This is a question that’s been on our mind for a long time. In fact, when we launched this blog we were amazed that no one appeared to be blogging on a regular basis about the Napa Valley itself! But with something like 400 wineries in the valley, how can it be that only a handful (at the very best) are actively blogging?
Sure, there are plenty of reasons (we might argue they’re excuses) for a winery to not have a blog:
- Lack the technical know-how to get one up-and-running
- Can’t devote enough time to update with new content
- Are reluctant to open themselves up to potentially negative comments/criticism
A blog can be a powerful marketing tool and can play a big role in establishing or changing perceptions of a brand. We can’t think of a better, more direct, immediate way to engage with customers. Not only that, but many wineries could greatly benefit from the addition of a little ‘personality’, which can easily be done via a blog. We’d be first in line to subscribe to a blog written by Jayson Pahlmeyer, or any of the crew over at Judd’s Hill or a winemaker perspective from any winery. This is truly a missed opportunity in our mind.
As of this writing, we’re only aware of one or two Napa Valley wineries that have regularly updated blogs.
Goosecross Cellars has a well-established and informative Napa Valley Wine Radio community and blog. Trefethen Family Vineyards’ website has said a blog is “coming soon” for the better part of the past six months.
Outside of these guys, we’re not aware of any other Napa Valley wineries that are engaging with customers using the blog format. Hopefully we’ve missed a few. If so, drop us a comment or email and let us know about it. Or better yet, tell us why you think there aren’t more Napa Valley winery blogs in existence.
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Bruce 06.27.07 at 9:19 am
You’re absolutely right…wineries should be blogging about what’s happening in their facilities and giving updates on the various vintages. Even things like which wines are at their peak right now would be a great feature.
Like you, I was amazed that no one was blogging about the Napa Valley and even considered doing it myself (to the point of registering a few domains) but figured it would be hard keeping up with all the Napa Valley happenings from New Hampshire - even though I come out to Napa 2-3 times a year.
Keep up the great work.
Dr. Debs 06.27.07 at 1:46 pm
This is weird, I agree. Paso Robles seems way ahead of Napa in blogging, at least as far as wineries are concerned. What’s even weirder, for me, is where are the blogs from all the folks who live in Napa, have access to great stores/wineries? If I lived in Napa I’d be blogging every hour on the hour?
Surely not everyone in Napa is in the biz, but I wonder if it’s less fun to think about blogging about wine if you are doing wine 9-5?
Richard Shaffer 06.27.07 at 6:24 pm
It is amazing that more winemakers do not blog about their work and their wines.
I host a blog about wine and winemakers from Israel - and there are ZERO wineries from Israel I know of hosting blogs.
In a world of over-abundant wine options, a blog is really a grand way for the winemaker to TELL THEIR STORY very inexpensively and directly.
Napa is not alone in having too few winery blogs!
Richard
el jefe 06.28.07 at 4:28 pm
I think about the winemakers and winery people that I know, and I can’t imagine most of them ever sitting down at a blog and writing their wine life. Winemaking is not a profession that is closely tied to the written word - why do you think there are son many freakin marketing and political blogs?
Or it may be that in a place like Napa, you don’t have to make a case for wine there - it just is. On the other hand, if you are in a region that is not yet widely thought of as a wine place, you have to bring to bear all the tools you can.
I can proudly say that over 5% of all wineries in Calaveras County have an active blog!
winehiker 06.29.07 at 8:48 am
For the record, Fantesca Winery in St. Helena has a blog, as does Tom Farella. Two down, 398 to go!
winehiker 07.02.07 at 10:13 am
Come to think of it, make that “397″ — Whitehall Lane Winery has a blog, too.
Jeannie 01.30.08 at 11:22 am
I’m planning my first trip to Napa this summer and need some help in making sure I see as much as possible during my stay! So many wineries and so little time!
What is reasonable… visit two per day?
Which are the least pretentious wineries to visit? I love good wine, but hate pretentious people… sorry if you fall into that category.
Best places to eat?
What other than a hot air balloon is a must while there?
Your knowledge would be appreciated!