Episode 1 – Verite

February 21, 2006

Wine Library’s Director of Operations Gary Vaynerchuk launches WINE LIBRARY TV and his vision for it. He then turns his palate toward three commune-specific California Bordeaux-styled blends from the Verite Winery: Joie, Desir, and La Muse.

2001 Verite La Muse Red Meritage

2001 Verite La Joie Red Meritage

2001 Verite Le Desir

98 Responses

February 22, 2006

sandy
Amazing! Wow I will be back everyday. Wine Library/Gary you’ve done another great service to us(customers) thank you.
February 23, 2006

chris
I really enjoyed all three tv blogs so far. Keep up the good work. They are helping me learn about wine as well as helping me shop for it. Two thumbs up.
February 23, 2006

Larry
Great idea. Loved the the first three video blogs. Great to hear the details about the winemakers and the vineyards. Can’t see the color of the wine on the blogs – can you do anything about that? Will definitely be checking out this site frequently.
February 23, 2006

Trevor
Very interesting. I actually watched them all. You need to spiff up the st a bit. Background is drab. Upgrade the wardrobe too while you’re at it. You actually clean up pretty well.
February 24, 2006

Kevin
Loved the first 3 videos. Very interesting and educational. I was actually at the store this past Monday and almost bought the Chateauneuf du Pape. Kinda regret not buying it now. Hopefully it’ll be available next time I go.
Great job, Gary. I’ll be watching every night !
February 24, 2006

Guy Eriksen
Hello Gary,

Just let me say … “thank you, thank you, thank you”. (Is three times enough??). I am a relatively new wine lover (would that be a neophite enophile??) suffering from a virtual absence of interaction from other wine lovers. I read everything I can about wine (all the major magazines, books, etc.), and I pick up a lot of information that way. However, not speaking French, I am always afraid of butchering the pronunciation of French wines, words, etc. How great is it that I can now not only get great wine insight, but also hear you pronounce the words I’ve read so often. The more I watch your video, the less I need be concerned about being thought a hick when I speak to others about wine, or order in a restaurant, since my pronunciation of the various French words, chateaus, and vocabulary will get better and better. Your video blog is a godsend. Please keep up the great work … I will watch everyday. [By the way, in response to the previous comment regarding improving the observing the color of the wine on the videos, perhaps a bit of backlighting from under the wine glass with a white background and a close-up frame shot of the glass would do the trick]. Again, merci beaucoup … GUY
February 24, 2006

Carol
Wine Library
I’m a fairly new customer through WL website. I’m more impressed every day. The selection, communication and impeccable service will keep me tuned in for a long time.

The video is terrific. Don’t change a thing. Gary, I promise I’ll stop watching if you start wearing a tie.

Thank you, Carol
February 24, 2006

ron johnson
Move over Robert Parker–Gary’s video blog will take command to both the serious and interested wine drinkers and buyers. So while my wife is watching one of her CSI episodes, I’ll be online watching Gary for both learning about and enjoyment of wines and his serious but casual/comfortable way of presenting.
February 24, 2006

Julius
Let me first say that I think that the video blog is a great idea and I totally enjoyed the first episode and will be a regular viewer. I do, however, think that one thing should be done to improve the tasting review of the wines. You describe the wine (in this case, Verite) as incredible, awesome, a no-brainer, etc. But what happened to the flavors and aromas? I think your customers (of which I am one) would appreciate knowing about these characteristics. Things like blackcurrant, red cherry, leather, sweet spice, coffee, oak, etc. Comparing a wine to Cheval Blanc or Clinet is okay for anyone who has tasted those, but not for anyone who hasn’t. Do you agree?
February 24, 2006

Michael Polanco
A brilliant idea!! I’ve shopped at other stores online & WL is by far the most user-friendly. Your site is incredible, I absolutely love the emails & your selection/prices are off the charts.
I’ll be here everyday. Great work! Keep it up!
February 24, 2006

Jim Cantwell
This is great. Gary is smooth (just like a great pinot noir). I think this will work. Good Luck

