On the Road… Reporting from deep in Wine country
Thanks to the many of you that have kept the “Beers to You” blog buzzing with your commentary during the last several days. I haven’t been able to chime in as I would like as I have been on an extended vacation. I find myself in an interesting place; California wine country.
I have had many opportunities to learn, reflect and even dare I say compare the wine and beer cultures, especially in America. This is not hostile territory for beer; far from it. This place and the people who live here, growing grapes and producing very fine wines regard beer as a necessary ingredient in wine production. The locals say “It takes a lot of good beer to make great wine”.
This trip has provided me with story ideas and inspiration to write them. Here are a few…
Sonoma county’s history as a hop growing region turned to wine.
The almost innate understanding of the wine folks out here that beer and wine both deserve a spot at the dinner table.
The great “beer tourism” opportunities that exist here among the vines.
June 30th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Charlie already has a webite
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Rich: You’ve seen the light! Why even this wine-stained palate loves a glass of frothy-essence, particularly when I’m crushing or pressing grapes, racking finished wine or generally slumming in my cellar (actually it’s a basement). I’ve also enjoyed a few pints with an assortment of wine makers over the years in vineyards, caves and even tasting rooms. It’s a thirsty world out there, and I’m for complete and healthy hydration no matter the liquid - as long as it is taste worthy!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
John, I agree… But, I just want to let you know that I am going to be writing a post that is going to deal with the systemic discrimination that beer and beer drinkers are facing based on old stereotypes. I am also going to explore state laws that are going to continue to foil the development of a healthy craft-beer market in West Virginia.
I have to commend you for the non-pretentious way you tend to cover wine. I guess I cannot blame an old venerable beverage for the sins of its many very-snobbish and pretentious fans. I only met those kind of folks at the tasting rooms that were in-town, but not at most of the wineries themselves.
“Tasting of bramble fruit, leather and tobacco”? Cut me a break
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Watched a piece on travel w/ Samantha Brown yesterday. She was at a wine bar in Orlando w/ the “largest tasting selection in the world” (I think something like 150 wines). Smack dab in the middle of all that wine was a beer bar. Although I’m not sure Ms. Brown understood the significance, a customer graciously explained the beer bar’s importance to such a venue. Interesting timing…
Just got back from VA; we still have a tough row to hoe. Chimay, Duval, countless craft beers, and more at almost every corner (and in almost every Kroger) Any word on what interesting selections are coming into the state first?
July 4th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Rich: No matter what the hobby,some insecure people are going to try and use it as a means to shore up their defective psyches. There’s no question that wine has its share of snobs, and they should be exposed to ridicule at every turn. But I would venture to say that beer snobs are out there too, using the same type of hyperbolic language and “one ups-man-ship” (did I just create a new compound word?)to let us know how superior they are to the rest of us.
Here’s a description of a shiraz that one overly exhuberant wino used: “This nectar had aromas of tack room, creosote and bacon fat with bold flavors of blueberry, tar, graphite and roasted meat.”
Good lord, sounds like this guy was describing the taste of pig pen that had been destroyed in a fire precipitated by a lightning strike in blueberry patch next to a pencil factory.
Go figure.
July 4th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
That’s too funny…
July 4th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
No wonder you have not had the opportunity to chime in with your travels through wine country.
Sounds like you are making the most of a very difficult situation!! (joke). I do love the comment that you listed from the locals “It takes a lot of good beer to make great wine”.
I guess that statement could actually be changed a multitude of times to adapt to a wide range of tasks. “It takes a lot of good beer to make a great blog”. “It takes a lot of good beer to make great parties”. “It takes a lot of good beer to make great steaks”.
You know and the list goes on!
Sure you are making the trip the best possible expbeerience you can or should that be exwinerence - yeah I know not real words. Better I get some rest.
Cheers
Adirec
July 10th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Went to several stores yesterday and NOT ONE had any new beers (6-12%). Not even Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Rogue, or Great Lakes. July 9th was the date, right? What’s the deal?