New Years Eve Wine Tasting With No Champagne

New Years Eve Wine Tasting With No Champagne – Episode #381

December 31, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk has one last episode in 2008 and thanks all of you for the support and for being a part of the Thunder show.

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Comments on this episode(190) Leave a comment ›

“Just going through some old episodes that I have not seen and this one…” by Thomas Moore
“Happy New Year to everyone at WLTV! Loved the photo montage, if I wou…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Cartuxa Pera Manca WhiteOther Portuguese White Wine

190 Responses

December 31, 2007

Mott
Happy New Years everyone!
December 31, 2007

Candace
Radool!
December 31, 2007

pauly
Goodbye 2007! Hello 2000-ate!
December 31, 2007

John Farrin
Happy New Year Gary!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2007

Terri
First time in top 5!
December 31, 2007

sobojosh
Be safe tonight everyone!
December 31, 2007

Mike G
Happy New Years all! Its been a great year, even for a lurker.
Cheers!
December 31, 2007

ChrisR
Top 10! Happy 2008.
December 31, 2007

manpod
Have a Happy and Healthy 2008. SlÃ¡inte!
December 31, 2007

Joel M
Way to raise the bar. Great year. Lets go higher. DRink more white wine, is my new year resolution and this was a great motivator show. Happy New Year Wine Library all. Joel M
December 31, 2007

Mike Z
Happy New Year to all! Don’t give up, Mott! You’ll get a T-shirt yet!
New Years Wine Resolution: try to stick to a wine-buying budget… which is tough!
December 31, 2007

sobojosh
wow, who knew there were so many sexy vayniacs!
December 31, 2007

Derek
Thanks for a great year Gary, Happy New Year to everyone at WLTV!!!!
December 31, 2007

H-town vigneron
Gary – I’ve only been watching WLTV for a little over a month, but I really enjoy the enthusiasm and knowledge that you bring to every show. I also like the way you “shoot from the hip” with your comments and descriptions of the wines. It is refreshing to see someone who is not afraid to punk a Silver Oak (when it needs to be punked), or praise the merits of a D’arenberg Noble Riesling (and even suggest you try it with steak). You’ve broken the mold on stuffy wine critics, and it is totally radool!

Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year’s.

QOTD: Keep up the good work and perhaps throw in a couple of vertical tastings every now and then.
December 31, 2007

Shadowbird
2007 has been an up-and-down year for me personally, but being a part of this community has definitely been an up. Thanks for all the help to everyone, keeping rocking on, WLTV, and Gary, give Mott his damn t-shirt!
December 31, 2007

tomfar
Have a fun, happy and safe New Years, everyone!!!
December 31, 2007

Andrew
The coolest part is that video flip reel at the end.

A toast to better living through WLTV.

Happy 2008!
December 31, 2007

MARSHALL
Had to mute that elevator music for some Stravinsky chamber pieces that went nicely with the montage. Whose the beautiful woman at 12:53? WOW!
QOTD:Nice improvement on the background lighting
December 31, 2007

Darrell T.
GV!,

Thanks for the shout out to esoteric grapes ! That’s what I’ve tried to pattern my wine experience after finding grape varities off the beaten path. I’m a ABCC drinker and the more esoteric grapes that can be highlighted on WLTV the better.
December 31, 2007

grace
been great couple of months! learning a lot and am enthusiastic to try new things! look forward to the esoteric varietals next year.
December 31, 2007

Jon
Your the man Gary! Happy New Year to you and your family!
December 31, 2007

John Farrin
Just finished watching the episode. What a nice gesture to the Vayniacs. They look like a group that I am be proud to be a part of. I’m making a New Year’s resolution to have my daughter take a photo of me in my full Vayniac regalia just to show my support and the love.
December 31, 2007

Suzanne
Very nice episode to close out 2007! Thanks for a great year of fun and great wine info! But what will it take to get Mr. Mott his T-shirt?
December 31, 2007

Dr T from N. Carolina
Come on, GV, give Mott his t-shirt, even if you have to collect pre-orders! Thanks for a great series. It’s been interesting.

“T”
December 31, 2007

Marc
Looking forward to another great year of WLTV! Thanks Gary!
December 31, 2007

Jaybird
Happy New Year to the Vayniac Nation…looking forward to sharing 2008 with the WLTV community.
December 31, 2007

Shadowbird
We have some of the most gorgeous ladies around in this community. All hail the Vaynerladies!
December 31, 2007

purplejuicebruce
What a long strange trip it’s been! Keep up the great work, we all look foreward to another wonderful year of new wines, new grapes and new vintages to enjoy.
December 31, 2007

kidder
Very nice.I WANT MY MOTT T SHIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2007

Fingerlaker
Happy Healthy New Years to all!!
What a great family photoalbum!! Gary.. thanx for finding the perfect medium for bringing us all together..
December 31, 2007

CoolHandLuke
Great show. Some great pictures. Bigfoot cracked me up. Happy New Year Gary! Happy New Year to all my fellow Vayniacs! I can’t wait to see what 2008 will bring!
December 31, 2007

Matt
Wow Gary, you’ve got some good looking fans out there! Now open that bottle and pour one with me yall! HAPPY NEW YEAR Vayner-Nation!
December 31, 2007

Phil G
So, I started watching the show over the summer and am very glad it has become a part of my daily routine. Wine is a big passion of mine, and I feel lucky that I get to think/laugh/learn about it on a daily basis. Thanks for being so dedicated, and have a great 2008!
December 31, 2007

Leftcoast
Great year for the thunder show. Whats with all the dudes? Looks like a 90%+ male vaynernation.
December 31, 2007

Obama_Man
My thoughts: Until 3 months ago, I couldn’t tell the difference between cab and merlot, new and old, etc! WLTV has changed me as a connoisseur and wine taster, which, in turn, has changed me as a person! Thanks Gary!
December 31, 2007

Mojave Joe
I forgot qotd! Anyway–I mark my wine education with winelibrarytv.com episode, I’m not sure, 6 months ago? (And with frequent dips into the archive). Thanks GV! Happy New Year!
December 31, 2007

Greg B.
Big G, What a year it’s been for WLTV and for me with WLTV. I must say if it wasn’t for WLTV and you I would not have found this new passion that I enjoy so very much. Thank You! I know I’ve said it plenty of times, but thank you for doing what you do so well. Keep it up in 08.

