One small thing about the truffle woodland: Piedmont's white truffle season does not open until 1 October, so whatever the dog finds next week is a well rehearsed demonstration. The Alba fair starts 10 October, so you get the truffle shops without the fair crowds. 🙂
Your description of press trips certainly rings true to me. The trips are a great opportunity to learn and experience wine regions. But the trips are never relaxing. I recall once on a press trip to Spain I found myself ordering dessert at a restaurant at 2:00 A.M., and I realized that I had to be up the next morning for appointments beginning at 9:OO A.M. Crazy, but memorable.
I hadn't heard of an A.I. generated article winning the competition. That is so scandalous on multiple levels. And it is hard to know how to respond. Whomever made that entry should be ostracized. On the hand, perhaps they did to make a point about the competition. Who knows. But it undermines the fundamental notion that writing should he done for your own discovery and accomplishment.
Your story about press trips is so relatable. I live in Europe, but even from my home, getting to any press trip is quite a journey. Three hours by car to the airport, then usually a transfer in Munich… and the same journey back after what is often an inspiring, but exhausting, press trip.
But I wouldn’t want to miss them.
The only thing I see slightly differently is your comment about not letting the producer know what you think of the wine. I believe producers really value knowing how their guests experience their wines — not only as feedback, but also as a learning opportunity. It can help them understand what works and what they might possibly do differently.
The absolute highlight, though, was something I experienced once in Ningxia, China. There were eight of us journalists, and four typists were sitting there ready to take notes on our comments. That was taking things a little too far, even for me! 😉
But enjoy Piedmont! I’ll be around Lake Garda in October, discovering the Lugana wines. 😊
Lugana is a convenient one, since the zone sits at the station end of the lake around Peschiera and Sirmione, so it works without a car. One thing to check: the Garda boats switch from the summer timetable on 5 October, and crossings thin out after that. 🙂
I read the winning piece. I wish I hadn’t and am glad I did. The language is jarring despite that it seems to be intended to flow. The last line should have been “the only winning move is not to play.”
Buon viaggio: may you at least get a hot lunch every day and a few cat naps in the van. I am a little envious, not least because I know you to be excellent press trip company.
One small thing about the truffle woodland: Piedmont's white truffle season does not open until 1 October, so whatever the dog finds next week is a well rehearsed demonstration. The Alba fair starts 10 October, so you get the truffle shops without the fair crowds. 🙂
Hi Meg,
Your description of press trips certainly rings true to me. The trips are a great opportunity to learn and experience wine regions. But the trips are never relaxing. I recall once on a press trip to Spain I found myself ordering dessert at a restaurant at 2:00 A.M., and I realized that I had to be up the next morning for appointments beginning at 9:OO A.M. Crazy, but memorable.
I hadn't heard of an A.I. generated article winning the competition. That is so scandalous on multiple levels. And it is hard to know how to respond. Whomever made that entry should be ostracized. On the hand, perhaps they did to make a point about the competition. Who knows. But it undermines the fundamental notion that writing should he done for your own discovery and accomplishment.
Even Italy! Ciao.
Dave DeSimone
Your story about press trips is so relatable. I live in Europe, but even from my home, getting to any press trip is quite a journey. Three hours by car to the airport, then usually a transfer in Munich… and the same journey back after what is often an inspiring, but exhausting, press trip.
But I wouldn’t want to miss them.
The only thing I see slightly differently is your comment about not letting the producer know what you think of the wine. I believe producers really value knowing how their guests experience their wines — not only as feedback, but also as a learning opportunity. It can help them understand what works and what they might possibly do differently.
The absolute highlight, though, was something I experienced once in Ningxia, China. There were eight of us journalists, and four typists were sitting there ready to take notes on our comments. That was taking things a little too far, even for me! 😉
But enjoy Piedmont! I’ll be around Lake Garda in October, discovering the Lugana wines. 😊
Lugana is a convenient one, since the zone sits at the station end of the lake around Peschiera and Sirmione, so it works without a car. One thing to check: the Garda boats switch from the summer timetable on 5 October, and crossings thin out after that. 🙂
Thanks! I guess (and hope;-) the PR agency will check this out.
I read the winning piece. I wish I hadn’t and am glad I did. The language is jarring despite that it seems to be intended to flow. The last line should have been “the only winning move is not to play.”
That would have demonstrated a degree of insight and feeling. Yes.
And I love "I wish I hadn't and am glad I did."
Buon viaggio: may you at least get a hot lunch every day and a few cat naps in the van. I am a little envious, not least because I know you to be excellent press trip company.
Aw, thank you so much! I would love to travel with you again. Be well! 💕