When I decided to expand into the wine world, I never thought I would have the opportunity to meet these down to earth interesting people. From the actual wineries to the social media micro influencers, each has a unique perspective on what it means to share their love of wine over…well a glass of wine. I had the pleasure to speak to Brooke Martin the founder of the Brooke Blend, both a social media influencer as well as blogger herself. Her passion and knowledge of wine is uncanny.
Brooke, how did you get to where you are today?
BM: It was love at first sight! I went to Napa on my honeymoon 14 years ago with no expectations and very little wine experience. I truly fell in love and told my husband we would be coming back annually. We have kept that promise. Three years ago I started TheBrookeBlend as a creative outlet. Since then it has grown to what it is today. I love the people I have met through this community and the opportunities that have come out of it. It’s not always easy juggling it all, but I do my best.
You are the founder of the blog Brookeblend.com. What type of content can people expect to find when visiting your blog? Is Brookeblend a full-time venture or more of a side hobby?
BM: Yes, I founded TheBrookeBlend three years ago as a creative outlet and to do something fun and relaxing outside of my full-time job. I focus on small production and boutique wineries but also include general wine information in a fun, genuine way. TheBrookeBlend is a part-time gig at the moment, would love for it to eventually be more than that, but it isn’t quite to the point of paying all the bills! 😉
Is there a characteristic or quality you feel is essential to be successful?
BM: Stay true to yourself! It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the “highlight reel” of social media and lose sight of yourself, trying to be like everyone else. I’m not saying I’m perfect at it, but I’m at a point where being different and unique is more important to me and I hope my Insta community sees and appreciates that.
As a wine expert, do you have any local favorites?
BM: Always a tough question, why ya gotta go there?! 😉 A few favorites; A.Rafanelli up in Healdsburg, Imagery in Glen Ellen and En Garde in Kenwood.
What do you think is the most important quality of a good influencer?
BM: Again, being true to yourself is so important. Being genuine and able to connect with your followers. You’re doing a good job when they feel comfortable enough to reach out to you and ask questions or simply comment on a post.
What is your most memorable wine experience? What is it about that experience that makes the memories so vivid?
BM: A few years ago, on my birthday, we visited my favorite winery, A.Rafanelli, for a tasting. As we got out of the car, there was a couple of guys standing there talking. We said hello and started up a conversation. It happened to be the owner of the winery, which we had never met before. He took us into the tasting room, poured us some wine and took us back to their wine cave! It was special in so many ways. Loved hearing Dave, the owner, talk about the history of the winery. It was such a memorable experience, I will never forget.
What is your favorite wine right now?
BM: Although I am a Cabernet girl through and through, I have recently been on a Pinot Noir and Syrah kick lately. I’ve had some good ones that are diverting me from my usual reds.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
BM: I would love for TheBrookeBlend to progress into something more. I enjoy the collaborations I am doing on a regular basis but would love for this passion to eventually turn into my full-time job. I have some fun wine trips planned in the next few months, so stay tuned!
What advice do you give wineries & wine lovers getting started on Instagram?
BM: Find your niche and be yourself. Easier said than done, I know. Plenty of hard days, lots of grinding, but at the end of the day, I love what I’ve created and will continue sharing this passion with others.
Are there any trends that you are noticing in your niche?
BM: When I started this blog/Insta there were hardly any wine bloggers. I could count them on both hands. Nowadays they are everywhere! I see a lot of wine bloggers featuring wineries and places to visit in the Napa/Sonoma area. Some are lucky enough to live right there in the wine country, for those of us that aren’t as fortunate, we need to get creative and find other ways to show off wines, which I think we all do a good job of.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
BM: Just have fun with social media and those that you follow. When it gets too overwhelming and you start comparing yourself to others, shut it down! Even as a blogger myself, I have to take a break for my mental health.
