New York Riesling and TGIF

New York Riesling and TGIF – Episode #216

April 13, 2007

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Ultimate Vayniac contest.

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes some wine from the Finger Lakes and enjoys Friday.

Having trouble seeing this video? Click here for the Quicktime version

132 Responses

April 13, 2007

Norcal
first? craziness!!!!
April 13, 2007

Tahmedee
1st????
April 13, 2007

Hank
hot dog
April 13, 2007

C. Werneck
#3?
April 13, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD: Have topless chicks pour the wine for you.
April 13, 2007

C. Werneck
QOTD: “just do it”
April 13, 2007

Dale
top ten? semi-lurker from episode #1 on.
April 13, 2007

John Blue Label
QOTD: I agree with Kahuna
April 13, 2007

Jimkay
not a bad weekend topic
April 13, 2007

Fiorentina!
top 10!
April 13, 2007

TagWorld Brian
This one goes up to 11!
April 13, 2007

TheDumbPhase
QOTD- Have Vayniac guest hosts
April 13, 2007

Spacejay
QOTD – Tell me what the damn number means on the board behind you.
April 13, 2007

Matt B DC
212 is totaly, totally wasted.

QOTD – Honestly, I can’t say something needs to be improved. Perhaps the audio quality could use a bump up and some normalization – - its always killer loud in the intro, and then fades off so I have to turn it up into the episode. Otherwise? It’s absolutely perfect.
April 13, 2007

LPapi
I agree with Spacejay about what the board behind you means. What will it take for us to know that Gary?
April 13, 2007

Jack2112
I think add music to the beginning of the show…oh wait…I’m tainted on that subject aren’t I…

I just hooked up another 4 people with WLTV and they are 24 hour addicts. Keep it up GV.
April 13, 2007

TagWorld Brian
QOTD: How to make WLTV better? Dunno. But how about opening another Wine Library store — in Los Angeles.
April 13, 2007

Harley Stan
TGIF!!!! I like the Friday couch, it means my week is done and I can enjoy my own wine. TOP 20 Whoo Hoo!!!
QOTD- ask the same question at episode 500!!!
April 13, 2007

NY Pete
top 20 ?
April 13, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Top 20?? Surprising,,, I haven’t been on the internet like all day!!! STILL TRYING TO GET MY FREAKING VIDEO TO UPLOAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think someone thinks its too damn good and is keeping me from showing the WORLD!!?????
I’m going to start drinking now……… Have a great weekend!
April 13, 2007

TheDumbPhase
Prize for home winemaker- maybe a nice French Oak barrel?
April 13, 2007

daniel von trier
dude,

listen to what the man said. the number is a big mystery.
April 13, 2007

kingfunk
whats up on a fantastic friday afternoon?
April 13, 2007

cgf
AWESOME EPISODE!!!

I loved it.

Thanks for spotlighting the region!

Your notes were spot on.

QOTD: I haven’t seen a guest in awhile. I had a tensley syrah last night, and it was awesome. It was also cool knowing exactly who made this wine thanks to WLTV.
April 13, 2007

Like 'em Rounded and Aged
138 days left = Start of the College Football Season?
April 13, 2007

aktormedic
QOTD: Not a whole lot Gary…maybe give better scores to the wines that I like, and less to that New World CR#P..j/k! Its great that you have a broad palate and open mind. Keep up the good work, and don’t let anyone bully you into loosing sleep over WLTV.
April 13, 2007

mikeyrad
another Wine Library store â€” in Los Angeles? How about taking over all of the Tower Records leases and opening a national chain of WLs? QOTD: Free shipping for the top 5 commenters (whaddyathink, TampaSteve?)
April 13, 2007

Michael Palmer
QOTD: You do a great job Gary. As far as making WLTV “even” better, how about a half show one day a week (perhaps Friday along with one wine) helping “all” us learn new things (for newbies and veterans) such as: what it means to understand weight and body of wine when tasting (i.e. using everyday examples for newbies to taste/feel) and talking more deeply about drinking wines at certain temperatures and why or telling us it doesn’t matter and why. I think you do much of this already, but it would “even” better to see once a week. I bet viewers have a ton of questions. Spotlighting a region is cool. Guest break it up. Maybe have a vayanic fan on now and then could be fun – veterans and newbies. Maybe even dissect someone’s taste with you would be interesting.

Just some brainstorming ideas. Keep up the great work Gary!
April 13, 2007

Neil
QOTD: How about a girl from Hooters holding the spit bucket. Actually love the show as is – keep up the good work.
April 13, 2007

Ryan D
QOTD: More guests, though I wouldn’t do it all the time, you’re no Opera. [You might want to pre-taste the wine and make it doesn't suck, too. Nothing worse than saying "Let's give it a whirl... BLECH!"]

I post and buy from wine.woot and I can honestly say that winemaker feedback goes a LONG way towards education and marketing of wine.

Other than that, I think you do a great show, you energy and passion for wine come across without you even trying.
April 13, 2007

daniel von trier
Gary,

a great and interesting show, opening my eyes to some home-grown rieslings and german-style wines here. I miss the Mosel, but need to find a good substitute for those Mosel wines when I’m in the U.S.

