{"id":5138,"date":"2011-06-28T17:19:22","date_gmt":"2011-06-28T21:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hagarty-on-wine.com\/OnWineBlog\/?p=5138"},"modified":"2011-06-29T20:09:03","modified_gmt":"2011-06-30T00:09:03","slug":"wine-blogging-in-the-old-dominion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hagarty-on-wine.com\/OnWineBlog\/wine-blogging-in-the-old-dominion\/","title":{"rendered":"Wine Blogging in the Old Dominion"},"content":{"rendered":"

Growing Number of Commentators Mirror Growth of Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n

Little more than a decade ago, if you wanted an opinion about a bottle of wine you needed to consult a handful of nationally known publications or your local wine merchant.\u00a0 No longer.<\/p>\n

Today, wine evaluation has become the domain of anyone with a blog and a desire to share their thoughts on the latest winery visited or wine consumed. Most blogs are interactive so visitors can comment on the author\u2019s views.<\/p>\n

But what exactly is a blog?\u00a0 It\u2019s a blend of the words web & log and is essentially an online journal maintained by anyone with an interest in\u2026anything.\u00a0 Given the inclination of folks to share their opinions, bloggers have exploded on the scene.\u00a0 In 2011, an estimated 156 million blogs were in existence worldwide.\u00a0 Today, there are over a thousand wine bloggers on the internet posting observations and reviews.<\/p>\n

Given all this devotion to vinous products, one might assume wine lovers are hanging on every word bloggers write.\u00a0 Think again.<\/p>\n

\"\"While there\u2019s not a lot of research behind who is and who is not relying on wine blog advice, a British web site, Wine Intelligence<\/a><\/em>,<\/span><\/span> created a bit of controversy this past February by positing that its market research showed, \u201cBloggers are one of the least trusted sources of wine recommendations.\u201d The report stated only 1 in 5 regular wine drinkers in the UK trusted what independent bloggers had to say about wine compared with 50% who trusted the advice of a wine merchant.\u00a0 In the United States, 80% of wine drinkers said they place their confidence in merchant recommendations.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the online magazine Palate Press<\/a><\/em><\/span> opines wine bloggers are failing to reach a meaningful size audience.\u00a0 It states the top 100 wine blogs in the Nation enjoy aggregate traffic of 865,000 unique visits a month, or about 30,000 hits a day.\u00a0 Sounds like a lot, yes?\u00a0 But consider that there are 40 million wine drinkers in the U.S. and at that level of activity even the most popular bloggers are reaching less than half a percent of their audience.<\/p>\n

Having said that, some two-thirds of U.S. regular wine drinkers surveyed do seek information about wine online.\u00a0 Apparently, while individuals know the internet can be a valued source for gathering wine information, the conviction that bloggers can steer them in the right direction is low.\u00a0 Time might overcome some of this reticence as trust grows in the hardest working bloggers who are providing the most cogent and useful reviews.<\/p>\n

Old Dominion Blogs<\/strong>
\n <\/strong>\"\"Here in Virginia, there are over twenty blogs devoted to critiquing Old Dominion wine.\u00a0 The growth of the phenomenon parallels the surge in wineries statewide, which now totals almost 200.\u00a0 Most of the blogs are journals in the truest sense since they share experiences about winery visits and wines.\u00a0 Typically such sites describe how the writers were treated by tasting room staff and their perception of the wines poured.<\/p>\n

This is where Virginia bloggers provide significant value added. Their observations are not solely about wine but about the entire wine experience and are often accompanied with photos or videos.\u00a0 These oenophiles regularly navigate the highways and back roads of the Commonwealth evaluating everything wine related so the horde of weekend wine warriors can maximize their precious free time.<\/p>\n

The merit of Virginia blogs may well be enhanced in the aggregate.\u00a0 If a wine lover is planning a day of winery hopping, a quick review of multiple web sites should paint a relatively accurate portrait of both the atmosphere and wines at any given establishment. By tracking the number of positive impressions, quality wineries can be identified and the information used as a handy itinerary planner.<\/p>\n

So Why Blog?<\/strong>
\nIn probing Virginia blogging, a few common observations emerge as to why people blog. For most authors—but not all—their work is an enjoyable hobby and a way to share their wine experiences.\u00a0 There is also a bit of vanity press involved; it\u2019s undeniably fun to be \u201cpublished\u201d without an editor\u2019s approval.\u00a0 Often the blogs are initially created to organize and document wine travels or simply as an outlet for creativity.\u00a0 Most bloggers do not consider themselves wine professionals but passionate and knowledgeable amateurs.\u00a0 If any income is derived from the work, it is modest and simply covers expenses; bloggers have full time jobs that pay the bills.<\/p>\n

The free information scribes generate can come with a price tag.\u00a0 In the beginning, the gratification of attracting readers and exploring new subjects is stimulating.\u00a0 But as traffic grows, a blogger soon realizes if the site begins to gather cobwebs it will not gather readers.\u00a0 Our culture demands fresh and new everything.\u00a0 Todd Godbout, who writes at Wine Compass<\/a>,<\/em> summarizes it nicely when he says, \u201cIf you do not post; they will not come.\u00a0 And in addition to the writing, weekends are usually devoted to traveling in search of fresh material.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Frank Morgan, writing at Drink What you Like<\/a><\/em><\/span>, says, \u201cSince this is purely a hobby for me, I feel no pressure to post new entries or make money.\u201d\u00a0 Morgan, who works for an aerospace firm and travels 100,000 miles a year, uses a lot of his flight time to write.\u00a0 Notwithstanding his disclaimer of feeling little pressure, his site recently reflected eleven substantive entries over a two month period.\u00a0\u00a0 A fair dollop of devotion is needed to hold down a full-time job and produce interest worthy blogs.<\/p>\n