Jim
February 25, 2006

Dan
This is a great idea, but I agree with Julius. I found Gary’s tasting descriptions to be marketing hype and do not convey the flavors of the wine. Although I have not had the privilege of tasting many of the wines Gary compares the Verites to, I do find value in these comparisons since I have a mental image of those wines from reading their tasting notes. Just don’t overdo the name-dropping.
February 25, 2006

Dan
I just finished watching the first four episodes. I especially liked the Pinot Grigio episode (even though I am not a big Pinot Grigio fan). I would like to see more tastings of a flight of wines from the same region or varietal. Especially helpful was the ranking of the wines. Do more of this.

It would also be intersting to have Gary do some blind tastings!

One more comment, please display the price of the wine next to the link under the video.
February 25, 2006

Sherril
I didn’t expect to watch these all through or to watch them all, and I did. I think this is a great idea and though low production value, very watchable. It’s a great way to get information on the wines and I enjoyed it. Now I want some Verite.
February 27, 2006

steve sharoff
Gary,

Loved the video and think that the blog will do lots to promote the drinking of wine. I would give you one recommendation for improvement though. I agree with “Julius” and can’t say it better than he did.
“But what happened to the flavors and aromas? I think your customers (of which I am one) would appreciate knowing about these characteristics. Things like blackcurrant, red cherry, leather, sweet spice, coffee, oak, etc. Comparing a wine to Cheval Blanc or Clinet is okay for anyone who has tasted those, but not for anyone who hasn’t.”

In any event, thank you for putting this on. It’s a great idea!!
March 1, 2006

Mark Franks
Gary,

You never cease to amaze how far you push the envelope. I wish you continued success. I hope to raise a glass with you again soon.

Cheers!
March 1, 2006

Peter Klein
In what appears to be the FIRST live TV BLOG in the wine industry, HIGH FIVES for WineLibrary’s pro-active communication and integrated marketing and sales. It clearly is in keeping with the store and on-line website’s creativity and objectivity.
March 3, 2006

Joe C
Invent the wheel! Great effort! Great idea!

Spruce up the set, and improve the lighting.

We should be able to visit the wine on the winelibrary website without having to lose our place in the video and start all over again.

I look forward to additional videos.
March 5, 2006

Stephen Abbriano
I enjoyed this immensely. The friendly chat style was great. I felt as if I was at a wine tasting with a good friend. Your description of the wines as well as your obvious pleasure in tasting made them very attractive.
I have always had trouble understanding wines, other than taste. I know what tastes good to me. LOL. I am hoping to get a greater education from these videos. I look forward to watching the next 8
Good Luck with your video’s.
March 6, 2006

Bobby Bunz
YO GA.. This video wine thing ur doing is great. WINE, the next best thing to a good joint and it’s legal. Love the vids… Keep up the good work.
May 15, 2006

The INDIE FOOD CHANNEL
We would like to invite your program to be part of the late Summer-Fall lineup on the Indie Food Channel(tm).
http://www.IndieFoodChannel.com.
September 19, 2006

Brandon M
Great episode Gary…man you look young!
September 19, 2006

Brandon M
BTW…MAD PROPS to Sandy for being the first ever Blog on the Vlog!
September 22, 2006

TimF
Wow, I just came back to look at the comments from the first episode and see that the first wine was called “The Truth”. That’s almost phrophetic.
September 30, 2006

Mike F.
I have some down time waiting for episode 100, so I am doing a run through from 1 up to 99. I’m going to look for the Verite when the ‘02 are released. Hey Gary is that a Reidel sticker still on your glass?
October 3, 2006

Brandon M
I saw that too…great call Mike
October 6, 2006

Dan G.
Finally saw episode #1. Man, how the times have changed and much for the better. This one seemed a little tight at first but then opened up a bit and now come Oct. your just plain off the wall. I think WLTV has to be the best thing to happen to stuffy wine tasting in a long time. Oh and I noticed the sticker too. What’d you do wash em pack em back in the box and sell them to Brandon.
December 30, 2006