QOTD: WLTV is already pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty good (as Larry David would say). How could you make it better? I keep thinking of ways, and then I realize, no, wait, he’s already doing that. I guess, here’s one thing that bothers me, and perhaps it’s inevitable, given the show’s setting and context, but it still bugs me: You’re running the WL, as I understand it, with other members of your family. So, therefore you have a stake in what sells and what doesn’t. Now I’ve never, ever, seen you doing anything like trying to move wine by giving it a good rating, or anything like that, so don’t take this the wrong way: But it would give me even more confidence in your ratings if there were more blind tastings, with it being revealed at the end which wines you were tasting, and then the links could be posted, and such. I think you do a good job at being objective, and setting your assumptions aside, but even the best of us can let our assumptions get in the way. So I guess I think you could make WLTV *EVEN* better, by doing more blind tastings. I hope that makes sense.
April 13, 2007

BP
The show is great… I’d love to see a food and wine pairing episode. Maybe you could give Emeril a call and do something together.
April 13, 2007

SS Chris
QOTD – Same as my answer last time you asked….to have some guest Vayniacs (and that doesn’t mean me, because I think it would require more experienced people)

How about some of your NY wine buds (Soms, friends etc.) It’s not for everyday, buy I like the guests. And don’t forget my idea from about Ep. 60 to bring Sasha VaynerPOPS on for an interview and a tasting.

Hey I think that was my Dwight Schroot’s 1st “couchside” appearance. He looked pleased!

SUGGESTION: The names of the wines should still be listed when the wines are not available at WL. Remember 2 hats…
April 13, 2007

GottaGoDrink
QOTD- Get the Jets in the Super Bowl.

Gary- We’re not doin’ Thai, but we’re out for a great meal with friends and wine tonight. Enjoy the weekend everybody!
April 13, 2007

DO
This lurker is making its first post. Thought about posting just the audio of your episodes? I’d certainly download and listen to at the gym…
April 13, 2007

StÃ©phane
QOTD: I’ve said this before but I’d love to see you pull out some older vintages (20+ years) once in a while. We’re always talking about newer wines, so I think it would be quite interesting.
April 13, 2007

Sue Z.
Kudos to you Gary for the Finger Lakes Rieslings episode! I’ve been going up to the region for years and the wine is starting to drink very well. FYI – In addition to Hermann J. Wiemer, Dr. Konstantin Frank has also made quite a contribution to the FL wine world and its vinifera!
QOD – Taste more of the 2005 German Rieslings!
April 13, 2007

mikeyrad
Thanks for the NY Riesling episode! We visited the Finger Lakes a couple of years ago and one of the winemakers (forgot which one) told us that their ecoclimate is very similar to Germany’s, so they should be able to produce pretty good Rieslings. I’m also a big fan of Wiemer’s wines.

WLTV is a so good the way it is that any suggestions would just be to add some spice. Here are a couple of suggestions:
* More taste along with Gary episodes (announce the wines to be tasted a month in advance so we can order them). It would be great if these could be live episodes so we can all chime in with questions and tasting notes. It would probably last over an hour though.
* WLTV on the road. Broadcast from the various WLTV parties being held around the country, and/or at $1,000 tasting at the winner of the Vayniac video contest, etc.
April 13, 2007

Jennifer
Well I think I’ll go grab some Chinese and a Riesling tonight. TGIF indeed, my friend. T-G-I-F.
QOTD: You change things up and every single ep has been great. I couldn’t actually think of anything, since the show seems to naturally progress, but Mike Palmer above had some fun thoughts.
April 13, 2007

hinrgman
Gary,

Another great episode.

New York wines/wine industry is maturing more and more each year.

Finger Lakes and Long Island.

Lets see more available at your shop.
April 13, 2007

Garret Nagle
Gary, you are the man today! You’re working so hard that it wasn’t “Laid Back Friday”!

But I like laid back Friday… I’m slightly sad about this, but I think with a little time, I can manage to get through this with the love and support of the WLTV community. It’s like family to me…
April 13, 2007

tim
One of my favorite WLTV episodes was when you had Richard Betts on as a guest. I would love to see more wine makers and vinyard owners on the show. I thought it was really revealing to hear what Betts felt he was trying to accomplish in the creation of the wines. I think industry execs from sales, marketing, and production, would also be able to provide some interesting insights of the industry as a whole.
Watch the show every day! Keep up the great work!
April 13, 2007

mike m
A yawner!
Qotd: Don’t taste any wines from the right coast,that would be a good start
April 13, 2007

GeneV
Great episode; just shut the phones off. Anything with riesling has to be great!
April 13, 2007

Lars
QOTD: I’m with Kahuna! Beyond that, I got nuthin’. Yer doin’ great.
April 13, 2007

Jonathon M Chicago
HELP!!!!!! MY VIDDLER SCREEN IS BLANK! NO NOTHING- ANYONE ELSE GETTING THIS PROBLEM?
April 13, 2007

