These are the Best Incoming Emails for this week.
The 43rd Annual Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition
I’m beginning with my ‘ole pal Dan Berger, at Vintage Wine Experiences. Dan and I have a lot of history in wine, basically since the early 90s. The 43rd Annual Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition is worthy of a winery owner’s attention, as competitions begin to define your brand. I’m repeating it for anyone, especially those brands new to wine. A gold medal is always a joy. The collective voice is a major benefit and a lot easier to come by. Waiting for that perfect score is a complicated endeavor, and precisely achieving gold medals is a lot easier. Entries are now being accepted.

Evaluating Red Wine
Sonoma State University (S.S.U.) ~ Wine Business Institute
Sonoma State’s University course is aptly called Wine Import and Distribution. It’s comprehensive, and if balanced with reading Deborah Gray’s latest “How To Break Into the U.S. Wine Market,” you’d be unstoppable. S.S.U. is already preparing for the next course, which starts on Wednesday, November 6. Today’s import market is more than challenging, consequently it’s down right grueling and Herculean:
I’ve been writing about Deborah Gray’s How To Import Wine books since 2012, as a result we’ve come a long way together. I strongly endorse Sonoma State’s course, because going it alone is daunting. College courses do take a lot of attention, however I explain it this way: You can run around with a bow and arrow, wanting to hit a target; or, with a bow and arrow, you stand stead, aim, and hit the target. You’re choice.
Local Wine Events ~ Eric V. Orange
This email was from Eric V. Orange. I’m including this one, because I so want to do this, besides you travelers must also have a hankering. This one is so inviting does anyone say OMG anymore? You are invited to take the Naples, Amalfi Coast and Campania Tour. Right now you can claim a $500 per person “Early Bird Discount” and Reserve Your Spot! Use Discount Code: EARLYAMALFI-LWE . Experience the best of Italy with our expert-curated, one-of-a-kind itinerary showcasing the best of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Avellino, and Campania. Discover the local way of life through a suite of hands-on activities. This includes local cuisine and artisanal food maker experiences. You can learn more and reserve here.

Beautiful Landscape with Positano town at famous amalfi coast, Italy. Travel
SAVE THE DATE: May 14th, 2025 ~ Forward Thinking
The Advisor, Wine Industry Network is already planning their 2025 Wine Sales Symposium. That’s six months away and accordingly they can pack a strong wallop in ideas to use. This gives them plenty of time to create a fascinating, forward thinking program, moving the dial forward for more sales tactics. Given the fragility of the wine industry, right now, forward thinking and planning will guarantee success. New tips and tricks will be of great value to attendees. If you set aside the time now, you’ll be able to also affect what should be part of the program.

Wine Sales Symposium 2025
Come Over October ~ Robert Biale Vineyards
Robert Biale Vineyards‘ emails and events are top of the line. This blog post is called The Joy of Coming Together, and they’re encouraging everyone to create memorable evenings with friends and family, over a glass of wine. Inspired by Come Over October, Biale has and their own tradition of gathering together for weekly family-style employee lunches. (This is very cool!) They’re sharing three simple (and delicious) bites that make hosting an impromptu happy hour a breeze. check it out!
- Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Honey & Thyme – pairs with our 2023 Clementina Greco Bianco
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Blue Cheese – perfect with the 2022 Royal Punishers Petite Sirah
- Fig & Goat Cheese Tartlets – best enjoyed with the 2022 Black Chicken Zinfandel

Black Chicken Zinfandel with Tartlets pastry, white cream, topped with figs and pistachio.

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