In my early travels as a wine writer (outside of this blog that is) I’ve come across more than a few editors who aren’t interested in my wine reviews.
That’s all well and good. My style obviously isn’t for everyone. But some of those editors take it a step further and tell me why:
"You don’t have any formal wine training, Lenn."
I’ve always found that to be a bullsh*t reason. Just because I haven’t spent thousands of dollars on formal training, that doesn’t mean that I don’t smell what I smell and taste what I taste. I’ve always says that the best way to learn about wine is tasting it–no matter where.
Eric Asimov of the New York Times and The Pour, seems to agree given his story today. He thinks that tasting wine at home is a great way to learn wine, particularly for beginners, and outlines a simple way to explore the wine world.
I can’t agree more. That doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t see value in formal education. When I have the time and money, I plan to pursue some myself. But it’s not the be all end all. Remember that.
In the story, Eric has two different wine shops put together $250 cases of wine that represent the the wine world. With that in mind, keep an eye out right here on LENNDEVOURS for the Ultimate New York Case. I’ll be combing through my tasting notebooks and my memory banks to put together a case of New York wines that shows of the state’s unique regions and terroir.