J Crazy
Excellent episode. Any chance we have as wine drinkers and people in the wine business have to promote new and different wines and expand the palates of our friends, family members, clients, etc. is an awesome thing. Only crappy thing is that over here in Japan it’s hard to get a lot of the wines on the show…Hmm…maybe I’ll bring them in myself. Muhahahaha. On the other hand, there are a number of wines over here that can’t be found (or at least with ease) over there.
QOTD: Answer 1: I was honestly thinking throughout the entire show that you always shout out pro wresting from our day, He Man, Rainbow Bright, and a few other cartoons from our childhood. *I’m assuming that since those are the memories of my day that we’re about the same age* But I was thinking what about TranZor Z, Thunder Cats (HOOOOO), Go Bots, M.A.S.K. and the like. But then you had to go and read my mind: transformer analogy and Lion O character (even though Panthro kicks way more ass). Excellent job. The radness levels are incredible. How about some information about how the wines are made in reference to ecological soundness. I mean, some backstory about how X winery doesn’t use pesticides or how Y winery uses bio fuel for the trucks. Or on the other hand how, for example how because of the GWSS problem in Cali some/many? wineries are spraying an offensive amount of crap all over their properties. Maybe I’m alone but that plays some factor in how I buy wine. Lastly, we’d love to meet all the rockin people who help put WLTV together. Let’s give some personal love to those homies.
April 13, 2007

dublin
Cheers to the action figures in the foreground, I think I spotted a He-Man figure next to Hulk Hogan, wonder who would win in a cage match between those two. Of coarse He-Man would have to fight without the magic sword.
QOTD: Use a lav mic or boom above you just out of frame, your levels are all over the place. Now that the tech side has been mentioned I will segway into content. I understand that winelibrary.tv is a platform to advertise wines you sell and that you do on many occasions taste wines that aren’t sold at winelibrary, I would find it interesting if you tasted some really hard to find/get wines from smaller vineyards that offer a low yeild. And when doing some of those tastings maybe have it at the vineyard with the winemaker, then we can hear two different opinions and reasoning behind what is going on in that specific bottle. I’ve read a few comments saying vayniacs should be on as guests, in my opinion that’s heading in the wrong direction. Does Letterman or Conan dedicate an entire show to a fan? Nothing more than a few comedy bits but that’s as far as it goes, reason, no one watches those shows to see the average Joe Shmoe get interviewed. Same with your show, I watch it to see a true professional disect wines. Just my opinion. I’d much rather see vintners from around the world on your show, whether you go to them or they sit next to you on the couch, it’s still two seasoned professionals giving their opinions and sharing their hard earned knowledge. One other idea, maybe on Fridays have a live question blog going and answere a few questions about the wine you’re tasting live. Talk about connecting with your viewers there. Well that’s my two cents. Well done Gary, cheers!
April 13, 2007

Vinifera
Get real Mike M. The Finger Lakes wines can be delicious and the region is beautiful and fun. You are obviously an ignorant twit….
April 13, 2007

Vinifera
Ooops…sorry…got carried away and was feeling territorial. Wish I could actually see the episode…there seems to be a technical malfunction….
April 13, 2007

Les
I too had blank screen, Quicktime link worked as a back up. Thinking about QOTD…Later.
April 13, 2007

Les
I saw the Dwight bobblehead in the foreground, Hulk Hogan, and black pointed ears -who was that..driving me crazy! QOTD, still thinking about the ears…
April 13, 2007

AngioRanger
Re QOTD: The evil of great is better. WLTV is awesome as is. Just hope the excitement and focus can keep going (from everyone). Did miss the layback couch/sofa on a friday. Gary, the Casey Kasem self reflection analogy/comparison was hilarious. I think you do have something there.
April 13, 2007

AngioRanger
Hey, my bad! That what I get for writting comments before seeing it all. Love the couch man!!!!
April 13, 2007

mike m
Hey Vini,I have tried plenty of finger lakes wines and even carry a couple in my shop for transplanted New Yorkers.I’m all for protecting the turf,but i just don’t like em,so sue me!
April 13, 2007

Kelly
Looks like New York isn’t making the best Rieslings. Why don’t you do a Millbrook Gary? They supposedly make some good wine and the winery is located about 15 minutes from me.

How about some LONG ISLAND/STRONG ISLAND wines? That would amazing.
April 13, 2007

Les
QOTD- Gary, as a relatively new follower of WLTV, you don’t need to change a thing. I predict you are on the cusp of reaching a much wider audience so it might be more important to decide what you want out of this experience. I admire your honesty to your own palate, I admire (trans. get a kick out of) the rants..esp extended taste association imagery (the soda pop kids did a GREAT rendition of the citrus wave…well done!!!!), and above all I admire the cool action figures.

