When, where and why did you begin blogging?

I began blogging because I had read other blogs and thought, “Hey, I want to put my two cents in too.” I love talking about wine and could just sit around and chew the fat all night long. I’m relatively new to the blogging world having just started The Wine Sleuth four months ago, but I really enjoy it. It makes me really think and do research on what I’m drinking. It’s also good practice for the WSET Diploma, which I’m starting this Fall.

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

At first, I it was just a platform for me to put down my thoughts about what I was drinking but now it has evolved into bringing lesser known wines into the spotlight. I get a kick out of finding new wines, varietals or wine producing regions. I think that the average wine drinker is stuck in a rut of chardonnnay, s. blanc and merlot so my goal is to introduce them to something other then the usual.

How would you describe your readers?

I would describe my readers as other people in the industry since it’s relatively new and most of my advertising has been through telling my friends and colleagues to check my site out.

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

Blogging for me is becoming more of a professional outlet. I would like to eventually branch out into online retail and view the blog as a way to advertise myself, my views and my tastes.

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

I haven’t really put much effort yet into marketing other then word of mouth, networking, etc. One of my goals is to put a serious effort into marketing my blog in the next few months.

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

I think that blogging is immediate. You don’t have to wait a week or two to get the news or read editorials regarding something that happened last month. Blogging is also very interactive, you get immediate reactions and you can establish dialogues with others, something that is not really possible with print media.

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

I think they have had an impact and as more and more people move online to get their news and reviews, it will become even more important. People want the immediacy and intimacy that blogs give you. If your readers trust your judgment, they’ll try the wines you recommend.

Where do you see wine blogging in 10 years?

I think that in the next 10 years blogging will be an important tool in helping consumers find and buy wine. Wine is still a mystery to many people and I see bloggers as guides to the world of wine, helping people make the right decisions and finding wines that they really enjoy.

What do you hope to gain from this conference?

I’m really looking forward to the conference to meet other bloggers and exchange ideas with them. Since I’m new to the world of blogging, I’m really curious to hear what others think about blogging now and in the future. And, of course, drink some good wine and see Rioja.