Most nationally known wine blogs typically publish at least three times a week and review thousands of wine a year. \u00a0Loyal followers develop a \u201cfeed me\u201d mentality that demands new content in exchange for readership, often at only modest remuneration for the wordsmiths.\u00a0 Morgan explains, however, \u201cWhen I retire, I may consider a career in the wine industry.\u00a0 So in that sense, my hobby could ultimately reap a financial reward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul Armstrong at Virginia Wine Time<\/a><\/em><\/span> reinforces that he and his partner Warren Richard, \u201c\u2026 feel no pressure to write our blog even though we are posting two or three times a week. It is still fun for us. We do not write professionally so passion drives our keyboard. We have, however, scaled back a bit on winery visits because of the rising cost of gasoline.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"The married authors of Swirl, Sip, Snark<\/em>,<\/a> bill their blog as \u201cThe Best and Worst of Virginia Wine\u201d, and keep readers updated on the state\u2019s expanding industry sans rose-colored glasses.\u00a0 Since their observations can range from laudatory to critical they travel incognito and post their observations at a demanding pace of five times a week. \u201cIt\u2019s an emotionally rewarding pastime but definitely a commitment.\u00a0 We find the interaction with our readers incredibly reinforcing and feel we\u2019re building a virtual community.\u00a0 But to keep the dialogue going we must keep initiating the conversation.\u00a0 And if gas climbs much higher we\u2019ll be forced to ease up.\u00a0 This is a hobby.\u00a0 The return on investment is supposed to be fun not expensive,\u201d says one of the masked critics.<\/p>\n

But for some it\u2019s not just a hobby.\u00a0 Rick Collier\u00a0and Nancy Bauer have created a unique web site called Virginia Wine in My Pocket<\/a><\/em>.\u00a0 It\u2019s both a blog and an \u201capp\u201d, or software application, and is the only iPhone and iPod Touch travel guide for everything wine in Virginia. \u00a0The guide includes information on wineries, wine trails, B&Bs, dining, and GPS mapping.<\/p>\n

\"\"As a modest money making endeavor, it comes with a commitment of some 25 hours a week just for their Virginia wine application. Crank in another 25 hours for other travel related apps they\u2019ve created, and the couple clearly feels the pressure.\u00a0 Like many bloggers, Rick laments, \u201cWhen a week goes by without a post, we get embarrassed and start to feel like slackers; especially in view of how prolific some Virginia bloggers are.\u201d<\/p>\n

But there are compensations.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of work keeping our wine app current.\u00a0 But traveling around Virginia wine country is better than writing the great American novel.\u00a0 It\u2019s provided us a reason to explore the beauty of our state and get connected in a real way with the life cycle of a bottle of wine,\u201d explains Nancy.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The blogger strikes again<\/p><\/div>\n

This writer blogs at Hagarty-on-Wine<\/em> <\/a>and views it as a retirement hobby.\u00a0 After writing about wine for local newspapers, a friend suggested the articles be archived on a blog and offered to build the site at no cost.\u00a0 One possible downside for writers is the time spent in front of the computer researching and writing.\u00a0 Blogging can become a benign addiction that some spouses find a bit annoying.\u00a0 Around this household when the question is posed, \u201cAre you back on the computer again?\u201d it\u2019s the signal to sign off and spend time in real-world conversation.<\/p>\n

One of the common refrains heard by many bloggers is that anyone considering writing on wine needs to commit themselves to studying the topic.\u00a0 Writing only on Virginia offers the benefit of focusing on a subject near at hand; not an insignificant advantage considering that on any given day there are over 55,000 national and international wine selections for sale in the United States.\u00a0 Centering one\u2019s attention on a single state takes a lot of work off a blogger\u2019s radar screen.<\/p>\n

As with any movement, like-minded individuals form groups.\u00a0 This July 22, in Charlottesville, hundreds of wine bloggers from around North America will descend on Thomas Jefferson\u2019s home town for a three-day symposium.\u00a0 The event will focus on the intersection of wine with the world of blogging and social media.\u00a0 The fact Charlottesville was selected as the location for this major conference reflects the growing respect Virginia wine is garnering nationally.\u00a0 Individuals interested in learning more about the conference can visit Wine Bloggers Conference.<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/em>\"\"And if you\u2019d like to take a peek at the Nation\u2019s most popular blogs, visit\u00a0Top 100 Wine Blogs<\/a>. <\/em> But caveat emptor.\u00a0 <\/em> If writing a blog is addictive, reading them can become an obsession.<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here are Virginia\u2019s current wine blogs; \u201ccurrent\u201d being a relative term since new entrants seemingly appear monthly.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Beltway Bacchus<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cellar Blog<\/em><\/strong><\/a>
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Charlottesville<\/em><\/strong> Uncorked<\/em><\/strong><\/a>
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Drink What You Like<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Kristy Wine Vine<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

My Vine Spot<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hagarty On Wine<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Swirl, Sip, Snark<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Richard Leahy’s Wine Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Running Wine Girl’s Blog<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine Dogs Blog<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine Girl<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine In My Pocket<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine Notebook<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine Snob<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine Time<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine Trips<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia Wine TV<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Vin In Virginia<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Vineyard Visuals<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wine About Virginia<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wine Compass Blog<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/div>\n

Published in the Summer 2011 edition of The Piedmont Virginian.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Growing Number of Commentators Mirror Growth of Industry Little more than a decade ago, if you wanted an opinion about a bottle of wine you needed to consult a handful of nationally known publications or your local wine merchant.\u00a0 No longer. Today, wine evaluation has become the domain of anyone with a blog and a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[1],"tags":[335,336,337,338,339,340,341,343,356,342,344,345,357,354,346,347,348,349,350,351,352,353,355],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n