Taco’s Toppings Wine Library TV «
[...] The man that makes the show is Gary Vaynerchuk, the 30-year old Director of Operations of the Wine Library. If you go through the archives and watch the show evolve, three things will become very clear. First, the show started off very well, with pretty good production values. Secondly, the learning curve was very quick for the guys behind WLTV. If you watch the first episode vs. the 18th episode, on decanting, you’ll notice that it’s a night and day difference. If you go from the 1st show to the 150th show, which is a matchup of First Growth Bordeauxs, you’ll be amazed at how much different the show is. And that leads to the third thing: Gary’s passion for wine and his drive to help people enjoy their wine drinking experience more shines through, even in the first episode, but especially now, in the later episodes, as he has grown very comfortable in front of the camera. [...]
February 20, 2007

yowens44
Wow! the original episode. Your doing a great service to us all, I cant tell you how much our love and knowledge of wine has grown over the past year because of your show. Real into it.
March 7, 2007

Malarkey
Yes, the first ep! Once again I’m struck by what a great effing idea this is. You the man, Gary.
March 11, 2007

Alos Diallo
Genesis….. and they just keep getting better! This is the greatest video blog ever made if not one of the best shows period!
March 16, 2007

Les
What a pleasure! I have a lot of catching up to do! I’m definitely saving up for a six pack of Verite.
April 1, 2007

Panoca
I’m posting a non-sense coment just to be in the # 1 episode. Big fan here…
April 11, 2007

Jamie
Is it silly that I’ve only gotten round to doing that too? Oh well, here goes…
April 20, 2007

sfgiants55
Just like to do it vintage style and leave a post on the first episode… I look forward to those wines.
May 17, 2007

Greg B.
Just wanted to put down my comments on episode one. So, here they are. WLTV Rocks!
May 17, 2007

Ross
It’s interesting to see how it all started.

$.02
May 22, 2007

jorge
Went back and compared ep’s. Is amazing what 14 months can do, and how Gary went from “Yes, the nose is really rich…” to smelling burnt rubber, Cindy Lauper, and the Marlborough Man.
May 31, 2007

David Canada
Loved the first episode….I had never heard of Verite.
I’m moving through them all now one by one until I ge to 132 when I started to watch. Great work Gary
June 2, 2007

vibemore
Wow…back to where it all began. A late congratulations to you! This is fun. Thanks for your work.
June 5, 2007

Gigi
Wow, thank you Gary et al! I’m going to watch all of them as well until the alpha meets the omega–currently at episode 249, but it’s pure pleasure to watch and learn. Thanks again.
June 27, 2007

MtnCharlie
Gary, Started watching old episodes. Great start. I think you are definately on to something big. Great vblog, one I am going to continue to follow. Verite is in my neck of the woods. I’ll have to see if I can get by there. Thanks. And thanks to all the WLTV staff as well. I wish your store was in San Jose, CA!
July 20, 2007

Daniel O
Hey Gary,
After having watched a bunch of your more recent episodes I just had to go back and watch the first.
All I can say is: WOW, you have changed a lot in the past year and a half! I’m glad to see that now you’re a lot more animated and enthusiastic, which I assume is due to your level of comfort with the whole process.
Thanks for doing this G.
July 26, 2007

Dale Cruse
First!

You know, this could be the start of something big!
August 29, 2007

WA Ambassador
This is a great idea. Keep up the good work.
September 14, 2007

GrapeStuff
What a long way the show has come! Congrats GV, keep up the good work!!
September 28, 2007

Chris
Wow…as a newbie to the Vaynerfanclub, I can’t believe this is the same Gary! You guys have come a long way, and I really look forward to new episodes as well as catching up on the older episodes!

Chris
October 11, 2007

John Witherspoon (J DUB)
HEY GV

SOrry to say just now I am going back and watching EP #1. YOu have stayed true to your promise of keeping it fun, lively, entertaining and educational. Keep the dream alive. I thinking I started watching around 135, so I am going to try and go back and watch each one up to that point. I have watched a couple here and there around certain topics/wines but only a few.

