Noble Pig: Recent Comments

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

Tara — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:44:03 GMT

I don't know what it is about your post about wine, but I love them. :) Thank you.
While on a vacation last summer in Washington I visited 2 winnerys and their tasting rooms. I had a lovely experience and no complaints what so ever. The only thing I regret is not writing down everything I tried and my thoughts about it. It only took a few days and I had completely forgot the name of everything I had tried and what I liked best. So the lesson I learned is to be prepared and take a wine journal with me.

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

Janna from Honeyed Hashette — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:18:51 GMT

You know...the whole winery snobbery bit always confused me. My hubby and I recently moved back to Texas after living in San Jose, CA, for two years. When we first moved to CA we didn't know much about wine, except that we liked it. We were excited to visit Napa, Sonoma and the coastal wineries in hopes of learning more and defining our tastes. Our first visits had mixed reviews and what we learned was to visit the less known (non commercialized) wineries because their staff members were warmer, laid back and more helpful. One of our favorite wineries is Vincent Arroyo's winery in Calistoga. A simple place with wine that is quite the opposite. The staff greets you with a smile in comfortable jeans with a pair of Vincent's labradors running around at your feet. You are offered tastes straight from the barrel and you are encouraged to ask whatever questions you wish. No scrunched up noses or haughty laughter flaunted in your direction. Just friendly simple answers. It's great! Plus the wine is amazing. They have great blends, Chardonnay and a wonderful Melange.
Summers winery was also a nice "off the beaten path" spot with the best cabernet I have ever tasted. Wow.
Other wineries we loved were the small wineries up the coast on the way to Mendocino. Just regular people who love wine. Much better than some of the larger wineries on the main drag of Napa. I'm not saying these larger places don't offer quality wine, but there is something about their customer service that leaves a bad taste in your mouth so to speak.

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

Flea — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:36:41 GMT

You are most helpful. I've never been tempted to attend a wine tasting, precisely because of the stories like the ones you hear. Now, though, I'm curious and will be looking for local wineries (we have quite a few). Thank you!

Comment on Is It Gas Or A Tumor?

Katie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:17:31 GMT

While I can't understand how a woman who has had 7 children before didn't know she was pregnant, I can see how perhaps a first time mom didn't know. Case in point- me. I'm a first time mom of a 3 month old, and I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 8 months along. I was on birth control pills, never stopped getting my little monthly "insurance", and didn't get a belly until right before I found out. I didn't even gain any weight- I lost 20 pounds. Yes, I felt the baby moving- I thought I had bad gas/constipation, which has been a problem for me over the years (wow over share). I've always had a touchy stomach, so morning sickness blended right in. To top thing off, about ten years ago, I was told that I would probably not be able to get pregnant. So there's my situation.
The only reason why I checked was because a bunch of people kept asking me when I was due. I thought I was just getting a little pudgy 'round the middle. My husband and I were just checking because there was NO WAY I was pregnant- we just wanted the peace of mind. What a shock we had!

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

Trisha — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:16:56 GMT

I have something for you on my blog!

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

kellypea — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:14:59 GMT

Sadly, I've not been to many of the tastings you describe. My husband is not a lover of wine as am I. I am? (I loves me a good glass o' wine...) I did take a six week tasting course with his father, though, and that was the best experience. It was taught in the evenings by an English teacher who organized the wines in to New World Reds and Whites. He encouraged us to not get caught up in all the jargon, instead to name what we tasted and could smell in the wine. It worked. I still encounter wine snobs in casual conversation who never hesitate to question a wine that I name as "good." Great post -- I enjoyed it!

Comment on Petiquette. Is There Such A Thing?

Jules — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:07:48 GMT

I have 2 big dogs who love, love, love everyone they meet. However, if out, they have no opportunity to jump on people. I make sure that I have full control and shorten their leash so they have no opportunity to jump.

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

Kristy - Where's My Damn Answer — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:05:50 GMT

What a GREAT post !!

I personally haven't had bad experiences, but maybe that's because most of mine has been in Paso and Temecula? Smaller areas maybe? Who knows.

Cathy and I were talking about your property - when you get things going we want to come up and check it out ... especially when you have your official opening. I can't wait to see how it all plays out for you.

:: sitting on the edge of my seat ::

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

Greta/Does This Blog Make Us Look Fat? — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:05:08 GMT

Can't get past accidentally tasting the spitoon. AAAGGGGH!

Comment on Have You Ever Been the Victim of An Offensive Air of Self-Satisfied Superiority?

Max — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:42:23 GMT

As always, a GREAT blog entry! I have been the victim of wine snobs in tasting rooms ~ shame on them!

While I am not well versed in wine terminology (I hear the words, but I don't get it!), I do know what I like and I am happy to purchase many bottles.

I had a wine snob moment the other day. I was there to speak to them about my upcoming art show. I was rudely greeted by someone I had not spoken with before; she was less than nice, border-line RUDE. I tried 3 wines and picked one while waiting for my appointment. Fast forward...I ended up purchasing a few bottles and then discovered the border-line rude woman was the owner of the place. H'mmm.