Everyone has a wine story, and some of us are on different journeys than the others. With that said, a nice glass of wine with some great company can escalate any experience to a memorable one. We sat down with Julia Oren of Instagram @jul_oren and spoke about all things wine. Read more below.
When did you start your wine blog Vevewine and why? What was the vision behind this venture?
JO: Originally in the sommelier school, there was so much information and I wanted to just use the blog as a diary to remember what we have learned. When I received the first few comments from the blog, I was surprised like never before. Wow, somebody actually read it and leaves me nice words on how helpful the blog was to them?
What topic(s) does your blog cover and how do you generally describe the angle to your writing?
JO: My blog covers helpful topics for beginners in a simple and funny manner. I try to write relatable posts; they are easier to memorize. I help my readers understand their personal tastes, get rid of common stereotypes and know where to find hidden gems.
Looking into your crystal ball, what will wine journalism be like in five or ten years? Do you see a merging of professional reviewers and bloggers?
JO: Many bloggers are already reviewers. I only root for the increment of the journalist/blogger ethic.
Wineries (and especially wineries with PR and marketing budgets) seem to be tripping all over themselves for blogger attention. Do you think this is the right tactic for wineries to follow?
JO: Absolutely. All attention on the Internet now.
When it comes to Wine where does a beginner, well begin. Do they look at price tags or sources online? Does a more expensive wine taste better than the 10-buck chuck?
JO: I’d say start to explore yourself. Understand what you like and why. Often, we drink what is poured or “John said this Cab is good”.
What wine do you like, white or red? Ok, red.
Strong taste or light? Light. Pinot Noir is good to begin with.
Pinot from where? Let’s say Oregon.
Explore regions one by one, don’t jump from one continent to another. Good understanding of one place better than a superficial perception of many. Read about Oregon viticulture, check winemakers names. It will not take much of your time but will help to make a conscious choice and perhaps save money.
If you can go to a vineyard – go! It should be lived, not talked.
Do not order a pack of the same or expensive wine. Try different areas of the region, different producers. Train your palate and nose. Sniff your wine every time and play the game – what aromas do you feel in the glass. With time you’ll be able to appreciate the complexity of more important (expensive) drinks. Step by step include in your list other varieties, countries, etc.
What are some of your local favorite varietals? Do you lean more towards red or white? Is there a preference when to have each one?
JO: Red, it’s healthier. Also, personal craving for tannins, such as Agilanico from Southern Italy, Sangiovese pure or blended from the center, Barbaresco from North. Rossese is one love, but it is hard to find it in the US.
Tell us the main difference between wine from Italy compared to wine from Napa, or France, or even Australia.
JO: Wine making is a form of art. Like any form of art, everyone will find something special, personal. Don’t want to repeat the same trite phrases you already heard. Just try and let me know what differences YOU find.
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
JO: Italy, it has all – castles, sea, mountains, great quality food, thousands of old and modern vineyards. You can comfortably travel with kids and pets. Italians are very friendly and not getting nuts if your kid is crying. Might help to calm down actually.
Do you have any memorable wine experiences that have left a lasting impression that is hard to forget?
JO: More like a chain of experiences. When Andrea @paths_of_wine invited me to his wine tasting event, I discovered my love – Aglianico. I met there @simonagsommelierais, who helped me to understand many things, such as which wines are real Super Tuscans, which are not. Also, I met @zombiwine, and later he invited me to join the Roman wine lovers’ group, where we had a lot of blind tasting events.
Or a trip to Tuscany, where I met the real count @filippo_continibonacossi. Very intelligent, super passionate about wine, history, arts. The winery of his family is an actual mention of Medici.
And then met @tancredibs. A young man who continues the tradition of the family Biondi Santi well known in the wine world for Brunello di Montalcino wine.
Any last words?
JO: Wine is not fast booze. Enjoy it slowly and enjoy yourself!