Happy New year!
December 31, 2007

Smith MBA
If the Thundershow teaches us nothing, we should not judge a wine or a wine drinker by its appearance. However, I am going to go ahead and make some generalizations about my fellow Vayniacs.

1) There are many hot babes rocking the wristbands. I do not think this is a surprise.

2) Lots of my fellow Vayniacs are on the dorkier side. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Wine is fun and thoughtful it is cool to nerd it up. Also, a good way to meet hot chicks. Kudos to you fellow nerdy guys.

3) What is up with the dogs wearing wristbands. Do dogs drink wine? Does Gary’s voice soothe dogs. I am not sure if I get it.

4) Kids? How old should kids be to be exposed to wine. Or are they drinking the wine. Might not be a bad idea to get kids to sleep earlier.

5) What is up with the weapons? Do people load up on Lafite before they go deer hunting?

Props to the young lady throwing up the shocker with the WLTV writband… Classy.

HERM will be out of the league coaching college next year. Not an NFL coach. The Jets will be fine. While they won’t land Dorsey, Long, or McFadden there will still be talent available in the crapshoot that is the NFL draft.

Happy New Year to all.

QOTD: I am putting this so far down in my comment that it is probably for my benefit only.

Positives
-Gary on location
-3 wine shows
-Sasha Vaynerchuk
-Bringing the Thunder everyday

Negatives
-Taped episodes – three in a row is tough, you lose steam Gary. Just put episodes on 3 times a week when you are out.
December 31, 2007

Stanley Von Hagen
What a great year it has been, Gary. Indeed — RADOOL! It was great fun tasting wines with you Christmas day. I’ve added some wine terms to my vocabulary — worm heads, bark, socks . . . You’ve also introduced me to some new wines I had not tried before.

Yes, I will join in your New Year’s resolution and try more wines that I have not had the pleasure to try before.

Happy New Year!!

P.s. A shout out to Mott!! Let’s “Link it up”.

Stan
December 31, 2007

Oregon Sipper
Great episode!

Mott needs a shirt!

Thanks for the photo album, brought a tear to my eye.

New years wine resolution: try more wine.
December 31, 2007

Diogo da Silva Santos
Hey,

I’m a portuguese wine lover and I was excited that you finally brought a portuguese white to the thunder show. However, there are a couple of things I’d like to point out.

In the first place, if you think AntÃ£o Vaz has character, wait until you taste other Portuguese indigenous white grape varieties.
I leave you some suggestions: Encruzado (Quinta de Cabriz Encruzado 2006 15usd); Alvarinho (our version of Alvarinho with more crispy acidity Dorado 2005 17usd or Muros de MelgaÃ§o 200515usd); Bical (Quinta das BÃ¡geiras Garrafeira Branco 2002 23usd).

Second, there’s life besides Douro. From North to South, I”ll leave the more exciting wine regions along with some representative wines.

MonÃ§Ã£o and MelgaÃ§o (Alvarinho producers: Soalheiro 2005 15usd and the others I mentioned above);

Douro of course (Touriga Naconal, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz(portuguese clone of Tempranillo): Caves AlianÃ§a–Quinta dos Quatro Ventos Reserva 2001 30usd; Niepoort–Charme 2004 120usd; Quinta do Infantado Reserva 200325usd; CV 2004; Redoma Reserva Branco 2005);

DÃ£o (Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro; Jaen: Ãlvaro Castro–Carrocel 2003 75usd; PaÃ§o dos Cunhas de Santar Vinha do Contador Branco 2006 20usd;

Bairrada (Baga (one of the best, but really great, with some resilliance to Pinot): Quinta da DÃ´na 2003 25usd; Quinta das BÃ¡geiras Garrafeira tinto 2003);

Estremadura (Syrah, Tinta Roriz: Quinta do Monte D’Oiro 2004 Reserva 60usd)

Alentejo (Alicante Bouschet; AragonÃªs, Trincadeira: EsporÃ£o Private Selection Tinto 2003 45usd; Herdade do MouchÃ£o tonel 3/4 2001 75usd(one of the best, more terroir-driven wines I know); Vale de Ancho 2003 30usd)

Third and last, congratulations for a great show and keep up the good efforts.

Take it easy dude,

Diogo da Silva Santos
December 31, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Great Year GV!!! Wishing you many more to come. Keep mixing it up and keeping it fresh! Health and wealth to you and your family!
December 31, 2007

Ryan
Happy New Year Gary. Here’s to total domination in ‘08.
December 31, 2007

rickm
Gary, I guess I’m kind of a lurker, but wanted to say thanks for the past couple of years. While you have cost me THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of DOLLARS during that time, the trip has been well with it. Even though I live behind the PA Iron Curtain, I still impose on friends in OHIO to get my WL shipments. Your zest for wine is a gift, so keep it up and I’ll be sure to remain a customer and keep telling others about the experiance. BIG thanks from a customer and friend in Pitsburgh.
December 31, 2007

HeadWino
QOTD: 2008 was my breakout year for wine. Because of WLTV I have grown a better understanding and appreciation for wine. Wish the mortgage was paid off and the kids were out of college so that I could delve into the Barolo’s and Brunello’s. Gary, you provide a great service to us wine drinkers. Your show has expanded my knowledge and appreciation. Thank you!
B
December 31, 2007

JordanW
Year in review: I’ve tasted over 50 wines, learned a TREMENDOUS amount, and my wine knowledge has exploded. I can pick out varietals blind!

Thanks GV! Keep on bringing the thunder.
December 31, 2007

HeadWino
QOTD: Make that …. 2007, was my breakout year.
December 31, 2007

wine-ot
Congradulations GV…to the success of you and the WLTV community….I don’t remember the QOD just all those ristband photos, DAMN you are changin’ it!
December 31, 2007

jhollo77
Love the photo montage!! Glad our shot with friends at Pepper Bridge made the cut. And our Weimaraner, Blue, too!! I swear to God he’s watched the show… It’s a little creepy. Happy New Year!!! Keep up the great work in 2008!!!!
December 31, 2007

*/^_^\*
anyone have the ‘you have a friend in cheeses’ girl’s number? anyone?
December 31, 2007

nickel and dimed
Great tribute to the fans!

