding content.

And yet the bottom line is that the work of Appellation America, including its features, tastings and database of wineries, will no longer be available to anyone and everyone.

The move by Appellation America introduces an important question: Will the most dedicated wine lovers and wine industry folks, those who have always devoured and craved and praised high quality wine reporting and prose, put their money where their mouth is?

The cost to subscribe to Appellation America, according to its announcement, will be $49.95 for an annual subscription—or, $4.16 per month.

But let's layout what we are talking about here. Appellation America is the most significant and serious vessel for wine journalism to emerge this decade. From its beginning it offered the somewhat unique argument that the wines of Texas, Missouri, New York and Michigan were equally important and deserving of attention as those of California. It made the positive case that "place" is more important to the consumer than brand, varietal or winemaker. And it backed all this up by going out and assembling one of the most impressive collections of wine writers ever placed under one masthead.

If there was ever an online wine publication that was worthy of $49.95 per year, I suspect it is this one.

Yet, I also suspect that 96% of those of you reading this won't break out your credit cards on July 6th.

Why?

Sure the economy is tough. But many people will happily walk into Starbucks and pay their $4.00 for a super duper coffee drink on a daily basis, even in the bad economy. The fact is, I think, that the availability of free content is more persuasive to people than is the quality of content. And this is so, I think, whether we are in a boom or bust economy. It's also an ugly truth.

I personally can't afford to not have access to the Appellation America content because my ability to do my job as a member of the wine industry and as a wine publicist and my need to continually educate myself and my need to have real intellectual stimulation depends on having access to great ideas and great coverage of my industry.

The State of Wine Blogging—5 Years In.

I count 2004 as the birth year of wine blogs. Given that only slightly arbitrary date, the wine industry finds itself with only five years under it's belt of dealing with this somewhat chaotic, but impactful form of communication. And on the eve of the second North American Wine Bloggers Conference I have some questions and thoughts about wine blogs.

1. HAS OR WILL THE WINE BLOG TAKE DOWN PRINT MEDIA AS THE PRIMARY FORM OF WINE INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS AND THE INDUSTRY?
To this point the traditional wine media is not in jeopardy of being replaced by wine blogs as the go-to source of information. While there must be upwards of 800 wine blogs out there, the readers still tend to be early adopting, internet-savvy folks and industry members. More importantly, no single wine blog has emerged as a go-to, important voice in the world of wine for either consumers or the wine trade that is read in very large numbers. This must happen, in my opinion, before blogs can emerge as a dominant source of information. One voice must lead the way, attracting readers, who then give credence to the format, thereby creating confidence in the format and leading readers to others.

Why this important wine blogging voice hasn't emerged is likely a simple thing: The groundbreaking, informed, well-marketed voice is hard to find in the wine industry. As I look out across the wine blogosphere right now, I don't see any contenders for that position. This does not bode well for the advancement of the format.

2. WHERE ARE THE HARD FIGURES ON THE READERSHIP OF WINE BLOGS?
Many wine bloggers understand that there is potential for generating advertising revenue from their blogs. I believe too that blogs with ads give confidence to readers. However, to generate serious advertising revenue it is critical that readership figures for the various blogs are available. They are not currently available. This fact has slowed down the development of the format and the lack of figures will continue to slow down its development as a serious format.

3. DO WINE BLOGS CARRY ANY INFLUENCE?
Not yet. At least not much. How do I know this? For one, it's very difficult to find any shelf talkers that actually carry quotes from wine bloggers. This might be a case of laziness and a lack of creativity on the part of marketers who have not figured out how to use the various reviews of wines by wine bloggers. But, I think it is more likely that marketers simple don't believe there is enough weight carried by any particular wine blogger to justify replacing a review of 85 points or more by a mainstream publication or a food pairing suggestion on the shelf talker.

4. ARE ETHICS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR THE WINE BLOGOSPHERE?
No. I've met a number of wine bloggers. Few if any are prone to make unethical choices. They certainly aren't any more prone to make journalistically unethical choices than traditional media. Yet, wine bloggers talk a lot about this issue. Why? It's because ethics are primarily something that professionals think deeply about. That tells us something about the aspirations of the wine blogging community.

