I feel like writing a rant about wine blogging. Sometimes it seems that there is no one out there at all and then other times, it seems like there are 10 people who have an ongoing conversation with each other, like high school. On the one hand I think I am jealous because I am not included (talk about high school). On the other, I think it is silly. What makes anyone an expert on a specific country or wine area? I wonder what even makes an expert on any subject for that matter? Is it experience, education, tasting, chutzpah? A combination….I suppose with a healthy ego. Francamente ne sono un po’ stufa…degli cosidetto esperti. Today, I was doing research in Whole Foods for an article I am writing for Business, an Italian magazine. The woman helping me has seven blogs on a variety of subjects: food, sex, fiction, and a few others. Maybe that is the way to go…I often feel like a voyeur reading about other people’s trips and small and big triumphs…I can’t imagine I am the only one who feels this way. Sometimes, it’s embarassing, especially if you know them. Maybe I just need a trip…This beautiful home in Montalcino looks more and more appealing…
avvinare.com 
Hi Susannah,
thanks for ranting about blogging. I feel quite small when surving on the net and seeing those wonderful bloggs on wine presented in a very fancy way. But I believe blogging is not about “experts”, it’s about us, the ordinary citizens/netizens and our experiences, our knowledge, our passion and our deficiencies, all valuable stuff. The imperfection is our asset. Even if our credibility is low, as some say (there are surveys on this), nonetheless if people look for references (on hotels, restaurants, etc.)they go and search the net for information.
But I agree, the sheer amount of stuff which is out there is quite intimidating at times.
As you know, the little house in Montalcino is waiting (for you, and for me its my vineyard in Glenburn). Cheers Rainer
I like reading your blog and am glad it’s not always about wine…a personal side to it that gives you a voice. thanks
Alfonso
Maybe the financial crisis is getting to me. I just wonder about the level of online journalism and blogging in general and then about wine in particular. I wish there were standards or educational requirements or something of that nature. I have spent considerable sums studying wine in various countries and sort of feel that should be worth something whereas the squeaky wheel theory of life seems to prevail in this area as well…Ah for a delicious glass of something soothing to allay my nerves. I read with interest Alfonso’s post on the Glazer-Southern merger while ago and felt at the time that he was right on target. Today, I feel even more that way. Thanks for your supportive comments 🙂 susannah