J DUB
October 16, 2007

Jason
Watching this is like, popping a young wine, a little young, rough around the edges, but wow, getting to see what you are putting out now, is like enjoying something that has developed into a lively, fun, interesting and worth while investment of time. Thank you for what you do.
November 15, 2007

David James
Wow it’s so weird seeing how different it was back then…the camera was worse, Gary was less energetic…though the humour is still there. I like it.

I’m trying to watch every single episode.
November 17, 2007

The Fanjestic
Wow – this is like watching Gary on Sedatives. At what episode does he make the transition to his current energy? I’ll have to watch them all.
November 28, 2007

Jeffrey
first?
December 5, 2007

Linda Blakely
I’ve only recently started following your vlog and I’m catching up from the beginning.

Hubby and I have two bottles of the Verite La Joie 2000. Hopefully the ‘00 is as good as the ‘01!
December 19, 2007

josh in burgundy
I have finally seen the infamous first episode. That wine sounded like it was pretty good. Did the people at Verite slip you a six pack of each to just toot the wines horns like that? Just kidding. Congrats on all the progress you guys have made
January 7, 2008

Adam Z
Don’t know why I didn’t watch this sooner… All I have to say is: Isn’t the internet an awesome thing to provide the means to do things like this? I love the time we’re in. Keep it up.
January 7, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
Good job Gary!

Thanks for following through on your commitment to educate, inform and change the wine world! WLTV has become such a big part of my day that when a new episode hasn’t been prepared I’ve decided to go back and view any old installment I may have missed (starting at the beginning of course).

I have noticed various sirens in the background of other episodes and sure enough, there’s the WLTV salutatory siren wail about half-way through this first episode. Will I always think of Sonoma’s Verite when I hear the siren now?

QOTD – What grape varietal best describes GV? Take into consideration how he’s “matured”!

Great 1st show!
January 17, 2008

mason
I’m a huge wine fan, and I think the industry needs more approachable entertaining people like you. Keep up the good work!!!!!
January 29, 2008

Withnail
Great ep! Maybe your best yet.
February 2, 2008

Mike Z in SD
A good and humble start to the current phenomenon, the “Thunder Show.”
February 15, 2008

Chaz
Wow, the Thunder Show has come a long way but you are still the same humble, un-pretentious, and extremely passionate oenophile that you were in the very first episode. Gary, keep up the great work and never ever forget your roots, your family, and your own inner strength and passion for wine and the world. (Like you could.) We love you!
February 17, 2008

willyb
My name is Will and I was a lurker.

This is my first comment and I’ll be working my way all the way up through the older episodes until I catch up. I’ve really enjoyed all of the recent shows I’ve seen so far.

A little bit about me: I’m in my mid 20’s and I’m a cook. I have limited experience with wine, mostly from a couple classes in culinary school but I feel my PAL is a little above average when compared to those new to wine because of all the food/aromas I’m around. I’ve already bought more wine in the first 2 months of 2008 than the past 5 years combined. That said, theres still a bazillion different wines I haven’t tried but I’m doing my best to experience as many as I can.

Thanks for getting me into the whole wine thing. Gary, your passion just bleeds out of my computer monitor and infects anybody within sight. Wine is yet another awesome thing that makes me smile just like I do when I’m with my family, traveling the world, listening to kickass music, or eating amazing food.
February 24, 2008

lawschooldrunk
hey gary! Love what you are doing here. I’ve been a lurker for the past two weeks and this is my first post. I thought I’d go back and watch all your videos if nothing other than to entertain myself (and maybe learn something along the way!).

a little about myself: I am a big single malt scotch fan and not so much in wine, although I do love a good dry red wine. Big fan of the oak monster and splinters. silk is sometimes good, sometimes bad. live near where the 287 hits the 87, or where the garden state hits the NY thruway. And yes, I’m in lawschool.

