THE BOOZE BIN
By Pia Mara Finkell (@piamara)
Let me start by saying, I’m a big fan of blogging, and bloggers as a community, in general. I like them for the same reason I have an inexplicable soft spot for the Cubs, despite being from New York.
I think it has something to do with my fondness for the underdog (despite being a rabid Yanks fan), but maybe also because I’ve always fancied myself a writer at heart. So, when my Agency agreed to a trade of services, allowing us a presence at the upcoming Bloggers Conferences, in exchange for helping Zephyr Adventures get the word out to the media about four of their seven upcoming gatherings of blogging minds…I. was. PSYCHED.
As part of our sponsorship, I was allowed a coveted seat on one of the breakout session panel discussions. Full disclosure, the thought of speaking in front of 75-100 of my peers is both horrifying and thrilling. What could I put out there that would be interesting enough to get butts in seats and hold these top bloggers’ attention for an hour? Deep breaths. Would either of the keynote speakers, Eric Asimov or Jancis Robinson, be in attendance? Pass the paper bag, please.
To add to the challenge, there is a ridiculously awesome line-up of sessions on the docket. In the same time slot as my session on their published agenda, they’re offering a session on the Aromas of Wine, led by Master of Wine and all-around nice gal, Sheri Sauter Morano. Sheri will guide attendees on a quest to develop their “sensory memory bank and a nose for picking out aromas commonly associated with certain varietals.” AMAZING. To add insult to injury, I’m also up against a session exploring Online Technologies and Wine, with digital/social and wine ninjas like Paul Mabray from Vintank, John Meyer of 9 Clouds, and Philip James from Lot 18 and Snooth. Are you kidding me with that? Side note, I hope they will record the sessions, because I’m bummed to not get to sit in on that one.
As to my session, I have been thinking (and blogging) a lot about all things Millennials and wine, so that seemed a logical starting point. But what about this wide topic would particularly interest a room full of bloggers? Getting a little deeper, what makes a wine blogger tick? Perhaps a discussion on what blogs Millennial wine lovers read and how they choose to drink up (yeah, I went there) these sound bites. Or maybe a deeper sociological study of how my generation prefers to learn about wine, in contrast to our Boomer parents. Tasting Notes or video? Advice from a wine expert or a friend? Should bloggers cater to this particular audience, or stick true to their voice (if you’ve read anything I’ve written on this in the past, clearly I believe the latter)?
The session on Millennials and Wine is still in the works, but having this opportunity to reach out to other bloggers, wine and digital experts to pick their brains on the topic and invite them to join the panel has been a treat. Lordy knows I’m not as cool as the Sheris or Pauls of the wine world, but the great thing about a bloggers conference is that I don’t have to be. Everyone gets a chance to speak their voice, and (in theory) there’s no judgment.
All that being said, I’m still looking for ideas, so use that comments section friends!
Photos courtesy of Wine Bloggers Conference, Dirty South Wine and Vintage Texas.
With over a decade of experience in communications, Pia has a strong background in wine, beer and food public relations, marketing and promotional strategy. A vice president in CRT/tanaka’s Food & Beverage Practice, Pia oversees public relations, traditional and social media programs, strategic partnerships and program development for various beverage alcohol and food accounts, including the Wines of Rioja, Les Vins Georges Duboeuf and the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. Her agency work has helped win various industry awards, including two Bronze Anvils, Silver Anvil, Bulldog Digital/Social (Gold and Silver), PR News Platinum, two PR News Digitals, Clarion, Big Apple, Commonwealth and a Telly. In recognition of her passion and client work, Pia also won the CRT/tanaka annual Whatcanbe Client Award in 2011. In 2010, Pia created the weekly BuzzBin column called 'The Booze Bin,' offering up interesting musings on the beverage alcohol industry and all things booze. Depending on the season, what she's cooking, and whether or not the Yankees are winning, Pia can be found toasting a glass or pint of something awesome.
What an exciting opportunity! Congrats! I think for young bloggers in general a good topic to tackle might be “what do you know about wine anyway?”. Finding your voice as a young blogger can be hard. For me, I am constantly reading about my industry so when it’s time for me to write, I think what can I add that is of value, I don’t have the experience they have, yet. But each and everyone of us regardless of age or experience has a different perspective to offer. What is it that young wine bloggers have that the crem de la crem do not?
I look forward to hearing about what you come up with and how it goes. Good luck!
How about a quick poll and results on “first wine loves” of the Ms? This could be interesting in the context of taste pref, but also could inform bloggers how people come to wine in the first place.
As a millenial, I’d love to hear about/talk about “growing beyond the basics” and evolving as a wine drinker. If I’m a food & wine blogger, I’d also want to think about how to address my audience about wine without scaring them … while also helping them surpass the Riesling/Malbec trend stage as a consumer.
Thanks Rachael, Michael and Viv! Awesome feedback and I’ll definitely tie these ideas into the seminar. So wonderful to have such a collaborative industry…how lucky am I?!
Thanks again y’all.