DISQUS

I agree with your overarching point about Brand Spain, Ryan. If the wine industry there is facing as much difficulty as you say, a united effort would assuredly define a stronger position for the entire market. However, you do f ace a lot of difficulty in the pre-existing biases. With intra-regional differences and varying success level, it's difficult for a specific region that's doing very well to let go of that edge so the rest of the businesses he/she has always viewed as their competition can be on even footing. You won't have much luck with regions which are on top and comfortable changing their viewpoint on that. However, there is a way to add pressure to them. If you were to organize regions of similar lower success level, regions with something to gain, their combined force could raise them up to the level, if not beyond the level, of the more well-fairing regions. Those originally stubborn well-fairing regions will then have a choice if the success of that union trumps their own--that choice, of course, "if you can't beat'em, join'em." At that point it would only make the best business sense to join Brand Spain because that's where the money would be (no longer theoretically, but tangibly so). I'm sure there are intricacies of which I'm unaware that make what I said nowhere near as simple as it sounds, but I hope it motivates you in this direction.

This was a great idea to get people motivated to be vocal with their curiosity. Thanks for the opportunity.

I fall under the category that believes every day is a chance to show someone you care, Valentine's day is just one of those days that gives you an excuse to go big with it. That said, I really enjoyed the post and the selections you put thought into. They are excellent choices for the day, but ultimately, it's never been much about what's being shared as who it's being shared with. Cheers.

I am always swept away by tradition. I love the idea of an activity, drink, or food which is reserved for one special occasion annually. (Of course, sometimes we'll cheat and perform the activity when we miss the holiday or can't wait a whole year). What's so magical about having a tradition linked to Coca de Sant Joan is that you can be anywhere in the world away from home, and, as long as you have the ingredients, you can still celebrate. The food will bring back to memories of loved ones. That's the power of tradition.

What I love about tapas is the inherent variety that comes with it. I can venture out with an empty stomach, and, by the end of the night, return not only full but having savored at the very least 10 food styles.

Your parallel drawn between the zoo cats and this grape were quite eloquent and drove the point hom for me. At first, I was very surprised at the statistic, to hear 80%-90%, and yet, it's not celebrated even where it is grown. But you are right, these grapes sound like they have a lot of potential both as wine and in their ability to be marketed.

This celebration is absolutely surreal. Even if it seems like equal parts crazy as it is food and drink, I don't really cast judgements on these traditions as much as want to try them for myself. It's rare that ceremonies dating this far back are preserved today. Thanks for all the information!

It's nice to see the bartering system is back. It's a great idea on their part to get some conversations stimulated, in addition to getting some brand movement in exchange in more ways than just moving their product (marketing skills swap).

Your thoughts on the shop's decor are spot on. Mahogany does have its pre-conceived notions (smoking pipe and jacket), but it always offers this inviting warmth which you described. Great choice on the part of Luis.

Paella is one of those "last supper" foods at the top of my list. There's this quality saffron rice which, ever since my first tasting, has proven to be irresistible to my taste. I'll have to thank the Moors for this dish which has filled and crossed generations of empty stomachs.

The Praiamar platters sounds like my paradise. There's something about being near the beach all day, perhaps it's the salty air, but I'm absolutely starving all the time. My appetite just goes up ten fold, and I always remedy that with my love of seafood. Thanks for the tip; I am still figuring out whether I can trip to Portugal with a friend this summer, and I will definitely keep your advice in mind.

This is a great way to get things moving in the FAQ section. I've already submitted mine. Looking forward to all the interesting information this generates.

Love that picture of the storm. Although it gave rise to some complications, you have to appreciate the spontaneity of that happening. I've read through all your points, and I find them all to be very valid from expanding the definition of a tourist to day-trippers and families to fitting language needs of these tourists. One point that stood out to me as the idea behind family-oriented packages. Regardless of a person's love of wine, if it's a family trip and they have children, parents may find themselves at odds doing this activity as an entire family. On the same vein of education, I'd suggest an interactive blind aroma area for children. Setting up a special game where they are challenged to match labels with all the different aromas that can be found in the wines, by using the actual things they are described by. This will leave a valuable learning experience, but also be fun to do. You would be engaging the children and their memories of your vineyard so that they might take interest to visit when they are old enough.

Yuko's ambition should take her far. Uphill Battle? Yes. Impossible? Never. Not with the focus found in her words. I completely agree with her definition of good enotourism. It's those factors which have made my immersion in the wine world at Tin Cross such a special time.

Hi Ivan, after reading through your post, consider yourself welcomed to the Catavino page; you have a genuine, clear writing-style. I look forward to hearing more about your time in Valenica.

I was caught entirely off guard by the update, but let's just call it a pleasant surprise. You've done a great job reshaping the look and feel of the site. It's reminiscent of a glossy magazine which turned over to the web.

Technological advances are fundamental to the process of winemaking, however, I don't believe there will be a time when everything is automated. Or, at least I hope not. There are people in this business still too passionate about the fresh air and walking the rows. The more things advance down that road, the more we recognize the importance of that human touch.

Oscar, thanks for that regional dish recommendation. I'm really interested to try that for myself. Do you have a more specific recipe with instructions that you use? If not, I will do a traditional search of the internet for this traditional dish.

Also, Justin's breakfast looked hearty enough for a lumberjack. Certainly an energy-packed start to the day.

Thanks for introducing us to a passionate personality like Katherine. There's an obvious pride taken in the shop she runs and that pride must make it the worthwhile experience you described.

The Brandy Library looks like a great spot. The next time I visit my younger brother in NYC, I'll have to try this place out. Thanks for that!

Just for clarification. Is that a vial, or does it actually spray mist?

Also, for wine fiction, there's a highly popular manga (Japanese style comic) Kami no Shizuku or "Drops of God." Here's the wiki description: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Gouttes_de_Dieu

The Roscón cake is especially interesting to me. This seems related to an Ancient Roman Tradition during this same time period of the year called, Saturnalia. One of the main events in celebrating Saturnalia is a large cake shared among those celebrating with one bean baked inside. The person who discovers the bean in their share of cake is also deemed "King" and becomes master of all the ceremonies. They would also do a pea for the queen. Interesting how this seems to have carried on in a close fashion.

"One day up on the Coast" is my favorite in the series.

Wow, these are great. What kind of camera do you use? Are there edits used after in photoshop, or do you just depend on the natural light given to you in these shots? You have a right to be proud, they are very professional.

I love the creative design use there. The possibilities are truly endless once you put your mind to the materials. Personally, I would love to have an outdoor chess table with the squares of the board fashioned atop an old barrel. This could be paired with some great barrel seating. Although, I haven't had the opportunity to realize this idea as of yet.