As for the site, what I want most of all is an accessible episode guide, perhaps a scrollable sidebar so persons can quickly access Rioja episodes or Reisling episodes etc. Am I missing an easy way to do this???
April 13, 2007

dublin
Exactly mike m, each to his/her own, I’m from Cali and love Cali Chards but I don’t get down on Gary when he bashes em. I bet if he tried a Patz & Hall Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Chardonnay on Winelibrary.TV he’s be singing a different song, but if not I’d respect his opinion. Even though it would be the wrong opinion…ha ha. Cheers everyone it’s Friday! Lates.
April 13, 2007

dublin
Top 100? Who cares…life is all about timing.
April 13, 2007

Badger Ann
QOTD: I really liked the recent double-blind tasting. Why not try it again?
April 13, 2007

Dave Canada
I was just down in the Finger Lakes and loved it….it is gorgeous
QOTD – Hmmmmm let me think…..how about when someone takes your challenge and gets off their ass to make you a video…………….YOU GIVE THEM A DAMN SHOUT OUT! Come on Gary….I trained my 30 month old son for like 30 minutes to do that video and not even a “nice video Josh”. Come on…that was my blood sweat and tears to get him to do that and he was so excited to hear his name. You still rule Gary…but you are certainly now mortal.
April 13, 2007

leatherpalate
TGIF indeed!
QOD: Three words-GIRlS GONE WILD..
and More BLIND SMACKDOWNS give us
wltv forum geeks food for our fodder
Cali Pinot vs. Oregon. Washington Blends
vs. france ect..Just so you know this show is
the tiny acorn that will become the might oak tree-
so fasten your seat belt folks. GV see you in the CHI in
one week. Looking forward to it!
April 13, 2007

Ross
QOTD: More guests and really cheap wine tastings. It would also be very funny to see you drink a whole bottle of wine.
April 13, 2007

StanVH
Great effort Gary. I’m appreciate that you have done Finger Lakes. Now try some of the Long Island Merlots (and others). I think of both of these as “our Napa” that is: a wine region within driving distance for a weekend with some excellent wines, great scenery and good food.

QOTD: Your show has a certain “charm” just as it is. I wouldn’t tinker with it too much. For me, the most enjoyable parts are your “stream of consciousness” descriptions of the bouquet and taste. That is why I don’t agree with those that want more wine makers, vintners, etc as guests. I think that you are somewhat inhibited (No I did’nt say intimidated – on the contrary) with others sharing the show.

I do agree that more blind (double) tastings would be fun. Also more parings with cheeses, etc. Also more of the lesser known wines and grapes from around the world (including other US states besides California, Oregon and Washington – New Mexico is making some very good wines.)

In short, keep up the good work.

Hmmm, 138 days from today? Would that be the Jets 1st Home Game?
April 13, 2007

yowens44
wow, out of sheer randomness and such I was drinking a glass of 2004 Hermann Wiemer Cab Franc during this episode-which is THE WINE for pepperoni pizza BTW. QOTD: this is easy. dude, give away more free stuff or wine.
April 13, 2007

KenP
GV,
Of Finger Lakes, permit me give a shout out to Sheldrake Point, 2005, Dry Riesling. Great stuff…inspiring. Friendly staff. Humbled by their success. Humility is a rare virtue.
Hey, mention Monday Jackie Robinson’s 60th anniversary, this Sunday, of breaking the color barrier! #42. Great man.
QOTD: Change very little. Your rustic quality has its own very precise charm. Nationally.
I would, instead, focus on specific markets. Diversify. Do an Idaho show linked only to their most popular regional wine blog(s). Same with Washington, etc. Link specifically to them, for them, their wineries. Cultivate regional interest by confining broadcasts to a given market. Tailor local. Expand, maintain your national post, of course, but also include a focussed state-by-state approach. Create market intimacy.
Spent nights in grim hotels? What if WLTV were available as a channel? Tourists want hints, recommendations. WLTV as a cable channel would be the bomb!
April 13, 2007

Corvette Tony
QOTD: How about some basic “wineology”. For example, ranking CA reds (Pinot, Syrah, Cab, etc.) from full body down?
April 13, 2007

Bobinnati
Good show. I have previously been a little too concentrated in red wines, but Reislings are what started opening my eyes to how good white wines can be. The complex mix of clean, bright flavors and aromas as well as the piquant acidity are very pleasing to me. However, I wasn’t even aware that New York produced any good Reislings, so thanks for the education. I do usually drink them chilled though. I’ll have to try room temp.

QOTD – I’d love for you to do a blind tasting once a month and a pre-arranged taste-along once a month. Also, try to stay geographically diverse and continue to try wines from every legitimate wine producing region in the world. Finally, more education – how to discern different aromas and flavors, the sensation to expect from “firm” tannins, what do you consider a long finish vs. short finish – things like that.

Otherwise, don’t change anything. For goodness, sake, don’t edit or it just wouldn’t seem like the same old WLTV.
April 13, 2007

jeff
qotd: maybe a once a month or every other month wltv “3 pack” or something ($50 range, maybe) you announce 2 weeks before or so, so we can taste along at home! like you did early on, before you hit big!
April 13, 2007

Pat Mc
Gary – thanks! some of us had asked for Finger Lakes and you delivered! much appreciated. To the other vayniacs who wrote in from NY state – any good reds? of the non sweet variety. We’re doing a summer road trip.
April 13, 2007

Winodontist
Anybody ever been to a Thai restaurant that actually had a nice Riesling on the menu? No Rice Wine for me.
QOTD: Once a month have 1 member of the Sopranos stop by and taste with you.
April 13, 2007

KenP
The Sopranos? What a buzz-kill. Tony wouldn’t know a chianti from a hole in the head. Would prefer the latter. I would, too, for him.
April 13, 2007

PeterL
Gary–

It’s “House Keeping” not “House Cleaning” (:50). Keep up the great work–if you can call it that.

