Wine
as a Social Media
People in the wine business love to talk, especially with a
glass in their hand. In fact, the only challenge they have to completely adopting
social media is the need to type with two hands. That’s why Bocce is the perfect
wine country game; it can be played while holding a wine glass.
Even with that disadvantage wine geeks have entered the
world of social media in droves, and for me, the most delightful manifestation
of this is the proliferation of Tweet Ups and the Social Media Meet Ups. While
these networking possibilities work for many types of businesses, in this part
of the world there is an additional bonus, the chance to taste interesting
wines with knowledgeable people.
We did our first Tweet Up at the Sonoma Plaza, surrounding
our picnic table with balloons with the Twitter bird pasted on them. Everyone
brought wine, and we talked about them. It is legal to drink wine on the Sonoma
Plaza. It was a huge amount of fun but we realized that we needed to do the
next one in Napa, 20 minutes away.
Through the Twitterverse we connected with the owner of the
Cordair Art Gallery who was planning the same thing. Each month there is a
theme wine (the first was Sauvignon Blanc and the second blends) and folks
bring bottles, lots of bottles. Keep in mind this is wine country, wineries are
always looking for opportunities to get people to taste their wines, so some
bring cases.
Normally at social events people cluster at the bar, but at
these events the group wants to taste every wine, compare notes, flirt and
socialize, and then taste some more wine. Having the Tweetup at the Cordair
Gallery means that we are surrounded by beautiful figurative art, as the wine
soaks in. This is my favorite combination, wine, art and friends.
Yesterday we went to a Social Media Meet Up at the Von
Strasser Winery on Diamond Mountain in northern Napa. Another rousing success,
we toured the caves, relaxed on the patio, and got to socialize with people
that I’ve met in passing at various wineries, but never had the chance to get
to know. We were able to compare notes with Bill Boerum, a compadre from Beau
Wine Tours. The wines were excellent, and having a couple of hours to enjoy
them allowed enough time to get to know the wines as well. With those big Cabs,
they need time to unwind and show themselves off properly.
The success of a networking meeting comes from the
participants having interests in common. With these Tweetups and Social Media
Meet Ups the people share an interest in social media, and an interest in wine,
and often an interest in the hospitality industry that comes with wine country.
Then you lubricate the entire affair with copious amounts of wine and
scrumptious snacks and a good and productive time is assured.
Ralph & Lahni de Amicis are authors of the Amicis Winery
Guides, and owners of Amicis Tours. They are authors of over twenty books on
health, design, business and travel. Their iPhone Apps, The Napa Valley Wine
Tour, and The Sonoma Winery Tour are a tour guides approach to these beautiful
area, complete with 1000’s of photos and insights. Their articles and products
can be found on the sites http://www.amicistours.com
and http://www.spaceandtime.com
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