I heard about this site over on the whiskymag.com forum (where I can be found) and have been glued here ever since. big BIG fan of the KOSHER wines, so I’d love to see a lot of them mixed in to your regular episodes.

keep it up and get fa’shnikin and shiker!
March 7, 2008

Daniel O
I managed to get my hands on a bottle of 2001 La Joie. I think I’m going to have to hold onto it for a little while before cracking it open.
March 31, 2008

Omallley
This episode cracks me up beyond belief.

Between the video quality, multiple glasses, the lack of energy (well…the GV levels that I’ve gotten to know) and “Vaynerchuk” being a single word, I don’t recognize the show at all. I am looking forward to seeing how the shows evolved.

(Excellent show, btw Great start!)
April 14, 2008

Roberto
Hi Gar,

Came back to watch this one as I only know your recent (vibrant exuberance) personality…

wow, my oh my, how far we’ve come… especially on descriptions… (”great nose, good color, good balance…. ” that was it!!!), thank God for all your adjectives now…

best from Costa Rica again…
April 24, 2008

David Cole
I had to comeback and watch the start. Man, how you and the show have progressed! I can tell you guys have upgraded the camera!! And your style and reviews have come a long way, it’s great to see!

Thanks for keeping up the old shows, I don’t know why more folks don’t leave more content up on there web-sites! Especially wineries!
May 8, 2008

Ryan W
Just watched your first video, how long do you think it will take me to make it through them all?
May 20, 2008

sam
I love your show! I’ve been a lurker for quite a while now. Idecided to go back to your first show. you guys have improved royally. Gary and the bunch, you inspire me to “expand my palate”. Keep it up!
May 22, 2008

Wanginator
Since I started drinking wine, it just hit me that I have been using wine metaphors to describe things. I guess that’s “wine imitating life” or wine philosophy of some sort.

Anyway, this episode is like a bottle of good bordeaux that just got opened, if that makes sense — The flavors have not exploded yet.
June 8, 2008

Dave Mora
I am not a wine drinking but I enjoy first episode but I don’t think this show will ever get a lot of viewers. O wait we are in 2008 now. Never mind I guess I was wrong. (hehe) Plus I enjoy the sirens in this episode. http://corkd.com/img/btn-addcomment.gif
July 7, 2008

Corbet Grififth
Very cool, interesting to see
July 8, 2008

Dan Leavy
WoW! very interesting to see the first show again after the more recent episodes I thought that i would try to post a comment about episodes 1-500. Especially as Gary was going to possibly give a 4th gen wristband to all the commenters on a random episode!

Also, just for something a little different, I will leave a little 500 word review of WLTV. One. Word. At. A. Time. In the next 500 episode comments. Cheers all! Dan

First word: “Daring”
July 18, 2008

kjdion
1st thunder show. awesome….needed to watch
August 10, 2008

Andrew Mager
I am making a DVD for my mom because she doesn’t have Internet. I sent her an autographed copy of 101 Wines, and she loved it. I had to watch the genesis of WLTV. Great job Gary.
September 10, 2008

VideoNuze’s VideoSchmooze - Recap « Internet Tech Boston
[...] starting an online video destination site around Nutrition and Nutrition consulting. I thought of Gary V, Episode #1. Gotta start [...]
October 11, 2008

Jimmy T
WOW! Definition of humble beginnings. Great work in the progress up till now.
December 18, 2008

OSCAR FALCON LARA
I had not seen this episode, It is quite something looking back on it. Great Dream Gary Vee, keep the good times rolling…
January 20, 2009

Kevin
ahahahahah! Episode 1 is a classic Gary, deserves better than an old school Quicktime player. You should bring those old episodes into Viddler, they definitely are on the “must see” list, people need to know how this all started! Great inspiring journey so far, thanks for showing us the way to innovation through true passion!
January 28, 2009

Andy Brown
Hi Gary,

Fasinating to see how it all started.

A real inspiration – 3 years on it is amazing to look back and I know you said on GaryVaynerchuk.com that it took 18 months of “hustle” before anyone took any notice.

As ever always fun to look back at the first episode.

