Happy 2nd Anniversary!
Another year has come and gone, and I am pleased to say that The Demystified Vine is still guiding people to love & understand wine more and unravel the mysteries behind this fascinating topic! Okay, I’m done. Mission accomplished.
Just kidding.
In the Similkameen Vineyards, 2013
In the last two years, I have seen The Demystified Vine grow significantly. In its first year, it had approximately 4,000 views. During its second year, views more than doubled. I have been working hard to not only grow as a writer, but also provide better content to my readers.
Some Fond Memories
Reporting at the Black Hills Estate 14-year Vertical, 2013
The 2013-2014 blogging year was memorable. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in my BC vine-backyard (the Okanagan) and taste some amazing wines. In October 2013, I was asked by Natalie Maclean to represent her at the Black Hills Nota Bene 14-year Vertical Tasting. The following day, I attended a 6-year vertical tasting at Clos du Soleil Winery in the Similkameen Valley. What experiences! I was passionate about BC wines before I went into the interior that weekend, but post-trip, it deepened widely. I realized how lucky I am to live in such a quality wine region of the world. We DO have age-worthy wines here in BC.
The Riesling tasting leftovers
Spectacular line-up of Clos du Soleil whites!
In addition to attending the Vancouver International Wine Fest and numerous wine tastings around town, I was fortunate enough to record some podcasts with Wine Country BC (@winecountrybc). How could I not also remember talking with a number of winemakers and winery owners to bridge the gap between readers and wine? In June 2014, I attended the Wine Bloggers Conference in Santa Barbara, California. I’m still processing many of the new things I learned. There have been so many wonderful experiences, and I am wholeheartedly looking forward to having more…especially more Marechal Foch and Riesling tastings!
Changes are Coming to The Demystified Vine
The Demystified Vine is going to be going through some changes. I have decided that I am going to be refocusing my website, in order to develop more engaging content about wine and the industry.
Previously, my focus was on reviewing wines and doing write-ups about wineries. In between those publications, I slipped in some wine-related posts or had guest bloggers. (Who could forget Martin Knowles (@mkphotomedia) and I writing wine Christmas Carols about Robert Parker?)
In Venice: I love me some Valdobbiaddene DOCG!
I want to shift gears. My passion has steered me into examining a more theoretical side of wine. I want to engage in conversations about the philosophies behind wine, wine making, and examine why wine makes people tick. The Demystified Vine will still do some wine reviews and the like, but for a while, at least, I want to see what other perspectives can bring.
I hope that you will continue this journey with me, as I have appreciated you being here. Feel free to “Like” The Demystified Vine on Facebook, too! The Page is up and running!
Once again, thank you to my readers; I wouldn’t be here without you! Many blessings. Cheers!
Valerie Stride
Writer of The Demystified Vine
PS: I hope you like the new look!
The Demystified Vine 
Congratulations Valerie: #gogetit! I look forward to what your new focus brings. And the new look is great!
Thanks, Leeann! I’m very excited!
Happy Blogiversary! Hurray!
Thanks, Becca!
Both the new look and the new direction sound terrific! Happy Blogiversary! It was great tasting whites with you at #wbc14!
Thanks, Robin! I look forward to reading the Crushed Grape Chronicles!
You didn’t drink all that Valdobbiddene yourself did you?
No, I did not. However, I was in Italy on vacation, so I could have … had a party! 😉
Happy 2nd blogiversary Valerie! Your passion for wine is obvious and I love that!! Your changes sound very interesting and I look forward to reading how it all goes. Salud!