When, where and why did you begin blogging?

I started blogging in 2004, using a private account at blogspot. At this time I was using my blog just as a place to store and write some stories. I was blogging just for myself, it was a private place in the world wide web!!

In a few short sentences, summarize your intention with your wine blog

Today, I want to give my readers a different view of things. The view of a winemaker, the view of a independent person. Somebody who does not need to care about reactions of potential customers.

How would you describe your readers?

Oh, I would love to know them better. Luckily my Blog is a blog were my readers feel free to comment. I would say its a interesting mix. 70% are people which come to my blog via Google, the rest is Bloggers and Journalsits which find their way directly to the winzerblog.

Is blogging a professional endeavour for you or more of a personal outlet?

For me it is personal outlet. Yet, maybe this could change some days.

What tools or resources have you found to be successful in marketing your blog?

I never used something special for marketing. I believe to get readers and attention, you just need to be able to contribute information. Information others do not have, or do not have the know how of the wine business. Also you need to be able to write about it That’s all, the rest will do your blogging software

How would you describe wine blogging to be different than print media?

In print media it is difficult to find independent writers!! In Blogs this is no problem.
This is why Blogs are becoming more and more trustworthy, this is a point Bloggers have to think about when they want to make money with blogging.

Do you believe wine blogs have made any marked impact on the wine industry or wine culture?

As far I know I would say no. Definitely not in Germany.

Where do you see wine blogging in 10 years?

This is a very interesting question. I think there will be two kind of bloggers. Ones which will take over the part of Journalism, they will write for money and will make living of it, the other will stay like it is today, and hopefully they will provide the leading opinion in the wine industry.

What do you hope to gain from this conference?

New ideas, contacts, fun, learn to know Rioja, new input for new projects