A little bit of me,

PeterL
Chicago

Long time listener, first time caller.
April 14, 2007

Denman Dave
QOTD – Maybe if you’d take my phone call when I call during the show…?

Good show G.
April 14, 2007

Trish da' Dish
Very nice shirt that you wore today, Gary!
I love the revved up Oxford shirt “happy hour semi-biz casual” look, with cool colors/prints, on men.
Do you pick out your own on-air gear, or does Liz? (if it’s Liz–keep up the good work, girlfriend!

QOTD: To me, it’s always more fun when you have someone else showing up on your show, even briefly (like today). Why not invite a few of your longtime local loyal supporters, one at a time, onto your show, and let them taste some of their favorite wines along with you? Each of you could give your point rating for each wine. I’m thinking that most of us would love to see SS Chris in the flesh, or Lars, or perhaps the hilarious Kahuna (who is sooo funny that I feel that he should actually consider hosting his own comedic breakoff wine show, ala Colbert breaking off from Jon Stewart and the Daily Show to do his own thang’ I think that reviewing wines with some of your supporters would be great, unforgettable, fun for all of us.
April 14, 2007

wine-ot
Gary, love the home wine maker, blind tasting idea…wish I was one. Q.O.D. – I think you do an excellent job, honestly love the free show as is! New show idea…do an episode/ongoing where you/or a girl in a bikini, draws a name from a bingo thing/hat, using the names you get from the previous day of commenters, and the winner gets something…this could surface the lurkers…and provide us all with some t and a…it’s a win win…
April 14, 2007

C-BusWineMofo
Very, very good show today. I love NY state Riesling. Ohio has some great Riesling as well as some great Chard, Pinot Noir, Cab, and Icewine. Talk to me if you want to do a show about Ohio wine. I am so in for the Home winemaking contest. I love you Gray V. Keep up the good work. Where my Columbus, OH Vaynaics at?
April 14, 2007

carbon60
QOTD: Well, don’t change a thing. After a long and not-fun day at work, sitting down with a bottle of wine and couple of saved-up WLTV episodes was the perfect thing. I’ve been enjoying some great Riesling since you’ve done a couple of shows on them. Thanks!
April 14, 2007

stevo
I agree with earlier comments about having one show a week that is more instructional for the newbies. You could buy a high definition camera and start doing the show in HD!! That would be sweet.

I wouldn’t change too much, the show is great. I’d would focus a little more on advertising to get more viewers, but structurally, the show is pretty darn good.
April 14, 2007

amgryger
QOTD

1)An epic original score by Philip Glass.

2)More seriously, I would also appreciate a little more general wine education, as I am fairly new to the wine world. I particularly enjoy episodes when you talk about specific regions and what they are all about. My preferred local wine shop, though quite good, frequently doesn’t have the same wines that you feature on the show, so when WLTV gets me interested in trying something, if I know about the region, I can usually find something similar.
April 14, 2007

Panoca
Hi Gary. Another great episode.
QOTD: I have to agree with some of the earlier comments. I would like to experience a better quality on the image and have a Wine Library Store here in Los Angeles!!!!!
Other than that, i think you site is AWESOME!! Perfect!! You, “Terroir”, Forum, SS spreedsheat, etc. The Best All Around Wine Web-Site in the world. CONGRATULATIONS!
April 14, 2007

KenP
I think KAHUNA is a haole.
April 14, 2007

YoungDave
Finger Lakes! …I’ve never had a wine from this region…my work is cut out for me on the next trip to the wine shop (a wine from Languedoc-Roussillon, maybe a sparling shiraz, and a Fingerlakes Reisling).

QOTD: Well, I can’t stress enough that I love the show, and all of the “real,” no punches pulled, no second take natural feel to which it stays true. If I were to change anything, I would probably like you to include a few wines that are easier to find a little more often, and TELL US BEFORE YOU TASTE THEM in advance, because I’d love to taste something for the first time along with you and see how our notes match up…or don’t. Since I live in Boston, I can’t taste along with the wines you’ve done that are available on WL but scarcely elsewhere. I LOVE watching the show at the end of the day, and will continue to no matter what changes you do or don’t make. Keep it real, BIG G.!
April 14, 2007

TSchampaert
This wa sa super fun episode. Great end.
Hey and eh, yihaaaaaaaaaaaa, rejoice … I have made it! I caught up with you!
I’m sipping from a Farnese Opis Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Terramane Riserva 2001. Nothing supercaliorgeousliastic, but nice. Well made and all that. Montepulciano is good on its way to compete with Aglianico to become the Syrah of Italy.
C ya.
April 14, 2007

DJA
Gary – Thanks for doing a Finger Lakes Riesling show. It was long overdue but we do appreciate it since its a great east coast area. Now to sit back with a local riesling and enjoy the Stanley Cup playoffs with a little Thai takeout!
April 14, 2007

geespot
Wait, wait, wait…he said ‘rad’, I know I heard that. What’s next, *like totally*? Okay, kidding.

Maybe.