I’m going right where today’s episode went and try new things and seek out values this year! Thanks for the great times. As a 5 month viewer, I have nothing but praise. After looking at past episodes and comparing them to now, they just keep getting better. Happy New Year!
December 31, 2007

Diana L-S
Thanks for a great year Gary! Only discovered this about half way through 2007, but now we go into the wine store always looking for something new and different to try.

Cork’d could use a mobile version for the iPhone

Really looking for to 2008, and especially pairing wines with cheese. Love cheese!!!

Happy New Years!
December 31, 2007

pete c
It’s great to see who is changing the wine world! Nice end to a great year of WLTV. My favorites were Sasquatch and the Jack-O-Lantern. Happy New Year to all the Vayniacs and G.V.

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2007

Spinner
Awesome 1/2 year (ya ya, newcomer, lurker here, guess that is my New Year resolution…)

Anyway, I am so glad I came across this site. Saw it on Diggnation, and got hooked by the thunder that was raining down, big time. Gotta get me a wristband…nice ending.

Enjoy 2008, and good health to all.

Spinner
December 31, 2007

mrzitro
top 51
December 31, 2007

RB
GV,
Thanks for a great year on WLTV!
Thoughts for the show:
1. Keep it to 20 minutes or less
2. In 2008, will be very excited to see the 05 Bordeaux’s tasted. The QPR’s especially.
3. You have to have your dad on again…loved him!
4. Keep pushing the envelope for our tasting..I had the riesling with steak…not my favorite..but was fun to try.
5. Keep up the enthusiasm. It is awesome!
Happy New Year!
December 31, 2007

Sangio
Great show, great business, great person keep it up. I started watching the shows when they were still in double digits.

You have expanded both our horizions and our palette, while shrinking our funds. I applaud you on all accounts.

You challenged us to taste 365 wines a year. I have searched out wine tastings in my area and have been close to the high standard you set. My only fear is what you will ask of us in 2008, and if I can meet that challenge.

Keep it up, I have only tried a few Portuguese wines, and currently own none. A new challenge.

My goals for 2008 are Live, Love Learn. It should be easy to find ways to work wine in to each of my goals.

GV, keep it up, don’t jump the shark in 2008!
December 31, 2007

Kirk
Great Show once again…and the montage was very cool….How long would it have been if everyone who got a wristband actually did send in their photo? Thanks for a great year, and keeping wine fun.

QOTD: What was the question of the day…I’ve already forgotten. Hmmm Oh yes…Constructive critism…if that’s how it’s really spelled.

Good job on getting the word out to other audiences…great job on providing a community that promotes people with a passion for wine to get together…and I really liked seeing your family on the show…will we meet Lizzy next year? I hope so…a wife is priceless and deserves appreciation from all who benifit from your hard work.

Changes…can we get the shipping laws fixed? Someplaces can and some places can’t ship to my state (Maine). I’d love to see NJ on board….I’m tired of buying wines from New York when I could be bying them from you…..

Happy New Year
December 31, 2007

KW
Happy New Year! This was your breakthrough year with all the media spots and thousands of email. You have lots of fans and new customers as well.

QOTD:
1. Love the show but keep it to 15 mins or so.
2. Do more vertical tastings and comparative tastings of same types of wine.
3. Bring on more Guests to get their perspectives.
4. Let’s see which if those 05 Bordeaux brings the Thunder

Overall. Keep the Thuunder rumbling! This is one vayniac who has started to taste a lot more wines and spent a pretty penny getting my wine stock up to date. All because of WLTV.
December 31, 2007

VinOrecul
Well Gary, when you get that moment alone inside yourself. I am sure you will see what 2008 holds. This wine world is yours, take the ball and run. Your leadership skills have already laid the foundation. What are you waiting for my friend?

Vayniacs, once again lets be safe…responsible and not just tonight but every night.

Best wishes to all from Seattle!
December 31, 2007

FT in FC
I caught the Ellen show and have been a Vayniac ever since. I’ve learned more about wine in the last 3 months than I learned in the previous three years. I love wine and now WLTV has become a fun part of my daily routine.
December 31, 2007

CHATrBox
Why fix it if it ain’t broken!?!?

Happy New Year! Be safe. Drink something good!
December 31, 2007

Rice
QOTD: Just keep doin what ya doon, keep nimble and let the tide push and pull you into different directions if needed, but keep at the front edge of it… you know what I mean?
December 31, 2007

JC
Hey, Happy New Year everyone! Thanks Gary & Mott!
December 31, 2007

Tony
Great year buddy. Keep rolling large. We love ya.

QOTD: Build a real cellar
December 31, 2007

FJDR
QOTD: The show is great, the only bad thing is the lack of a “Link it up Mott” tee. I didn’t understand the explanation of why you refuse to create one – clarity is needed on this point so it can be redressed. Aside from this injustice, the show is terrific and you should continue, perhaps forever.
December 31, 2007

Dr. Dan
Thanks for all the memories in 2007, Gary.
December 31, 2007

Ant'ny D.
GV… Thanks for a great twenty-oh-seven. This is the year the wine bug bit us, so we are looking forward to a great 2008 of wine tasting experiences. Can’t wait! Best wishes for a happy healthy new year!
December 31, 2007

kidder
Yeah Yeah!!! HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Give me my MOTT Tee!!!!!!
December 31, 2007

kidder
Link it up BIAAAAAATCH!!!!!
December 31, 2007

kidder
Uh???? Great show guys????
December 31, 2007

Tom R
I was surprised to see how many fans of WLTV are dogs. In my state, dogs can’t drink until they’re 21 — which, if you take dog years into account, amounts to virtual prohibition — but I guess things are a little more liberal elsewhere.
December 31, 2007

Skol
Thanks Gary,

Happy New Year and many more.
It is enjoyable to participate with you and the vayniacs on something we all appreciate.
December 31, 2007

Dominus
Great show as always and have a most Happy New Year!

