Whew, our dog’s are a barking! To travel to Alimentaria, a gourmet food and wine show in the heart of Barcelona, is true dedication on our part. Although Ryan warned me after attending last year’s event, I wasn’t prepared for the sheer effort. To merely stand at the front door of the Wine Pavilion, it takes us two hours, typically, arriving in a fit of sweat after standing shoulder to shoulder (or nose to armpit in my case) on trains, subways and buses. With hundreds, if not thousands of people arriving on the dot of 10am, eagerly awaiting the chance to make another contact, you are forced to test patience and dedication for an act of love. Fortunately for us, it was absolutely worth it, if only for the fact that Ryan got to see the Prince and Princess of Spain!

A quick comment on Alimentaria: It’s toooooooo DAMN big! Sorry for the profanity, but this show is growing exponentially every year, without either a map to guide you or stand numbers to orientate yourself. Basically, it’s become an exercise in blind faith as we wander aimlessly around the pavilions, hoping to accidentally run into the stand we’re desperately searching for. The wineries who paid for the best locations became defacto information desks as countless lost importers approached them as a last resort when searching for their next $10 Tempranillo. Note to anyone (not likely) listening from the Alimentaria organizational committee, “Please make a map and catalog for EACH category of exhibitor. One large guide covering every category and priced at 60 euros is worthless!” I expect in two years to see little in the way of change, but hey, we can dream can’t we?

However, whether it was a result of blind …

There are very few times when I have gathered a group of people to simply further a cause. I have been the attendee of several political, trade and social events, but never have a I been one of the organizers of an event that is meant to simply bring those of like minds together in hopes of sharing their common passion. The Blogger’s Dinner, hosted by Bodegas Tintoralba and Catavino in Barcelona last Tuesday night, was the first, of what we hope to be many, successful gatherings to simply converse and commune over the concept of wine blogging.

The question being, was it successful? Did anyone get anything out of it?

From Tintoralba’s perspective, it appears that they were elated to have a group of like-minded people enjoy their wines in a new light. Rather than stand under florescent lights, surrounded by loud echoing voices at the 2008 Barcelona wine and food fair, Alimentaria, they had the rare opportunity to share their wines in a social, relaxed setting, chatting intimately with people about their project. With their winemaker, Pedro Sarrión Martínez, taking center-stage, we listened attentively as he passionately explained the nuance and elaboration of his wines, while we delightfully nibbled on cured hams and silky pates. Not a bad way to experience a new wine, a new grape for many, and new opportunity to create an annual event!

From our perspective, we were equally pleased to have seen approximately twenty people gather in dimly lit restaurant, sharing their successes and failures both creating and upkeeping their blogs. And for those that weren’t “official” bloggers, they too had the chance to ask questions and gain insight to a world that was relatively unfamiliar to them. What this provided was a lovely give …

Just a reminder that on the 11th of March, we’ll be co-hosting a Blogger’s meet and greet in Barcelona. And although the event is hosted by a winery and wine blog, we are extending the invitation to anyone who is a blogger in wine, food, tourism, marketing, etc to please come join us. It’s our way of rallying the blogging troops together to network, share stories and generally just have a good time! If you’re interested, please leave a comment or send an email to let us know your joining us. One of our clients, Bodegas Tintoralba, will be providing the meal and the wine, a treat I trust you’ll enjoy. More detailed information is provided in the press release below, and please, pass on the information to others!

What: Wine Blogger’s Dinner (informal Tapas and Tintoralba Wine)
Where: Hotel Chic and Basic, carrera de la princesa 50, Barcelona
When: March 11th, 2008 - 8:30pm to 10:30pm
Who: Bloggers and people interested blogging who are attending Alimentaria 2008

Bodegas Tintoralba, is cooperative located in D.O. Almansa, Spain, producing wines from Garnacha Tintorera. This year during the Wine and Food event Alimentaria, they along with Catavino.net will be hosting a dinner for bloggers of any make and model. Any blogger attending Alimentaria is welcome to come to Wine Bloggers Dinner 2008 along with bloggers who will be in Barcelona the night of the event. Regardless if your passions fall to food, wine or travel, you are more than welcome to attend.

The bloggers dinner will be held at the restaurant Hotel and Chic in downtown Barcelona. For more information, check out Tintoralba and Catavino. During the dinner you will have a chance to talk with the winemaker from Bodegas Tintoralba and learn more about the grape …