With the pace of today’s news and events, writing about wine seems to be not only a luxury but at times superfluous. Whether it be the wars raging overseas, the political battles and scenes closer to home, or the alcohol conversations flourishing that are mostly negative, except by wine insiders – myself included, continuing to write a wine blog or post on other social channels is at times not only daunting but almost dare I say – unnecessary. However, then I begin to write about a region, a family, a social model such as a cooperative, the vineyard year – agriculture, farming practices, cultural history, food pairings, grape varieties, women winemakers and then it all seems more than worth it. I have always thought about wine writing as an educational venture more than anything else. My goal has always been to educate, advance knowledge about regions, producers, grapes, practices, and links to territory and terroir. It’s never been so much about my brand or me but about the stories I like to tell and sharing the love I have for various areas. I am making a conscious decision to keep going even if we in the alcohol business are now out of favor with many. We will make our own circle – Blazing Saddles reference in case you were wondering.