Cheers

Andy Brown
February 9, 2009

A dumb Rhine king
Awesome. I like to watch your old vids when there is not a new show and I realized today that I hadn’t seen the first one. I could tell you weren’t as comfortable as you are now. The beginning rumblings of the thunder. Great job!
February 16, 2009

Billy Gadol
Hey Gary, you’ve come a long way and I’ve learned a lot about web 2.0 by watching you. Incredible to think that your children’s children will one day watch these gems. I’m going to try to watch all of your back episodes and figure out when you first say sniffy sniff and when you start using the Jets bucket. You are an unlikely role model but I’ve been drawn in like a moth to a flame!

Cheers, Billy Gadol
March 22, 2009

Anthony Barba
Needed to see where the journey started. Not wine drink…but the excitement in contagious…and I love the police sirens.
April 17, 2009

Scott Graham
I too had to see how it all started. So amazing that all the episodes are online. Love watching Gary do his thing, whether on the interwebs or at conferences. Always an inspiration.
May 5, 2009

BenF
had to see the first one… wow you have brought it really far…
May 11, 2009

manonthemoon
Like the old style format, even if it is a real drastic difference from the origional one.

QOTD: Where did all that hair go?
May 18, 2009

Brian
Gary,
Been watching since late Dec 2007, but figured it was time to head back to the beginning. It is amazing to know where WLTV is know and see where it was back when it started. I love that you go into more detail now about the wines as it helps drive what wines I may want to seek out. A great idea and as evident by close to 700 episodes now, this show is a sure thing.
May 24, 2009

Matt
I feel like I’ve been watching WLTV forever but today was the first time I got around to watching your first episode. And what a beaut! A little quieter than the manic garyvee we have today, but the passion shines through so strong. More power to ya!
July 4, 2009

Ivan
AS a gift to myself on the 4th of July, I thought I’d watch Episode 1 again. Great to see how it all started. Even back then the episodes were engaging and interesting. Cheers!
July 9, 2009

wayno da wino
Yo G, FUUUUUUUUUN watching this First Episode again, where it all began!!
July 14, 2009

@Armond_M
Gary, it’s amazing to watch the first episode (you’re now on 704) and hear your vision for WLTV and then reflect on your execution. You accomplished *everything* you set out to do and a lot more (e.g. the books).

It is that kind of razor sharp focus and commitment to execution that makes dreams come true. You’re a role model for so many people.

Sincerely,

-Armond
July 14, 2009

jwink
The first step to reaching your goals is to articulate them. Thanks for the reminder and lesson.
July 15, 2009

ben from boston
Gary, thank you for your hard work and dedication over the years, it has helped many of us to overcome the obstacles of getting into the wine world and allowed us to truly enjoy everything that wine, and even life, has to offer.
September 28, 2009

John J.
Nice 1st episode Gary.
Would love to catch you doing a vin jaune episode one day
September 30, 2009

John Brooke - The Weekly Cigar
Gary,

Been lurking for a while now, finally wanted to post. I’m going back through your videos, I’m going to try to learn about wine. As you can see from my name, I run a cigar blog. Do you smoke cigars ever? I’d be interested in doing some reviews about pairing wine with cigars. Anyways, love the show, and am amazed by the success you have found through leveraging resources such as Twitter and Facebook. I am going to buy your book as soon as it hits stores.
October 8, 2009

Daria Kushmelyn
I’ve always wanted to see your first episode (and having seen it I think I’ll watch a few more) – what an interesting perspective October 2009 gives it. So glad you’ve come as far as you did.

Daria
October 18, 2009

Andrew D
Hey Gary

First episode – I love it! So serious!
October 19, 2009

Ken Moorhead
Oh man, this is a far cry from the WLTV I first tuned in to and what it evolved into at present.

Great first effort, but I definitely like Gary Vee in 2009 better than 2006. I’m catching up on all the episodes bit by bit in order from this one and am going to comment on each as I go (after two years or so it’s time I stop lurking). Am definitely looking forward to seeing the first episode to bring the thunder.

Ken
November 2, 2009

Bart Ski
So this is when it all began. Awesome!

Episode 1 – Verite

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