But seriously, great show. The episode 212 gag got me chuckling. Which leads to the QOD. I think a title sequence could be kinda fun, find a catchy WLTV theme song. Gags are good too, in moderation of course. The fact that you approach a serious topic which such a whimsical flair is enough to make the show unique, but you could really take that over the top. Guests are a plus, doesn’t even matter if they’re serious or not. I see even more entertainment potential if they’re only there to make things even more fun.

I would also love to see info-tainment added as well. Alton Brown has capitalized on this idea with the obviously wildly successful Good Eats and I have huge respect for AB and his crew. Essentially, add educationally tasty bits, presented with your great sense of humor, along with your introductions of wines, wineries and wine regions. As it is now, WLTV has already brought a lot of learning to the tasting table, and I’m hungry for more. Keep it up G.
April 14, 2007

dadobs
QOTD: Hard to say since the show’s already so good. Sure, it would be nice to have Lars, Kahuna, etc. visit occasionally. Or perhaps another member of the WL staff so that you can compare/contrast comments/scores.

Also, maybe do a few more episodes away from the office (e.g., at local restaurants where you pair their food with your wines).
April 14, 2007

SoCal
Nice Job G!
QOTD: just keep going, so many wines and so little time
oh yea….of course more FREE shipping!
April 14, 2007

Dominus
Good show though for me it’s difficult to find Finger Lakes wines and from the “Not Available” sign shown on two of your wines today, it will remain difficult.

QOTD: Kahuna’s idea is interesting but seriously, I like it the way it is. Honest reviews, an avenue to purchase the wine and the great spreadsheet by Chris gives me all the information to make an informed wine decision.

BTW, if you’re going to remain on the East Coast, why not try some VA wines? If you like Viognier, try the Horton.

TGIWF!
April 14, 2007

BobbySee
Nice Gary,

I’m from upstate N.Y. and it’s nice to see some good stuff coming from that region. I think it’s a bit overpriced though.

QOTD:
1. automatically delete the first 10 useless posts for each episode.
2. Put a light behind the camera so your eyes don’t look so dark like your going to keel over dead any minute.
April 14, 2007

Rick "The Model" M
QOD: get some hot girls as your guests.
April 14, 2007

robnmo
Great episode!!!
QOTD:Occasionally have Vayniacs taste with you. Become part of the show.
April 14, 2007

jack
qotd: i think wltv is great as is but if anything could make it even better, it’d be to taste more common and widely available wines. i’m not talking supermarket availability selections, just some in the $20-40 midrange bottles.
April 14, 2007

Jonathon M Chicago
I agree with comment 83- Would love to get some wines ahead of time and taste them with you. You did this once but havn’t done it again…not sure why? But as you can see all of us really want you to stay the way you are. Please don’t get too flashy. Keep it real baby
April 14, 2007

Peter Thompson
Dear Gary:

First: you provide a fabulous, entertaining, ongoing educational opportunity for wine education in the US. I cannot thank you enough for your insights, initiatives and energy.

Second: you ask about improvement of WineLibraryTV. You–as you know–are in a position of influence in the world of wine. That world is international. It is not parochial. It boasts of different grapes, different flavors, different terroirs–and different languages.

With your permission, I want to point to the latter. When you mis-pronounce French, Italian, and German words fundamental to the world of wine that we love, our ears feel like nails are raking our inner blackboards. This needs respect on your part. Would it be possible (and fun) to invite three native speakers for a lunchtime language session each, in order for you to then be able to surround wine-words with the same care that you give wine?

With great respect for all your (extra-linguistic) efforts (and with some humor),

PT
April 14, 2007

MaryS
Good show Gary. I have been trying a lot of Rieslings lately. How about doing wines from NJ? I know we have our share of wineries.

Thanks for the huge shoutout for my husband’s birthday!
April 14, 2007

ChrisR
Keep tasting new and interesting varietals. Thanks for doing Sparkling Shiraz! And there are countless others worth exploring.

You could also sport a new hairstyle for each day of the week…wait, you already did that this week.
April 14, 2007

Autumnfox
Nice episode, Gary! I love Rieslings! That’s all I drank for a month in Germany. We are very limited in selection of Finger Lake wines where I am in WI. The one I had was an unfortunate blech! It almost tasted like a bad homemade apple riesling. I will have to try another…

QOTD: I concur with upping the sound quality. I like hearing about the history of the region along with the wines…you know, background info about the area, the wineries, etc.

My fiancee and I are homebrewers and am in fact going to a friend’s house to bottle some wine together…NOT apple reisling mind you. I will ask about submitting a wine…
April 14, 2007

sharon
I like it all. Your show is funny, informational, and entertaining. How about a beer tasting? Or perhaps food/wine pairings…You know antipasti with some fabulous wine. Plus the recipe, of course!
Sharon
April 14, 2007

Tom T.
QOTD….how about an episode in tomorrow’s nor’easter?
April 14, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
I’ll take #100 Thank you very much!!

Anymore “Disturbing” Videos????
April 14, 2007

AlisonD
Gary, how about a NY/NJ group outing to a NY Winery Event this summer?
April 14, 2007

RandyB
QOTD:

The show is going very well. Although, an occaisional guest is okay, I would not make a steady diet of it. You’re so polite when guests are onboard, we miss the rants, raves and conscious (or is it unconscious?) flow of sensory descriptors.