QOTD: Learning about and trying new wines that I may have never had the opportunity or better yet, the “enthusiasm” to try. This past year has been fun, fun and fun and thank you Gary Vay-ner-chuk for your tireless effort to change the wine world.

Happy New Year and . . . . ..

GO COLTS!

P.S. I had this tonight for our New Year’s dinner: ‘05 Pinot Noir Belle Glos Las Alturas Caymus Santa Lucia Highlands, CA and I must say was very, very good.
December 31, 2007

PiperJS
QOTD: I can’t possibly make any constructive criticisms or suggestions — it’s your show, and you’re doing great. It’s constantly evolving just as it should. Just keep going, and be true to yourself.
And thank you for a very important year of internet viewing for ME and the thousands of others!!!!!!!!!!! This show and you got me involved on a level I never thgouht possible, and it was scary, and I liked it, and it was important to me, and it made me think, and act, in a completely different way.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Much Love,
Your Favorite Vayniac
(aside from SS Chris)
Pipes
December 31, 2007

StephanieF
LOVE LOVE LOVE the show. I was surprised to see a picture of my husband and I in the first ten! I think you should do a tasting pack once a month so that we can taste with you. We did that with your Christmas Eve episode on Christmas Day with the family and had so much fun!
December 31, 2007

humboldt joe
i’ve told many friends to log onto wltv… the wife and i have just recently been getting into wine. we did the whole napa tour last spring and are planning a russian river / sonoma tour this spring!

keep the thunder comin’!

love from humboldt, ca

-joe o’
December 31, 2007

chenrys
Happy New Year!

We starting watching in about July and have expanded our knowledge of wine soooo much. We have tried lots of wines – many we had never heard of.
December 31, 2007

Kristen
Excellent way to close out 2007 GV! I loved the montage- it was great to see all the faces of the Vayniacs out there!

QOTD:

Continue trying wines from new places and letting us know about them
More on the road episodes
More Sasha Vaynerchuk!

Happy and Healthy New Year Everyone!
December 31, 2007

Patricia Thomas
Happy New Year to everyone, and Hafa Adai from Guam, where I’m R&Ring with my boyfriend n’ BF!!! I did not toast in the New Year 14 hours ago, as it dawned here, but I’m about to, now!

OK. 2 cover 2 epidsodes of QOTDs in 1 comment to Gary:

1.My wine resolution is to become better at expressing what I’m smelling/feeling/tasting when evaluating my wine purchases. In other words, I want to become better at writing wine reviews.

2.For Gary & Mr. “Mott Link it Up” (TM), I’d like for y’all to think very hard before making WLTV episodes too long—I actually think that it would be better if you split very long episodes into 2 or more successive days of episodes, instead. For instance, while I enjoyed the slideshow, it would have been better to watch portions of this over, say, these past 2 weeks. Also, since people would have been uncertain about when their wristband pic would show up, many people would have watched every day until their pic(s) showed up.

BONUS: Of course, you WLTV can never go wrong by offering more FREE shipping….
December 31, 2007

Chippewamike
Awesome way to wind up 2007–onto 2008!

Happy New Year to all!
December 31, 2007

Tstank
Thanks for a year of interesting and informative blogging. I am a recent viewer but I have almost watched half of the episodes just because you are so good at your blog. The biggest thing I have taken away from the thunder show this year is you will not know until you try it out. So I started to keep a wine journal and started writing my own tasting notes just because I can never remember the wines I loved. Please have a safe and happy holiday
-Tstank
January 1, 2008

Ben N.
Thanks Gary for the tribute! I’ve enjoyed the shows for almost two years. Have a great New Year! See you in 2008.
January 1, 2008

pawncop
Best wishes for a continued success for the program. I know you hear (or read) this all the time, but I am so very grateful for the time and passion you put in to this program.

As to the QOTD I will continue to watch and learn as much as I can and expand my limited horizon regarding the wine world.
January 1, 2008

Paul M
QOTD: ignore almost all suggestions on how to do the show, including most of mine, just shoot from the hip and go with your gut, it might not be perfect but trying to please everyone else will kill your joy for the show and without that there is not show
January 1, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
I love to see WLTV hold on for an entire year. That’s a long gig, and a goal not to be taken lightly.

Also, make WLTV DVDs I can send to people as gifts!
January 1, 2008

Gabriel
Excellent year, keep it up.

I think you should do a wine tasting marathon. Maybe as a party for an entire night tasting a bunch of different wines. Invite me too. ;p
January 1, 2008

Siggi from Iceland
QOTD: Totally agree with PaulM just keep up what you are doing and go with your gut:D
January 1, 2008

MattyO
awesome stuff. brought tears to my eyes, the love, the family. very cool. happy new year everyone! be safe. be healthy.
January 1, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Great PR (Conan and Ellen especially)
Excellent variety of wines
Memorable descriptions/evaluations
Pretty much unflagging enthusiasm (don’t let the Jets drag you down)
Appreciate the leads on new wines

Fun ending – I saw Babyface and me.

Happy New Year!
January 1, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
Gary, Mott,

I am so thankful for finding you. I knew there was a nation of wine heads out there who shared the love for wine like I do and you bring us together in such an enthusiastic and original way. I only recently found you, so another resolution I have is to watch as many back episodes as possible. Thanks for all you do, I’ll keep watching and drinking. Syrahhhhhhhhh
January 1, 2008

David
Gary,

Ð¡ ÐÐ¾Ð²Ñ‹Ð¼ Ð³Ð¾Ð´Ð¾Ð¼!
(Ask Sasha if you have any problems with the above.)

Watching WLTV has become a ritual, a real highlight to my day.

Thank you (and Link It Up – that is Mott’s first name, isn’t it?) for all that you done.
January 1, 2008

Rajiv A
Happy New Year Gary!

QOTD: You know my rambling thoughts from that email I sent a few weeks ago. Other than that, the one thing you did that I really enjoyed was the Bordeaux Episodes, rough though they were, and the New York sommelier’s interviews, and the Jeffrey Davies interview. I truly appreciate these rare glimpses into the realities of the wine trade.
January 1, 2008

Withnail
LOL @ Bigfoot!

