The North America Wine Bloggers Conference, produced by Zephyr Adventures, runs from November 9-12, 2017, in Santa Rosa California.

I’ve never really done Sonoma Wine Country in any depth, beyond a visit to the amazing Jordan Vineyard and Winery, so I’m looking forward to the annual conference in the heart of the region. This is the 10th annual conference, and for me it is my 6th.

In addition to visiting new wine regions in North America (Willamette, New York State, Paso Robles to name a few) and tasting wines I would not normally have access to, over the past six years I have learned much from the conference sessions about what works and what does not in the world of blogging, writing, and social media.

Looking Back

I have been able to see the influence that wine bloggers have in the United States, and from observing those who are professional and at the top of their game, it helps me understand how to discern who is worthy of working with as a winery representative, and who is in it for fun (and worth engaging with only for those reasons). In 2008 when I first started engaging with the bloggerati in general, it seemed difficult to know which was which, but now it is clear that there are many who have deep knowledge and influence, and have been able to monetize what they are doing accordingly. Bloggers are here to stay.

Beyond the blogger relations and education, the wine blogging group is a huge community. I am so proud to have made deep and lasting friendships, as well as forged business relationships as a result of my annual participation in the conference. It is because of the conference I am a #winelover ambassador, and have grown my wine world relationships globally.

What to expect this year

For 2017, the conference is meeting in the fall instead of the traditional high summer timing, and the mix of who is attending is not the same cohort as in previous years. I anticipate many new faces, in addition to beloved wine besties.

Also this year I will be moderating a panel, which consists of three successful bloggers: Jana Seitzer of Merlot Mommy, The Gourmez Rebecca Gomez Farrell, and Jeff Kralik, the Drunken Cyclist. Our panel is called Pitch Perfect and we will cover the tips bloggers have for wineries to attract bloggers to cover them, as well as hear what these bloggers have learned from their experiences working with wineries.

And importantly, in addition to the conference’s educational content, there will be an update for all as to the latest in Sonoma and neighbouring Napa as it relates to the situation following the recent damaging wildfires. How is the area recovering and to what extent is the damage? I’ll be sure to report in. Follow my social channels for on-the-go updates and the hash tag #wbc17 for a waterfall of activity over the next few days.

It will be a quick trip of action-packed days, and I can’t wait.