On Editorial Directions
Salutations Vinotrip readers. As I’ve rubbed elbows with the “traditional” wine media in recent months at various events, it seems there are a few main angles when it comes to wine writing. One camp focuses heavily on price, looking to answer the question “is this wine worth the money?” Others review on taste alone, passing judgement on a playing field free from cost considerations. Still others seek to find another perspective – stories behind the wine. I like to think that Vinotrip fills the last category best, although obviously we do some of that review coverage too. However, like any media property (okay, any reasonable one), we should strive for a certain level of balance that meets the needs of you, dear readers.
So, my question for you today – when you read Vinotrip, what are you looking for in your local wine coverage? Are you counting on us to identify the best deals in Maryland wine? Are we putting in enough reviews? Sound off in the comments!
My personal take is that we already have enough Wine Spectators in the world, and that our local coverage here on the special interest issues is what makes us unique and valuable for Maryland wine lovers. Do you agree?
Cheers,
-Matt
August 20th, 2010 at 10:46 am
When I look at Maryland wineries, I’m looking for bargains, and I’m looking for a cool tasting room experience. If I’m looking to spend a Saturday afternoon drinking some Maryland wines, where should I go? The detailed tastings notes are over my head, but if you tell me a particular winery has some good wines and a nice tasting room, I’m interested. Since Maryland has a tough time competing on quality with the more well-known wine areas, you could help local wineries compete on the experience. All other things being equal, I’d much rather buy both locally and from cool people.
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:51 am
I agree with Jon, I love to know about the wineries and their tasting rooms. A range of prices is always nice to know as well
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I enjoy your updates on policy changes. This wine blog is one of the resources I use to stay in the know about MD wines.
I would be interested in knowing a bit more about the people involved in making the wine. Since MD wine is still in the development stage (compared to other regions of the world), I think talking to the winemakers would be particularly interesting. They have had to overcome numerous obstacles, yet they still remain succesful. What qualities can you attribute to their success?
I think there are some very wonderful things going on in the development of wine culture in MD. I would like to see the positive aspects highlighted.
I have had a few really great MD wines…there is something unique about them that I feel can’t be defined by the mainstream winetasters just yet. Maybe the winemakers can begin to help us define what it takes to make a (nearly) perfect MD wine.
…just a few of my thoughts.
Thanks for the blog!
August 24th, 2010 at 5:46 am
@Jon: Good points. I’m happy to reward those wineries who offer a unique winery experience.
@Nakiya: Thanks! We’ll get back to writing about wineries.
@Mike: I agree that there is a to write about the people of MD wine. Something we should get into. Thanks for reading!