Happy New Year!
January 1, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: Agree with Yoni below (was talking about this with someone a few weeks ago) – make “Best Of” DVDs so we (and our gift-receiving friends) can kick back
late at night and watch great episodes of WLTV on TV monitors in our living rooms.
January 1, 2008

Billr
Sweeeet show…..HAPPY NEW YEAR

QOTD: I have always wanted to get into wine but without direction and knowledge it is a hard thing to do. I had always drank a bottle here or there and always disliked the wine at the time. What a turn off.

Then along came WLTV and now it is a whole new world. THANK YOU Sasha, Gary, Mott and the crew at WL and WLTV for all that you do. 2007 has opened up my wife and I’s life and marrage in a way we never knew could or would happen. You all have become part of our family. Thanks again……..
January 1, 2008

Capt M
Try the Chateau Musar – Lebanon. Thanks for the New Year’s episode! Thanks for a wonderful year filled with good memories and great tastings. QOTD: I’ve expanded my palate, and learned a great deal more. Resolution for this year for WLTV: let’s put more effort into cork’d. Reward people who put more input into it. Happy New Year!
January 1, 2008

Andrew
Gary:

Happy New Year from Singapore! Just stumbled on your site while looking for reviews of an Insoglio from Campo di Sasso and enjoyed all the reviews and some for the videos! Also enjoyed the great comments from the posters.

Keep up the great work!!!

Andrew
January 1, 2008

CrazyManAndy
QOTD: I’ve only been watching the show for a couple months, but I have gone back to watch a lot of the older episodes. I think what you’re doing is really awesome. The variety lately has been incredible, the wine bars, cheeses and steaks, contests, etc. I love all that stuff. I think could do a few more “focused” shows, where you have about four or five wines and no distractions. But I ain’t complainin’! You always have some really cool ideas, so don’t let anyone else tell ya how to run the show, just go with your gut and stick to your guns. You said you wanted to do more food related episodes next year, and I think that would be awesome. Anyway, just want to say thank you, Gary, Mott (Link it up! [TM]), and the whole WL/WLTV crew! Have a great New Year!

CMA
January 1, 2008

YoungDave
Fantastic shout out to all of the Vayniacs in the latter part of the Ep.

QOTD: I gotta echo the aforementioned suggestions to keep being real, unpretentious, down-to-earth, and educational as you shoot each episode from the…well, from the palate- actually THAT should become a coined WLTV phrase: “Just shoot it from the palate”… I like that.
I would also definitely like to see more “on-location” shows outside of your WL office because the week that you did out on the town in restaurants in NY was, in my humble, veteran Vayniac opinion, the best stretch of shows in the history of WLTV. Each show was focused and brought us all into another sector of the wine world; where wine lists have been put together and you tasted them with a specific theme in mind. Keep it up, and keep being creative to bring education and insight into wine with fresh new locations and themes while upholding your incomparable style. Cheers and Happy New Year, Big G.
January 1, 2008

Big Nick
Nice way to give back to all the Vayniacs Gary. Looks like there will be more this year after that huge show. Can’t wait to see what ‘08 has in store, and Happy New Year!
January 1, 2008

Hugh
G-Man,

Continued success for ‘08 ….
January 1, 2008

BobbyTiger
I came across WLTV just a couple of months ago when surfing the net on wines from Argentina. Was intelligent enough to punch up the G man, and the show has now become a part of our daily lives. Thanks to Gary, I now actually take the time to smell the wine, and, (in my mind), look for flavors. Unthinkable. We now decant. We find ourselves saying things like “it’s a little young”, “nice mid-palate”, or “great finish”. Really silly things, which somehow now seem to make sense.
I am looking forward to buying the Kabinett Riesling when the stores open tomorrow. (Thanks for the tip G.)
And thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your ever-expanding TV family.
January 1, 2008

sky
what year is it? thanks, gary. im still looking for a styrofaom mailer for that burgundy. this year was ausome and there will be manymore to come. bring it on and i know yer just joking about the link it up mott tshirt. ya better be…. another great year in o-ate and 365 more wines to drink,i better get started right now.
January 1, 2008

sky
hey guys today is a great opportunity to look back on the past. i went back and watched episode one-yeah the first one- and i highly recommend it. it shows how far gary has come and it demonstrates what his vision was at the beginning and yeah gary it looks like you furfilled your dreams/…..thanks to gary and to all who watch.
January 1, 2008

Nick
Gary,
I just started watching your show this year and I look forward to watching it in the coming years. Great job!! However I have to admit that I almost did not become a Vayniac because I thought your show was a little abrasive. Now I’m learning to embrace the Thunder Show and catch every radool episode.
In the coming episodes I would like to see more educational type shows, i.e. which vintages to hold vs drink, cork vs screw tops and how to equate what I taste in a wine to a food or object.

Happy New Year!!!
January 1, 2008

sky
keep em coming, gary……
January 1, 2008

randyshakes
I now wished that I had sent a pic or two in to be immortalized on the thunder show. Thanks for another wonderful year. I am going to expand my palate in French wines for 2008. I was concentrating more on California, Oregon, and Washington last year. Again, thanks for all your insight.
January 1, 2008

Dominick Mack
Thank you for the constant entertaining and wine development I go through each day!!
January 1, 2008

Todd Smith
Happy New Year everyone!
QOTD – You’re doing a GREAT JOB Gary. Keep it up.
January 1, 2008

Kyle in Memphis
Started watching WLTV a few months ago, and since then I’ve gone from keeping 2-3 wines around to more than filling my little 12-bottle cooler, mostly with wines I had never tried – exploring the palate! I also now own a decanter, and I’m totally building one of those wine rooms as soon as I buy a home. Great show, Gary. Happy new year.
January 1, 2008

Richard Bakker
Perhaps throw some more east coast Viticulture and Oenology in the mix.
Love what your doing for the wine world.
Keep on keeping on.
January 1, 2008

stewart l
Happy new year. What a great year it has been. I always look forward to the show. There is no question that I have expanded my horizon on different varietals and will continue to do so.
January 1, 2008