The amateur clips you receive from fellow Vayniacs add some great humor to the show. I think periodically asking for more and tying it to some sort of prize works well.

Your audience will let you know when you become less enchanting. So far it’s been a snowball that started rolling downhill from the 10,000 foot mark. You’re only at 9,000 feet.

Ciao
April 14, 2007

Jeff M.
The Bolts rule! I’m surprised Gary hasn’t been paying any attention to his clearly inferior hockey team. I guess his lack of attention must mean he equates them to 2 buck Vaynerchuk! OK, back to wine.
April 15, 2007

Jeff N.
Nice to see the Finger Lakes getting some airplay. A lot of other on-line wine resources diss the area too much. I’d like to see you do more from the region, and perhaps concentrate on some of the smaller wineries across different lakes. It would be interesting to compare a Cayuga Lake to a Keuka Lake, for example. Do some Finger Lakes reds as well, esp. some of the varietals you may not find everywhere else.
April 15, 2007

njbabs
Nice.

QOTD: More education specific episodes. But maybe that’s just cuz I’m still in school.

Gotta love that Thai food, although I was drinking some cab sauv with it yesterday.
April 15, 2007

Tim H.
First time caller, long time lurker. There is not much that I would do to improve WLTV. Although, if I had to say one thing it would be to have at least 1 “value” or “everyday wine” episode per week.
April 15, 2007

tomavino
QOTD: Ditto as Comment 83. Tell us ahead, even if it is only one day a weak, what you will taste so we can learn, and test ourselves.
April 15, 2007

Maria B.
Hey, Just stumbled upon your website and videos, this is really cool. I absolutely loved watching your show. I will have to back track and watch the previous 215 episodes (over the course of time). I currently live in upstate NY, so I am very familiar with a lot of the Finger Lakes wines. I will certainly be tuning in to all of your future episodes.
April 15, 2007

Atreyu
Gary,
it would be nice if, once in a while, an episode would be those meetings that you and WL staff have to sample wines and decide whether to order them or not. This would be instructive and real, showing also the behind the scene of wine, from an economic standpoint.
April 15, 2007

Ron Leview
Late to the discussion as always, but want to mention that I agree with comment 31. Now Gary, I love the show, don’t get me wrong, but as someone who has worked for at least one major journalistic outfit, in another forum you’d never get away with the conflict of interest. So, I’m going to keep watching, going to keep buying, but I’ve got to take it all in with an ever so slightly bigger grain of salt. Oh, one more small thing, and I don’t think anyone else hit on this: the hair babe, lately its been a mess. But I love ya, you’re doing winedom a great service.
April 16, 2007

The Smartest Girl in San Francisco
You’ve got the brit-pop modster vibe today: striped shirt, tousled hair. I like it. I like it a lot. In fact, It’s been quite an interesting week! Thanks for the effort on the hair front. It’s been fun.

I think I’ve become so accustomed to the way you swish the wine around in your mouth that it doesn’t strike me as funny anymore, but I think it actually is one of the best things about the show. I think that’s the first thing people like about this show. Who knew you could taste wine like that? I’ve started slurping more just because of that.

Did you say “shushis”?

QOTD: Blind tastings are always cool. What if you had a Vayniak on the show as a prize? More blue teeth!
April 16, 2007

Trish da' Dish
Yep, I agree with you, Smart Girl…if men only knew how many of us chicks dig “undisciplined” hair more than we do that sculpted, corporate look…I really do think that this is why a lot of successful male models sport either longish hair or curly hair. It’s less likely to be able to be styled into a helmet, it’s more likely to move and swish and add definition to the guy’s face, and the unruliness just tempts the ladies to want to run our hands through it…not Gary’s specifically, of course (he’s taken!), but that tousled “bed head” look in general does flatter a lot of men, I must say.
April 16, 2007

Colleen
QOTD…ship us all a free bottle of the wine you will be tasting, so we can taste it along with you as we watch! Your viewing audience would skyrocket!
April 16, 2007

Karl B
QOTD:

1.) Fix the distribution of these episodes so that they go out to everyone on the same day.

2.) Get more wine in stock when you feature them on WLTV.

3.) Start to get on the Napa futures bandwagon for high end/lower volume producers. This would be a service to those in non-reciprocal states that have to put up with double shipping through third parties and other inconveniences.