5. SHOULD WINERIES AND WINE COMPANIES CARE ABOUT OR INTERACT WITH WINE BLOGGERS THE WAY THEY CARE ABOUT OR INTERACT WITH TRADITIONAL WINE MEDIA?
Not if they can't figure out a way to successfully use the work and words of wine bloggers as a third party endorsement for their brand, product or service that makes their brand, products or service more valuable and profitable.

A Wine Blog From the Land of Hoodoo

I don't know if anyone has noticed but what is unquestionably one of America's greatest wineries has begun maintaining a wine blog. And it's a good one.

Who has heard of Ridge Vineyards? Who has been reading 4488: A Ridge Blog?

I won't recount the storied Ridge history except to say that it has been the source for more than 30 years of some of the greatest wines ever produced in this country and all from its hilltop location in the seemingly unlikely local of he Santa Cruz Mountains.

One of the greatest CA Chardonnays I ever tasted came from Ridge's Monte Bello Vineyard. And every time I've tasted a Monte Bello Cab that has age on it I've come away mightily impressed. The point is not that I like these wines and the winery, but rather that a winery that smoothly fits into the pantheon of American winemaking greats is now treating us to a regularly updated blog.

The blog itself is written primarily by the winery's Monte Bello tasting room manager Christopher Watkins, a man after my own heart who not only can write well but understands the intersection of Jazz and wine and proves it when he writes the following in one blog post on the meaning behind having jazz on in the tasting room:

"I fiercely believe that great art emerges from the holy mojo intersection of spontaneity and craft; the idea that you have to train an entire lifetime to act, at the moment of truth, as if you’ve never learned a thing at all. Craft without spontaneity is a dullard’s game, and spontaneity without craft is self-indulgence and sloppiness. It’s when the two cross that the hoodoo hits."

"HOODOO"!!

I'm not sure one must be a Ridge fan to appreciate this winery blog, but it certainly helps. I am sure that after spending some time with Christopher and Ridge via this blog you will be ready to try the next Ridge bottling that comes your way or catches your eye. And the fact is, you really should take nearly any opportunity to get acquainted with Ridge wines. Any self respecting fan of CA wine and CA wine history must investigate this monumentally important wine brand.

New Vine Logistics: Accounts & Alternatives

Yesterday the wine industry woke up to the news that one of its key shipping/compliance/inventory management service firms, New Vine, went under. The disruptions this is causing among its many winery and retail clients, as well as consumers who receive shipments of wine via this operation, are significant.

It appears that New Vine's demise was caused by the same thing that causes most other companies to shut down: Financial Crisis. Though I suspect the details of that financial crisis in all its gory details will eventually come out, there has been a good deal of reporting on the issue. Below are links to various new stories and blog along with links to other similar wine service businesses that those affected by the end of New Vine might want to consider.

NEWS ACCOUNTS

UNDEAD: Suitors Sparring Over New Vine's Bones
Lew Perdue's Wine Industry Insight

DEAD! - New Vine Withers After Amazon Bolts & Investors Pull Plug
Lew Perdue's Wine Industry Insight

New Vine Logistics Suspends Operations
Santa Rosa Press Democrat

New Vine Logistics On Hold: Company Suspends Operations, Seeks Capital
Wines & Vines Magazine

New Vine Logistics Suspends Business Operations
San Francisco Business Times

New Vine Collapses; Amazon Deal Unlikely
Wine & Spirits Daily

Shipping Competitors Field Queries from New Vine Customers
North Bay Business Journal

Wine Shipper Halts Orders Jarring Industry
Wall Street Journal (subscription needed)

Compli Offers Free Services To New Vine Customers For May Orders
Wine Business Monthly

