I am quite certain that each and every one of us has a different take on the year 2013. Hopefully for most of you, it was a year that you look back on with good memories. I for my part, had a lot of good things happen in 2013 and some not so good…Of course. I would like to look back for a moment on the good things, because that is what is really important (and most of us don’t like to read negative stuff anyway).
In the first part of the year, I had opportunity to interview some interesting figures in the wine world. Randall Graham (Bonny Doon Vineyards), Joe Roberts (1WineDude) and Gary Vaynerchuk (Vaynermedia). All three were intriguing personalities and I learned a lot about interviewing and the best format in which to put it on my blog. The one I am most proud of to date, is the interview I did with our local wine maker Chris Primus, wine maker at San Juan Vineyards. He loved it, I loved it, and it told his story very well. I think I’ve made great strides in interviewing, and posting them in an interesting, easy-to-read format.
In 2013, I succeeded in getting Randall Graham to come to the San Juan Islands in Washington State for one of our tasting events. It was very fun and interesting. Randall was very happy with the results. He is a very eccentric and intelligent man who also happens to make some incredible juice. I was very excited to have Barnard Griffin Winery contact me and ask if Rob Griffin could come to one of our tasting events in 2013, to celebrate thirty years as a winery in the state of Washington. I invited him to come up in August for our “Intimate Tasting With The Wine Maker” event, which he did, and the event was to say the least…AWESOME!
In August, which is Washington Wine Month, I took on a self-imposed assignment of reviewing 100 Washington wines on my blog. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off, but I ended up reviewing more the 100 wines. It was a tough assignment, but when it was all over I was very satisfied that I had accomplished this feat. I also discovered some new treasures from this great wine-producing state. Some that really stood out for me were, Mackey Vineyards, Gifford Hirlinger, Cor Cellars, Kyra, Barons, Kevin White and Chatter Creek.
I had the privilege of going to Lake County in California to help with the crush at Steele Winery. I love Jed, and I was happy to be a part of the crew for a few days. I learned things I didn’t know about the process and the work that goes into producing a bottle of wine. The memories will stick with me for a long time.
2013 was also a year in which I focused on building my brand as Stan The Wine Man. I started a Youtube channel called Stan The Wine Man TV. On this platform, I review wines and talk about different subjects connected to the wine world. So far I have recorded and aired twelve episodes. They are un-edited and a little raw at first. I am fine tuning them and believe they are getting a little better each time. My Twitter handle @stanthewineman was also mentioned in Gary Vaynerchuk’s new book “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook”. This was huge for me, and kicked me in the butt to work harder on my branding. My passion for wine, finding great values, and “Stan The Wine Man” are not mutually exclusive.
Most of all, I would like to thank all of you who have made this a great year for me as friends and customers. I cannot begin to mention all of you, but here are a few. First and foremost, I would like to thank my beautiful wife Bridgett for supporting me and putting up with all my wine jargon and blogging. Special thanks go to Verne & Libbey for all their support. Thanks to Alan, Ary & Patricia, Ed & Claire, Bob & Carrol, Sharon, Bryan & Dani, Dick & Susan, Dave, Jerry & Virginia, Georgia, Fred & Mary, Charlie, Steve, Fred & Carolyn, Bob, my good fiend Dionysus, Pat, Dick & Patti, Willy & Vreni, Steve & Diane, Art and Margherita, Roy & Anne, Bill & Alison, Mike & Jean, Barry & Robin, Mike, Mark & Donna, Fred & Carolyn, Sue & Jim, Bert Fert, Rick & Linda, Bud & Karen, Joan, Frank & Donna and many, many more. You have all been wonderful, and great supporters.
I am really looking forward to 2014 and all it has to offer. Thank you 2013, I will never forget you.
Cheers! Stan The Wine Man A.K.A. The Blue Collar Wine Guy
