I believe it was Hemingway who uttered these infamous words (although there is certainly some debate!). In any regard, sometimes it’s easier said than done!
I’ve just come back from the Wine Bloggers Conference in the Santa Ynez Valley, California, and so it is somewhat ironic that I’ve been in something of a writing drought.
I met hundreds of passionate people committed to putting words on a screen to inspire, to document, to promote; countless wine makers and vineyard owners. I saw the grapes turning from green to purple, embarked on solo winery visits and road trips with friends, tasted wines and saw places and met people that have me inspired and excited.
And yet, here I sit. Hands hovering over my keyboard for the last several weeks. Countless posts saved to “drafts”.
I think it’s hard sometimes to communicate what is inherently, for me, an intensely social experience. There is a sense of communion when sharing a glass of wine or food with someone. However, writing is an intensely solitary experience- most often done late at night when the house is still and quiet.
This conference was anything but- it was engaging in the most frenetic of ways. It was simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating.
Caught sending one of the hundreds of tweets I sent- what we were doing when we weren’t tasting. Follow along @districtwino!
And so here I am. Filled up past the brim with experiences and tasting notes, unable to quite distill everything down into a 300 word post. It’s still fermenting. So for now I’ll leave you with a few photos.
Grape Clusters at Malibu Family Winery
Yes, the one from “Sideways”. It was divine.
Tasting Amarone from Banfi Vintners
Enjoying a moment in the afternoon sun
Post conference excursion to Santa Barbara
What’s inspiring you lately? Any other wine writers out there suffering from over-stimulation?
