Here is a link to the post that started it all: European Wine Blogger Conference 2008

The conference is planned as a first attempt to bring together different voices from the wine blogosphere from throughout Europe and the rest of the world to drink, eat and discuss.

It is an exciting time for those who blog regularly about wine. The trade is waking up to the benefits of interacting with bloggers, and together, we represent a potential alternative to the traditional media.

The idea is to find ways we bloggers can work together to enhance what we already do, and also to make new friends. These are only the first steps, and it would be great to see as broad a representation of bloggers, countries and interests as possible.

Cost

The cost of the conference is €50 (16% IVA will added for Spanish residents). Click here to learn what is included and to register.

Host Hotel

Our host hotel is the HUSA, located in the heart of Logrono. The Husa is offering us discounted room rates and free breakfast and wifi. We have a block of rooms reserved for August 29 and August 30 for €50 per room plus tax. Once you register for the conference, we will provide you with information on how to reserve a room. If you would like to share a room with another conference attendee, please visit our Forums section and talk with other participants.

Arrival and Departure

The conference starts at 5:00 PM on Friday, August 29th in Logrono, allowing you ample time to arrive at your leisure.

Plane - You can fly into one of three airports: Madrid, Barcelona or Bilbao. Ideally, we suggest that you fly directly into Bilbao, as we will have a bus waiting to take you to your hotel at 1:30 PM, arriving in Logrono around 4:00 PM. Please confirm with us to reserve your place on the bus.

If you are interested in more information about flights into any Spanish airport, along with car rentals, please check out the Spanish Airport Guide for more details.

Sample Information for the Invitational Wine Tasting

Every participant should contribute wine(s) which exemplify your region or your blog’s focus. We are expecting between 30 to 40 wine bloggers, so please plan the quantity of your wine accordingly.

If you are interested in shipping your wines prior to the conference, please send your wines to this address, while emailing us a quick confirmation that your wines have been sent:

Dinastia Vivanco
Attention: Diego Fernandez (Friday Night Keynote Tasting)
Carretera Nacional 232
26330 Briones - La Rioja
España

Agenda

Friday, August 29th, 2008

12 pm to 5 pm :: Bloggers Arrive & check into our hotel

5 pm to 9 pm :: Bloggers Invitational Wine Tasting

9 pm :: Dinner at Logroño Restaurant

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

9:30 am :: Bus departs for Conference Venue (Dinastia Vivanco Museum)

10 am to 11 am :: Session 1: Roundtable on Rating

11 am to 12 pm :: Session 2: Roundtable on Wine Blog Writing

12:30 am to 1 pm :: Coffee Break

1 pm to 2 pm :: Session 3: Roundtable on Wine Blogging standards and on Monetisation

2pm to 4pm :: Lunch – Tapas and tasting of local wines

4 pm :: First Bus Leaves for Logroño (optional)

4 pm to 6 pm :: Free time to visit Dinastia Vivanco Museum and Winery, or tour the local town and vineyards of Briones

6 pm :: Second Bus leaves for Logroño

7 pm to 9:30 pm :: Keynote Tasting – Wine tasting of Iberian wines directed by Catavino (and other Spanish & Portuguese bloggers - tbc).

10 pm :: Dinner in Logroño

Sunday, August 31st, 2008 (optional)

10 am :: Bus leaves for Winery Tours

10:30 am - 2 pm :: Visit several Rioja Bodegas (tbc)

2 pm - 5 pm :: Final Lunch in Haro/Briones/LaGuardia