Day One of the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference is finally here! Over 350 wine bloggers will kickstart the conference at the Marriott Hotel in Buellton this morning with Discover Portugal: Influences Around the World, A food and wine pairing brunch hosted by Wines of Portugal.
Keynote speaker, Corbett Barr of Fizzle, will welcome the wine bloggers to the pristine Santa Barbara Wine Country. Other afternoon sessions include a panel of Santa Barbara Country Winemakers, Live Wine Blogging (whites and roses), Wine Discovery breakout sessions featuring Rutherford Hill and Duckhorn Wineries – #MerlotMe, Winebow‘s When The Sum Is Greater Than Its Parts: Wine Blends From Around The World and Jackson Family Wines – How The Pros Taste.
Topping off the day will be mystery excursions in small groups to local wineries and vineyards. Wine Bloggers will hop on buses to vineyards in the Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Ynez AVA, Happy Canyon AVA, Santa Maria AVA, Santa Rita Hills AVA to be treated with wine and food pairings by groups of neighboring vintners.
Opening day at the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference is guaranteed to be “barrels of fun”. Words of wisdom from fellow wine bloggers who have attended the conference in previous years…. Spit, drink lots of water, spit, laugh often, spit and network. Did I say spit? Tonight’s reception will be Wine Tourism Throughout North America, hosted by Touring & Tasting Marketing and Media~ the perfect opportunity to relax and mingle, and to enjoy a glass or two of wine with fellow wine aficionados.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s events. Follow me on Twitter @debmines and on Uncorked Wine Travels’ Facebook page.
Cheers!