BLOGS
New Vine Logistics Suspends Operations
Winery Website Report

New Vine Logistic Aftermath: Questions
PinotBlogger

Wine Logistics Company's Failure Puts Amazon.com Wine Future at Risk
Luxist

New Vine's Demise & The Future of Direct Shipping
Acan Media

Crisis Communications & New Vine Logistics
Caveman Wines

A Canary in the California Wine Cellar
Vinography

Amazon's Wine Business Partner Runs Into Trouble
TechFlash

Notes on what's now and Why Lions Eat Their Young
The Good Grape

ALTERNATIVE SHIPPING & LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
Bacchus Fulfillment
Copperpeak Logistics
Pack & Ship Direct
Wine Shipping.com
WTN Services
All Ways Cool

Return of the Hosemaster of Wine

I don't think I've ever seen a wine blog be dismantled with the intention of going away, then come back. But I'm sure happy that Ron Washam, better known as the Hosemaster of Wine, had decided to return to the wine blogosphere.

In its first incarnation, what distinguished the Hosemaster of Wine blog was its insightful commentary that resulted from Ron's years in the business, as well as its often biting satirical tone. In addition, Ron posted photos of naked women. I have it on good authority everything is the same with the relaunch, except for there will be no more naked ladies.

I like naked ladies. In general. So I was never bothered by this aspect of the first coming of Hosemaster of Wine. I also thought their inclusion added as sort of "Daily Mirror Quality" to the blog. That said, I can see how some folks may have been offended. Perhaps the inclusion of naked men would have done the trick.

In any case, the good news is that Washam's Hosemaster of Wine is back in business. Go Visit. Tell him "happy returns". And be happy that the wine blogosphere sees the return of a first class commentator.

How To Be Banned From Commenting on a Wine Blog

In four and one-half years of publishing this wine blog, I've managed to only ban 8 people from ever commenting again. Today I banned that 8th person. It struck me, as I clicked the "ban" button, that perhaps I ought to explain the policy that leads to being banned from commenting at FERMENTATION: The Daily Wine Blog.

There is no policy. I'm capricious when it comes to this aspect of publishing my blog. But, I can explain what is likely to get my ire up to the point where I simply won't have someone in this neck of the woods anymore.

1. Libel a friend of mine
2. Malign a good man
3. Use my comment section to carry on a vendetta

Now, you can go at me all you want. I'm always here, I have strong opinions, and I have a pretty thick skin as someone who blogs regularly probably should.

If it turns out you do find yourself banned from commenting on this blog, don't feel too bad. The Internet offers any number of venues where you can make a fool out of yourself.

Sincerely,
The Management.

Wine Blog Readers and the Wine Media

Over the past month or so I've been thinking quite a bit about the "Wine Media". I put that term in quotes for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it occurs to me that the "Wine Media" is today something very different than it was 20 years ago when I first began to pay close attention to it.

Another person is paying attention to the "Wine Media" and is investigating a part of it. Tracy Rickman is a post graduate student who is trying to get inside the heads of those people who consume that part of the wine media that are called "Blogs".

Ms. Rickman is, in fact, surveying readers of wine blogs. She needs a good, large sample of wine blog readers in order to give significance to her study.

PLEASE TAKE HER SURVEY BY CLICKING HERE.

I think I understand why individuals consume wine-related media. I don't think the reasons are any different today than they were 20 years ago or any different than why people might take the time to consumer book or movie or food or technology-related information: They want to learn about something they have an interest in and reading this material strikes them as a better use of time than doing a number of other things, including reading other types of subject matter.

But to be candid, what really interests me is the disposition of those who participate as members of the wine media. I have a feeling that there is a significant difference between different kinds of members of that fraternity. I further think that a significant difference among the way they work and report will be understood by looking at demographic information about them such as age and gender.

But I can't be sure. That's why I've hatched plans to investigate this question.

In the mean time PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY OF WINE BLOG READERS!

Notes From the Fermentation Bookmarks File

TIDBITS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE


IT'S ABOUT TIME, TISH
 To me it seems a long time coming since his penchant for wit, excellent writing, his wine journalism background and is general deep knowledge of the wine industry makes him an excellent candidate for blogger status. Long time coming or not, it is very welcome news that W.R. Tish has finally launched a blog: THE WINE SKEWER: Bite Sized Comedy and Commentary from a Recovering Wine Critic.

