VineTalk TV Show: Why not Sierra Foothill Wines?



Ray Isle on the set in NYC
 Dec 2010 Vine Talk tapings

 Pasted below is a press release on the success that Paso Robles Wine Country's marketing efforts have garnered.  The latest is scoring an episode of Vine Talk, a new TV show on PBS.  I actually know the producer of the show and was in the invitation-only audience of the first two tapings, back in early December 2010.  I've been talking to him about featuring Sierra Foothill wines, but no joy so far.  Why?  Because this Sierra Foothill wine region which is so beloved of me is just too darn disorganized for a unified push to make the national-recognition thing happen.

Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras, Placer, Fair Play, Nevada County... all the winery associations there do great jobs for their counties and AVAs.  But to achieve true marketing success, there needs to be one umbrella organization.  With a budget. With goals and objectives and accountability. With at least a part-time executive director.  You know... an effort that is run like a business. 

Mike & Jeff from Wine Enthusiast;
fellow audience members Vine Talk

Let me get down off my MBA-highhorse for a moment and say that I know it is hard to organize an effort like this.  A bit like herding cats.  Winemaking in the mountains and Foothills has economic and other challenges.  The last thing any winemaker wants is another set of dues to pay, meetings to attend, energy-consuming events to pour at.

The reality, however, is that a rising tide floats all ships.  (Sorry for all the aphorisms).  That's one of the reasons I promote (re-promote?) the outreach of the Sierra Foothills associations. (SEE THE RESOURCE LIST ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THIS BLOG !) I blog their press releases to reach more eyes, Tweet and RT, Facebook and Link-In, because I believe.  I believe in this region, I support the winemakers and winery owners, and I'm here to beat the drum.

Surely there is a way we can all pull together on this? 

And yes ... Stanley Tucci is as good looking, compelling and sexy in person as he is on stage and TV.  I almost got to kiss his ring.

Relaxing at Boulod Restaurant w/
Bruce Marcus, Exec Producer of
Vine Talk, after tapings Lincoln Center

Elena Crespo, Chief Marketing
Officer, on the Vine Talk set

~~~~~~~~~ (below, courtesy of PR Newswire) ~~~~~~~~~

 "Paso Robles Wine Country to Be Featured on New Television Show – VINE TALK"

A-List Host Stanley Tucci and Panel of Celebrities Blind Taste Paso Robles Zinfandel



PASO ROBLES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paso Robles Wine Country continues a pattern of positive recognition in mainstream media as a featured wine region in the new television series, VINE TALK. Paso Robles Zinfandel wines will be showcased in the sixth episode of VINE TALK where celebrity A-Lister and long-standing foodie, Stanley Tucci, guides a panel of celebrity oenophiles through an on camera tasting. This new PBS show strives to break the mold of stuffy wine content programming by creating a fun and welcoming environment for viewers where even the studio audience is a part of the show. Paso Robles has been chosen as the region to highlight Zinfandel with six Paso Robles wine brands to be sampled, discussed, judged and unveiled including – Carina Cellars, J Dusi Wines, Peachy Canyon Winery, Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery, Turley Wine Cellars, and Victor Hugo Winery.



“VINE TALK stands to enthrall new wine consumers into discovering Paso Robles and our wines. The timing could not be better as we prepare to celebrate the biggest festival of the year in Paso Robles Wine Country.”



Each week a different wine region from around the world serves as the inspiration for a lively and engaging conversation which highlights the varietals or wine characteristic of that region. The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance assisted producers from VINE TALK to compile a sampling of standout Zinfandel wines to be considered for the inaugural season. Mr. Ray Isle, executive wine editor of FOOD & WINE magazine provides his expertise on the show by answering questions about the wines and providing background on regions. Episode six features celebrity chef, Tim Love; former MLB All-Star pitcher, Ron Darling; and internationally acclaimed violinist, Philippe Quint, as they sniff, swirl, and sip while discussing their current projects and of course Paso Robles Zinfandel wine.



“It’s exciting for Paso Robles wines to be highlighted in this show with such incredible personalities,” said Christopher Taranto, marketing director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “VINE TALK stands to enthrall new wine consumers into discovering Paso Robles and our wines. The timing could not be better as we prepare to celebrate the biggest festival of the year in Paso Robles Wine Country.”   (etc etc)