Susan
Mott and Gary- Thanks for all of the fabulous eps in 2007!! Happy New Year to everyone!!!!!
January 1, 2008

Alos
Happy New Year all!
January 1, 2008

Susan
Mott & Gary- My year end statement: WOW! This year has been fabulous!! Please keep up all of the creative, great eps!!! I have been a Vayniac since April 2006. So far it has been a SUPER ride!!!!
January 1, 2008

Susan
Mott & Gary- Albarino characteristics?????? Sign me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1, 2008

CindyW
My Year-end statement: GaryV, you’ve taught me quite a bit about how to enjoy and explore the wine in my glass. While I like it when you step away a bit (for interviews, going out on the town, etc), I hope you still keep the foundations of swirling, sniffy-sniffing, tasting, and spitting. Thanks for making me brave enough to make it past the nose of a pinotage — I actually really love these wines now.

And. . . I really, really, really, really want a Link it Up, Mott! t-shirt.
January 1, 2008

Susan
Mott – Did you do this fabulous montage??? WOW!!! Great job!!!! We now have MANY Vayniacs!!!!!
Great Stuff!!!!!!!!!
January 1, 2008

mikeyrad
Happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year to Gary, Mott, and the Vayner Nation. Great montage! However, is it just me or were there a lot of dogs, and did they look a lot better than us middle age Vayniacs? Hmmm, maybe I should just speak for myself.
January 1, 2008

mikeyrad
oops, forgot the QOTD. Let’s see, somewhere around May the net police at work blocked all wine-related sites (at least all sites with “wine” in the url) so it’s been more difficult for me to stay active in the WLTV community. So my resolution is to find a way to comment on the episodes and forums.
January 1, 2008

Christopher J
Great year Gary! Thanks for the huge amount of wine info, and for a very entertaining show all year. I admire the fact that you have not lost an ounce of energy or enthusiasm for us Vanyacs or the show. (Except maybe when you were sick, acceptable I guess).

Have a great New Year Gary!!
January 1, 2008

Isaac
Another great show! I look forward to this new year with WLTV !!!!
January 1, 2008

NathanN
Happy New Year GV & Mott

QOTD: Keep up the good work & the awesome shows. The field trips you guys took was a radool change of pace. Please come back to Chicago for another Vayniac Party. It was one of my highlights for â€™07.
January 1, 2008

Harley Stan
Thanks for a great year!!!
QOTD- just what do what you do!!!!
January 1, 2008

Bacchus
Happy New Year Gary! Wish you the best in ‘08!
January 1, 2008

Michael Y
I enjoyed watching the episodes and learning about the various grape varietals. Keep up with the great episodes!
Note: on the footnotes, it says one last episode for 2008. At first I thought there’s only going to be 1 more episode left in 2008! LOL
Happy New Year
January 1, 2008

Kelly In South Dakota
Hi Gary I have been on board now for almost a year and it has been great. You have taught me everything I know about wine. I really was not into wine till you got me going. I have a decanter, a 6 bottle wine cellar and a big ass wine glass. Just got back from a cruise where I enjoyed a bottle of pinotage South Africa Pinotage and an Argentina Melbac both excellent. Keep teaching me I am loving it.
January 1, 2008

Ken
Thanks, Gary, for bringing a very fresh and innovative show to the wine world. It’s amazing what a simple camera and an enthusiastic host can do. I especially enjoy the educational aspect of the show, teaching us about the grapes and their history, palette training, decanting and all that sort of thing. Great job, and a happy new year from us up here in British Columbia.
January 1, 2008

vawinelady
The thunder show not only teaches me about wine, but sneaks in sports bits. I feel more well rounded every time I watch.
January 1, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Hi to all.

Didn’t start watching WLTV until episode 322, but I am glad that I did.
Gary’s enthusiasm for wine is the main reason for watching.
Helping me learn more about something that I have come to like even more because of the shows is just so cool – used to like wines, now I am appreciating more what I drink.

Happy new year to one and all in the Veyniac World from the sunny island of Cyprus.

Mott – LINK IT UP !!
January 1, 2008

Kevin
GV
This year has been a big one in wine for me. I went from tasting maybe 25 wines a year to tasting 400+ wines. So my palate has learned a lot this year. Add to that: the Thunder Show. I’ve learned so much watching, and have tried a lot of new wines because of the show. Thanks for all your work, and best wishes to you and your family in the new year.
January 1, 2008

mikey lennon
Congratulations Gary and Wine Library for all your sucess in aught 7. Cannot wait for what is in store here for 2008! Thanks for all you guys do.
January 1, 2008

Social Project Brian
Gary, thanks for a wonderful, winerful 2008! It was great seeing so many familiar faces in this episode: Jason at 11:27, my Dad, Doug at 14:43, and yours truly at 21:57 and 29:30. (I think these 2 jazz songs will be burned in my head forever, after watching all 20 minutes of photos).

Happy New Year!
- Brian
January 1, 2008

Social Project Brian
And of course, can’t forget Kathleen Lisson at 32:20. The busiest wine/food blogger on MySpace these days.
January 1, 2008

Anthony L.
Gary, thanks for a great 2007. I learned so much, I don’t know where to begin. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2008. Happy New Year to you and your family. God Bless.
January 1, 2008

Bob Sikorski
Gary, you are the catalyst that brings this all together, and we need you. The year 2007 was my first year listending to your show, and I can’t believe have much you have taught me. You are our point-man for changing the wine world. Keep it up!

Happy New Year, and many more!
January 1, 2008

Ernest_G
Great Show! Luv the vayniac pics!

I walked into this show late, sometime after the Nightline show. I needed something to help ground myself from the overwhelming selection of wines. Gary V, you answered the call. Thanks for the knowledge you pass on to us and the manner in which you describe the wines you taste.