Known to his mother as William R. Tisherman, Tish is a former editor of Wine Enthusiast Magazine who lives on the East Coast. For many years he has been in great demand as a wine educator and writer. He has also been long time observer of the wine scene, the emerging wine blogging community and a vocal critic of the 100 Point Scale, among other things.

The Wine Skewer is already a great read. I recommend it highly.

JUDD'S ENORMOUS WINE SHOW
Judd's Enormous Wine Show is, I think, the only comedic wine show on the Internet, assuming that you view Gary Vaynerchuk's Wine Library TV is a serious wine show (I personally do). Judd's Enormous Wine Show is the work of Judd Finkelstein and Rudy McClain of Judd's Hill Winery in Napa Valley. This is self and industry mocking stuff that puts the winery at odds (shall we say) with the general tone that emanates from Napa Valley's wine industry. It will take more than excellent production standards, toddlers being consulted on new wine packaging and the deep humor of Judd & Co. to turn around Napa's elitist image. But I'm looking forward to eating up more of Judd's Enormous Wine Show.

THANK GOD FOR SMART PEOPLE
The American Association of Wine Economists is a unique organization. When It formed a few years back I was excited because it suggested we'd see some in depth analysis of significant issues. And we have seen such things. But the utility of this group of number crunchers was truly driven home when I received an email announcing their current set of working papers. Along side a paper titled, "When Does Price Affect Taste? Results From A Wine Experiment," there was this engaging title: "Can People Distinguish Pate From Dog Food?"

For as long as I can recall, this issue has burdened the American wine industry as well as the canine culinary industry and we've been waiting for a set of smart people to determine whether or not the production of Pate is even necessary given the proliferation of different styles and flavors of dog food on our grocery store shelves. Finally, smart people have weighed in. The conclusion? "In a double-blind test, subjects were presented with five unlabeled blended meat products, one of which was the prepared dog food. After ranking the samples on the basis of taste, subjects were challenged to identify which of the five was dog food. Although 72% of subjects ranked the dog food as the worst of the five samples in terms of taste (Newell and MacFarlane multiple comparison, P<0.05), subjects were not better than random at correctly identifying the dog food."

This is great news. However, we still need good study that detail whether or not Dogs can tell the difference between Pate and Dog Food. I'm sure the Economists over at the AAWE are on the case.

The Foundation of Winegeekdom

Here is why Steve Heimoff is a good reporter and a compelling commentator.

Today Steve wades into the issue of the theory of American Viticultural Areas and the process by which the TTB approaches the creation of these appellations. In this case, Steve ponders the implications of the TTB rejecting a petition to create a new sub-appellation of the Paso Robles AVA that would have designated the Westside of Highway as "Paso Robles Westside".

This is a critical subject because in theory an AVA or sub-AVA is supposed to identify and codify a well defined area that has distinctive growing conditions that set it apart from its neighbors. Such a well defined region should, in theory, deliver something distinctive to the character of the grapes grown within its boundaries. This idea that a region's specific climatic and geographic characteristics can deliver something specific to the grapes forms the basis for the notion that wines from a specific area should themselves have specific characteristics that the above average wine consumer can look forward to enjoying when they pop a cork on a wine made with grapes from said region.

This important notion forms the foundation for all Winegeekdom.

This writer believes that for Winegeekdom to have confidence in the American AVA system, that system must put much more emphasis on identifying much smaller, much more well-defined growing regions than it has in the past. American Viticultural Areas such as "Russian River Valley", "Sonoma Coast", "Paso Robles", "Napa Valley", and the like are way too big and way too encompassing of varied climates and geographic landscapes to have any meaning at all for the consumer. What we need are more appellations like "Green Valley", "Atlas Peak", "Howell Mountain" and "Sonoma Mountain": relatively small, well defined regions that DO deliver specific characteristics to the grapes grown there.

I'm hoping that Steve Heimoff continues to dig into this topic.