25 March 2013

This Weekend Rocked

I spent the past weekend in Manhattan as a guest of Snooth, a wine website that combines information, sales, pairing advice, and networking opportunities. I joined around twenty other wine bloggers for a series of instructional tastings and the big Public Voice Awards, which was open to public ticket buyers and featured some 300 wines. Great food was prepared for us, we got to speak directly to winemakers and industry representatives, and were surrounded by the iconic architecture of the Flatiron District.

So why I am I showing you a pair of rocks? It's not just an easy pun. Those rocks were handed over to us by Aldo Sohm, sommelier of Le Bernardin. Both of those chunks of limestone come from Austria, but one of them comes from the vineyard that makes his own wine. That's how I spent my Sunday morning, sitting three feet away from Aldo while he handed over his personal rock collection and we sipped some amazing GrĂ¼ner Veltliner.

Not a bad way to spend a quiet SoHo morning. I will apologize in advance for a lot of these photos--I was using my small auxiliary camera, the pocket-sized Canon A480. Not as powerful as my preferred Nikon D40, but much easier to carry around while running around the city. When possible I'll link to some similar posts from my fellow wine bloggers to see the scenes from a different angle.

Having left my house in Memphis at 4:30 a.m. on Friday and returning Sunday night just before the stroke of midnight, I am exhausted. But I have many wonderful stories to share, and eighty-nine wine reviews to transcribe... Stay tuned!

11 comments:

fredric koeppel said...

looking forward to your reports and reviews...

Benito said...

Fredric,

It was great meeting your friend Meg and many other fascinating people. I'm looking forward to doing more of this kind of thing in the future--been tasting solo too long now.

Cheers,
Ben

Amy @ VineSleuth Uncorked said...

It was fantastic meeting you this weekend at all the events. I look forward to staying in touch and reading much more of what you have to share.
Cheers!!

Eric Guido said...

Very cool first post after the weekend's events. It was great meeting you.

Benito said...

Amy & Eric,

Likewise. This trip and the input and collaboration have really recharged the old blogging batteries. Onward and upward!

Cheers,
Ben

Meg Houston Maker said...

Ben, it was great to meet you in NYC this week. The tasting with Aldo Sohm was a highlight. I look forward to your articles on the events.
Cheers,
Meg

Benito said...

Meg,

The next time we meet, let's take a moment to discuss writing outside of wine. I'm interested in creative non-fiction as well.

Cheers,
Benito

Dezel Quillen said...

Nice meeting you this weekend, Ben and look forward to your upcoming #snoothpva post. Have a great week ahead, bro. Cheers!

Do Bianchi said...

Aldo is such a cool dude... :) Sounds like an amazing event... especially gauging from all the cool folks commenting here! :)

Benito said...

Dezel,

Likewise, my brother. Lots of fun this weekend.

Cheers,
Benito

Benito said...

Jeremy,

I am blessed to be surrounded by some great folks. Chag sameach!

Cheers,
Benito