Bring on some more guests, from the people behind the wine scenes to your Joe Wine drinkers.
January 1, 2008

E
Well done. Have a thunderous new year, and a merry caucus to all.
January 1, 2008

Deano
Gary great episode. Happy New year to you and the mott. I love the show and watch it everyday Keep up the cool ideas and making the show so interesting i love it.
January 1, 2008

Dave Canada
QOTD – I love the show…..it pumps me up about wine….gets me to try new things and the best part has been the peeps that I have been conected with. I was out for dinner with someone last night that I never would have met without your show!
I go to Buffalo every month for tastings now because of your show….i owe you huge buddy!
January 2, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Gary,

Sweet shout out to all of the vayniacs.

Looking forward to what WLTV will do in 2008.

Happy New Year.
January 2, 2008

Glen DiGirolamo aka G.Francis in 2008
The year end statement is this…..

You rock Gary! Your energy is amazing. Keep it up and I look forward to seeing you this week at the store.

Thanks for the info. Good luck in 2008…!!!!!

Glen….aka…. G. Francis
January 2, 2008

diego de la p...
garry great episode!! nice wine!, i think it was a great year for the show, its constantly growing and evolving and thats a great thing!! wish you the best for you and family for thisyear!!
and thank you for the show man!!
January 2, 2008

medo
Min 17:23! My sweetheart
January 2, 2008

Isaac
Anyone know a good wine shop in or near San Bernardino Ca??????
January 2, 2008

Karl Laczko
Thoughts on WLTV – I’ve not been viewing as long as a year, but since going back and watching the earlier episodes I’m impressed by the energy you still put into the show. Keep that going and I’ll stick around, because it’s refreshing to see someone so into what they do and not trying to change it too much with unecessary gimicks or flash marketing (you can keep that for the TV appearances!).

Move forward by staying as you are

Nice touch on the Wrist-band slide-show, although you kept me hanging on ’til 32:36 before mine, I thought you’d missed me out! (& I see Paul got about half a dozen of his in!!).
January 2, 2008

Canadian Chris
Interestingly enough, Oz Clarke says Antao Vaz makes mostly bland wines… based on quick googling, looks like they still haven’t tracked origins of the varietal, but it’s been around for a very long time. Cool.

QOTD: Just starting watching in November-ish, digging the show. I’ve always enjoyed good wine, but this year was the perfect storm for me – met a couple of folks that I work with that are into wines, reconnected with a great friend of mine that is a certified somm, and found the Thunder Show! It was always a somewhat intimidating world, but GV and the crew at WL have done a great job in producing this show and showing folks that it’s not about the WS or RPs of the world telling us what to drink, but spending some time learning what you like and getting edumacated. I dig it – way to go GV and crew keep up the great work. When can we buy schwag here in Canada?!
January 2, 2008

Bill in Dublin OH
QOTD — I discovered WLTV in late October, and it’s a lot of fun. Your passion for wine, coupled with candor and keen insights from the tastings, keep me coming back for more. Gary, you rock. Best wishes in the new year.
January 2, 2008

Mark Neustadt
Great episode! Congrats on your 2007 success.

I am the guy who left the WLTV request on your Facebook asking for a Wine of the month club/WLTV tie in.

What do you think people? Can we get Gary to start a wine of the month club where we subscribe and get two or three wines a month and then a week later, those are the wines he features on the show?

I want to be able to play along!!

MCN
January 2, 2008

Rolf
Happy New Year Gary!!!
January 2, 2008

JeffC
Thanks for a great year Gary. Im looking foward to hanging with you and the Vanyiac masses for 2008. Hey, did I sense you are weakening on the Mott Link it Up Tee????
January 2, 2008

wayno da wino
Gary, Mott, Sasha, Brian & rest of WL crew,
Happy Healthy New Year!!!!!! You Guys are da Best!!!
Moocho Thanx for all the FAAANTAAASTIC Episodes!!!!!
Keep On a Rockin’ in 2008 !!!!
January 2, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Having a happy and healthy New Year with a good time spent enjoying my family: enjoying how special it is that we’re all here on planet earth, not forgetting for one minute how lucky we are.
January 2, 2008

Shane de Grape
Mott(TM) should go on strike until you get him a shirt!! Power to the MOTT!!!!
January 2, 2008

Kevin Ko-val-chik
Loved the photo recap.
January 2, 2008

the big cheez
Happy New Year to Gary and the crew at Wine Library.

It’s been a great ride…I’ve been lurking since you’ve started. Your shows have more than educated me on quite a few different types of wines that I would have never thought to try…and you back it up with your extensive inventory at such great prices. Kudoos to all at Wine Library!

Keep it coming Gary…looking forward to a healthy, happy and wine-a-plentiful 2008 with you, the king of Vayner Nation, and the Vayniacs!
January 2, 2008

Tim Vining
I discovered WLTV late in the year and regret I live in a state (PA) where I cannot purchase wine from Wine Library. Have a prosperous New Year!
January 2, 2008

italianwinelover
Gary, Thanks for a wonderful adventure! It has been a wine-filled 2007 and I’m so looking forward to more great wines in 2008!! Watching you has been totally addicting and I hate when I miss your show. I have learned soooo much and passed on as much as I could remember!! Looking back you can see how much the show has evolved into a wonderful informative outlet for wine lovers!
May 2008 bring you & your family healthy and happy times. Thanks for all you and your crew do…its AWESOME!!!
January 2, 2008

Scott EJ
GV – Having just jumped on your bandwagon, I know that I’ve entered a new phase on enjoying and learning about wine. Thanks for everything past, present & future.

Although, my sad azz state (IL) is one of many dropping like flies to greed and ignorance, I will not be beat. I have already strategized on how to get the wonderful offerings WL has that I cannot find here. Will it be a major pain – yes. Will it be well worth it – you bet your stocks worth of ‘05 CDP it will be.

Thanks again and here’s to a great and prosperous ‘08.
January 2, 2008

avanagee
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! um, why can’t Mott have a t-shirt?!
January 2, 2008

lori
Hey Mr. V
Happy new Year. I love your show. I have recently enjoyed you bringing your Father on. And the show recently from your house. I like a different set once in a while.. it’s refreshing. When’s your Mother coming on?
January 2, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
Try your 100% PV’s from Aussie Ripper!
January 2, 2008

Elliot Essman
You’ve had a fabulous year. I think you’ve done a great job at thinking up new show themes that are more than just gratuitous novelties. I wait in awed expectation for the 2008 surprises.
January 2, 2008

Tom Cihil
Gary, Thanks for a fascinating and entertaining exploration of wine. I’m sorry that the state-run Pennsylvania monopoly doesn’t carry the vast majority of wines you sample. Someday this foolishness WILL be abolished. Until then, I’ll keep trying with out-of-state finds and hints from you.