Other than that I think they are great and learn someething from them all.
April 16, 2007

exNorCallurker
After many, many viewings, you’ve finally guilted me into giving you some sort of shout out. I enjoy your shows.
April 16, 2007

Matty Matt
QOTD – Not sure about how to make the show better but some cool ideas have been put up to mix it up a bit. Give us a heads up of what you will drink and have a live show with chat. Hopefully at 9PM or something like that so we can all join in.
The occasional Vayniac to taste with you. Let them go first so there is no power of suggestion.
On location tastings at wineries, restaurants, off-line dinners.
Interview your dad on how it all started.
And Kahuna’s idea was pretty good too. Nothing wrong with a little skin. Maybe a tasting at Scores?
April 16, 2007

CW
QOTD: Yes, you are indeed no ‘Opera’ as previously stated. Guests are good. Michelle Rolland ? Bob, maybe together….. So I think to make WLTV better (no, free shipping doesn’t make WLTV better, geez) would be for you to do less of them. It seems to me that you’re grappling with a cost/benefit analysis of WLTV. Cost of course being $/time/angst/occasional sh*tty responses from posters/journalistic criticism/etc. Without knowing what your true motivation is (urTV show, NY Column, Jets Annoucer/etc), it is hard to say more. Good format, good enthusiasm, good wines, these are all facets of the current show, and it would be nice for it to remain. So if it becoming a burden, do less. 2/week would be great.

Aside: For those all too happy to bust GV’s chops, fine, do it, but more than twice is off putting for everyone. GGFG ? Enough already. Its tired.
April 16, 2007

Tony S.
My only suggestion would be to film and post the shows earlier. The only chance I get to watch is at lunch, and lately I’ve been missing then because I’ve been too busy. So, when I am able to watch, it’s always the following day and 97-200 comments later.

But you know what? I’m not a computer addicted person where I’m constantly reading everyone’s reactions and everything…so it really doesn’t matter. Sorry I don’t visit the Forum that often, I’m just not one of those kinds of people. I visit it every now and then, but I just can’t devote that much time.

OK man…I’ll see you later,
T
GO BEARS!!
April 16, 2007

Iron Man
How NOT to improve WLTV:
1.) don’t invite Vayniacs to taste with you, you know they’re begging to ruin your show.
2.) do not do a Home Shopping Network thing of counting down the inventory as they fly off your shelves, not a good thing Gary, especially the bottles you rate 85 points and below.
3.) Hott girls? just say no Gary, or YSO will say no. We all know Eric is thumbs up on this one. Don’t buy into it!!

Possible Improvements to WLTV!!
1.) Invite a guest critic! Then beat the living foie gras out of him/her when you disagree over right and left bank bordeaux!
2.) Opening theme music, will have to be short, how about the Alfred Hitchcock theme music. You can be seated showing the camera your profile as the light begins to…..oh forget about it, been done before.
3.) More stage props. Or you know what Gary, just forget the props and get the hott girl instead, whenever you review a big time commercial wine, pan to her as she’s holding a cue card with your tasting notes on it!! I know!! This improvement suggestion should really be No. 4 to How NOT to improve WLTV!!
April 16, 2007

flavasauce
QOTD: Only thing I can think of is maybe more field trips. Can’t wait for Bordeaux ep!! Other than that it’s pretty perfect
April 16, 2007

Caren
Hi Gary-catching back up…just got back from Napa..fabulous!!
QOTD-some vertical tastings, USA regional tastings, once a month viewer picks and taste-a-longs.
Say NO to bells, whistles, props…simply Gary & Wine will always be classic..
OH, and happy birthday to ME today
April 16, 2007

Neal Schmidt
QOTD-For those local it would be great if you had a weekend tasting of the wines you rated highest during the week.
April 16, 2007

Joe
Gary,
This lurker is coming out!
Loved the show, but better yet, loved the fact that I can now embed the video on my blog and share it with everyone else! Your tech team is doing great! So are you!
Here’s the link to my blog where I put the video…. works good!
http://photojoeproductions.blogspot.com/
April 16, 2007

wallace
First off the show is great… and it has deffinately has gotten better along the way. (ss spreadsheet, viddler) QOTD; I like the idea of more blind tastings, vertical tastings, field trips? That sounds fun… taste along with Gary in various settings. An episode called – “A day with Gary”… See Gary work, see Gary play, see him style his hair, etc… I don’t think guest are the way to go. Except the occasional winemaker or an episode with you and Parker, Tanzer, etc. tasting along side you… that could get interesting. i also enjoyed the past episodes that shows the wine library store and some of the people behind WLTV. keep up the great work!
April 17, 2007

DryDrew
QOTD- Kosher! Kosher! Kosher!
April 17, 2007

Jay
Cut the time of the Episodes down to under 10 minutes. I am at work for God sake!
April 18, 2007

wayno da wino
Gary, ya gotta be a little “looser”…..
Don’t take things so serious…NOT..
April 18, 2007

JayZee
Interesting episode. Since I’m in Ohio, I need to get to the Finger Lakes again – haven’t been there since my palate expanded.

QOTD: Oh, I don’t know, how about doing the Washington State wines I sent you?!
April 20, 2007

Bill
QOTD:
In very early episode you stated you wouldn’t get into the Wine regions/geography too much. But, living in Europe and enjoying primarily European wines, I realise it is important to know about where the wine is from. So I suggest to explore this more.
April 30, 2007

Charleen
The Finger Lakes regions is great. I recently went to some wineries in Long Island and a Riesling made by Laurel Lake Vineyards was pretty good. You should try it Gary.

QOTD: Free Shipping on the wines in the episode?
November 10, 2009

John J.
qotd: im pretty happy w it already Gary. But a vin jaune episode wouldn’t hurt

New York Riesling and TGIF – Episode #216

Links mentioned in todays episode.

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