Snobbish and Elitist?
The wine community seems to be incredibly concerned about being snobbish and elitist. It seems like not only do they have a reputation for those negative traits, but that they themselves believe they have a problem. I've read about it in my wine books, and I've been poking around wine blogs, etc., and it's universally agreed that there is a problem.
I have to say, I haven't experienced snobby or elitist behavior at all. In fact, my experiences as a neophyte have been overwhelmingly positive.
Two years ago, when I started getting a bit more interested, I had two wonderful friends who were always willing to chat with me and joing me in having a glass. Though they've both been wine hobbyists for years and I knew nearly nothing, they were very pleased to talk about wine, never giving me any impression of feeling superior.
Starting this wine blog has also been a wonderful experience. So far, the feedback has all been helpful and encouraging. Alder at Vinography has been particularly welcoming.
As far as wine shops go, (wine shops seem to be singled out as some of the worst offenders), my local wine shop owner has been wonderful to me, asking me questions about my tastes, making recommendations, pointing out bargains, offering a free tasting nearly every afternoon he is open, and generally lavishing attention on all of his customers, not just myself. He even took pity on my obviously uninterested and bored boyfriend and showed him the shelf of microbrewed beers and nifty gadgets.
Wine-tasting at the Biltmore Estate was similar: there was a very kind German lady pouring, who made suggestions and offered information, and was generally a wonderful hostess.
These are just the first few anecdotes that come off the top of my head, but it's a wide range of situations, and each one has been positive. Maybe being self-conscious about haughtiness and superiority has helped the wine community become more friendly? Am I just colossally lucky? In any case, it's been great so far, and I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.
I do think that any large community that concerns itself with an intricate topic has some elitists: it's just human nature. I've seen zero evidence so far that wine is any worse than other things people are passionate about.
So, cheers to all those supposedly snobby wine enthusiasts out there!
I have to say, I haven't experienced snobby or elitist behavior at all. In fact, my experiences as a neophyte have been overwhelmingly positive.
Two years ago, when I started getting a bit more interested, I had two wonderful friends who were always willing to chat with me and joing me in having a glass. Though they've both been wine hobbyists for years and I knew nearly nothing, they were very pleased to talk about wine, never giving me any impression of feeling superior.
Starting this wine blog has also been a wonderful experience. So far, the feedback has all been helpful and encouraging. Alder at Vinography has been particularly welcoming.
As far as wine shops go, (wine shops seem to be singled out as some of the worst offenders), my local wine shop owner has been wonderful to me, asking me questions about my tastes, making recommendations, pointing out bargains, offering a free tasting nearly every afternoon he is open, and generally lavishing attention on all of his customers, not just myself. He even took pity on my obviously uninterested and bored boyfriend and showed him the shelf of microbrewed beers and nifty gadgets.
Wine-tasting at the Biltmore Estate was similar: there was a very kind German lady pouring, who made suggestions and offered information, and was generally a wonderful hostess.
These are just the first few anecdotes that come off the top of my head, but it's a wide range of situations, and each one has been positive. Maybe being self-conscious about haughtiness and superiority has helped the wine community become more friendly? Am I just colossally lucky? In any case, it's been great so far, and I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.
I do think that any large community that concerns itself with an intricate topic has some elitists: it's just human nature. I've seen zero evidence so far that wine is any worse than other things people are passionate about.
So, cheers to all those supposedly snobby wine enthusiasts out there!
2 Comments:
You've been lucky so far!
Those snob are aout there, but they're usually just people who feel the need to make themselves appear important or knowledgeable in the eyes of others.
Jancis Robinson has stated that she feels "snobbiness" in wine was created/exacerbated by the Brits. (having some snooty Brittish relatives leads me to think that it's possible that her statement's true.)
People are basically good, and most people who are passionate about wine are willing to spend some time sharing their passion & experiences with others just starting out.
Good luck with your tasting!
Al
Hi Al,
Well, it's good to be lucky, I guess :-)
The British have an interesting drinking culture: wine is definitely more exotic to them than the other European countries on the continent. Maybe this affected their attitude?
Good to hear from you and cheers!
-Deena
Post a Comment
<< Home