Happy New Year!
Tom…
January 2, 2008

Lois and Greg
Happy New Year to Gary V, the staff at WL and everyone in the WLTV community. You know you are part of the community if you have tried to explain WLTV to friends and family, who proceed to act if you are speaking in a foreign language.
Can’t wait for the increased food involvement in the show.
Judging by the location photos in the montage, we think the next schwag item should be along the lines of a Gary V Roaming Gnome (without the pointed hat, maybe a Jets cap). Take it along and show us where you’ve been .
January 2, 2008

SoCal
I has been a lot of fun and very educational. Thank for the effort
January 2, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
It was a great year of WLTV Gary, keep up the good work!
January 2, 2008

John Blue Label
GV,
Great year, Great Year. Hope 2008 is just as good. Thanks for all your hard work, dude. You rock!

JWB
January 2, 2008

ccola
Awesome! A fantastic year. Thanks for the pumpkin pic, but what about the wedding one? It took me about an hour to do the pumpkin, but the wedding was 10 months in the making! (and the wristband pic a major factor) Maybe if I was naked or holding a knife, a puppy or small child (really, kids with wristbands & bottles, a little creepy) That’s alright, I was a fat bride anyways.

CCola

P.S. The Vaynernation needs a gang sign, something to flash while showing off their wristbands–maybe a combination of the peace sign, westside & the shocker! (double check the slide show, I saw the shocker!)
January 2, 2008

ccola
oh, and where does one find a “you have a friend in cheeses” shirt?
January 3, 2008

Jayhitek
Mine is clearly the best.
But what is with all the guys flexing while pretending not to be flexing..?
January 3, 2008

Matt the Lurker
Hey, what’s up shocker girl? I thought this was a family show.
January 3, 2008

Matt the Lurker
Yessssssssss. Thanks GV and crew. Have a great 08.
January 4, 2008

AJ
I’m in Dublin, Ireland Gary
January 5, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Happy New Year to all Vayniacs. I’m in Virginia Beach VA. What an awesome year GV. Like having a personal tasting 5 days a week accompanied by jugglers and plate twirlers. Loved it.
January 6, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Happy New Year GV, thanks for another year of WLTV, looking forward to 2008.
January 6, 2008

Dan-o
GV:
I became a Vayniac during 2007, therefore this is my inaugural year. It was great watching the various episodes mixed with laughs and good wine.

If I were to sum up 2007, it was a year that brought me out of a “lull” in the wine world. In the period from 2002 to 2006 I had built up a collection of wines from zero and I was buying and collecting at a heavy rate.

Then I had to move from NC to MA and with the move and a new job, I probably wnet through a one yea period of little activity in wine.

Your show inspired me to get more interested in wine again. However, I am not doing so to increase my collection. I am looking for wines that bring the thunder without breaking the bank. I like the way your show brings a practicality to wine. Even if you could afford a $100 per bottle “house wine”, it would make the really good wines a little less special. Who needs to spend 100 bones on a wine when you can find some thunder below $50 or $30.

Therefore, I consider myself to be a consumer of wines with an eye for a high QPR, rather than just building the collection to x thousand bottles.

Have a GREAT 2008!
January 8, 2008

Colin
GV – 2007 was the year wine exploded for me – thanks for being there with me!
January 8, 2008

yowens
QOTD: You’ve made our lives so much more enjoyable these last two years. Cheers!
January 8, 2008

Taylor
If 08 is half as good as 07 this year will be huge!! Saw in Food & Wine that they blowign up Torrentes which I believe that you already did tell em to catch up.
January 10, 2008

MtnCharlie
Nice tribute. Happy New Year!
January 11, 2008

LurkerNoMore
“Mott, Link it Up”
I think its about time for the Vayner-Nation to stand up for the unsung hero of the show. Mott deserves something and if its not going to be a t-shirt then maybe a wrist band or a hat. In order to “incentivize” Gary, I say that we GO ON STRIKE…NOBODY POST ANY COMMENTS UNTIL MOTT GETS A T-SHIRT (or something similar)!!!

It will be anarchy…”human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together – mass hysteria”.
January 16, 2008

malliemcg
Loving the thunder show!

I’ll have to get into gear and catch up with my WLTV episodes post the holidays!

Looking forward to heaps of 2008 shows .

2007 was the year I stumbled across wltv, I’ve learned to trust my palate 100% and am getting better at not cringing when hearing Aussie places pronounced differently than I am used to! Discovering as my palate grows, my cellar is beginning to not look so appealing, well the more recent purchases are pretty good.

Keep up the good work GV! (and the crew at WLTV, esp Mott!)
January 20, 2008

elron
I enjoyed the show. We had a Cartuxa red a few years back and it was an excellant wine! My Mother-in-law comes from the same region(Alentejano).I agree, Portugal is definitely up and coming.
Gary and crew, thnaks for all the hard work and time!
March 3, 2008

thefanjestic
Why oh why haven’t I sent my photos in?
May 4, 2008

cheech
Man, would it kill you to drink the wine…Feels more authentic to a not so affluent crowd? anyway , love you, peace
January 3, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Happy New Year to everyone at WLTV! Loved the photo montage, if I would have known about you over a year ago Id be in that! QOTD: To sum up? Thank you is all I can say. Without you id be clueless as to what to do with wines. Id probably still be buying nothing but dessert wines, and not dared to venture into trying Burgandy, Bojelais ( spelling ), or investing in 2005 Bordeauxs, not to mention Italian or German wines, etc….. Thank you, Gary. Thank you.
July 25, 2009

Thomas Moore
Just going through some old episodes that I have not seen and this one is great. You were en Fuego on this one. Thunder was seeping from everywhere.