1st European Wine Bloggers Conference

The 1st European Wine Bloggers Conference, which took place in Logroño, Spain, in the beautiful region of La Rioja, has sadly come to an end. But as they say, “what is good ends quickly”!

Initially, my interest in taking part was merely as a result of curiosity. Here at Cortes de Cima, we had just started our own blog, meaning that it made some sense for me to be there, if only to gather ideas and opinions. And so it was!

Three intense days of people, ideas and wines (not necessarily in that order), helped me to clear up some doubts. Wine blogging is in the process of defining itself and is searching for a path which will differentiate it from the rest; as such, it is a work in progress, and it is still too early to assess or catalog it. The seed has now been planted with the completion of the conference and some evidence is starting to emerge that wine bloggers can become “professionals” and can make a living from their work. Let’s wait and see…

I must agree that for a first time event, it was extremely well organized thanks to Ryan and Gabriella Opaz from Catavino and Robert MacIntosh from The Wine Conversation, who made a huge effort to ensure everything ran smoothly. Beyond the wine tastings, and the visits to the wine cellars of the beautiful region of La Rioja (my mind is filled with memories of this region which made the journey undoubtedly worth it), the friendly socialising and feeling of ease between the bloggers and non-bloggers was salutary. After all, the fact that we already “knew” each other online facilitated the communication and exchange of ideas.

Some eagerness and expectation were left in the “air” in relation to the 2nd Congress at which I cannot yet guarantee my presence. Of course, we can at least hope to convince them to bring the second edition to Portuguese soil. What do you say?

If you didn’t have the chance to participate in the European Wine Blogger’s Conference you can always register yourself in the American one, which will take place in Sonoma, California from the 24th to 26th of October; for which we have already registered and will in principle be attended by Carrie who also has Californian roots. It is always a good excuse to return to your roots!