Here we are, ten years on... Happy Birthday to Qwine Reviews!
What a sweet ride this last decade has been. From a humble first post reflecting on a trip to Heathcote, this site has morphed into something well beyond my expectations. Nearly 5000 wine reviews later and things are charging along.
My introduction to this caper came through Twitter - remember when it was cool to be using that platform? A friend then suggested I start a blog, well, that was cool too and everyone seemed to have one. Time has passed and it is interesting how the landscape has evolved. It seems now anyone can be a wine writer (or is that an 'influencer'?) on Instragram - buy followers, craft a snazzy pic, tell the world how fantastic the wine is without genuine critique, all in the hope that more free booze is sent so we can 'collaborate' some more...
I'm proud of my commitment to remain independent and offer uncompromised reviews on all wines that are sent, not just the good ones. I'm also most proud of the relationships I have developed over these last ten years with some of Australia's and New Zealand's leading winemakers and writers, yet it has been as thrilling to have befriended some emerging winemakers and observe their progression.
When I started out writing there seemed to be an ocean of 'wine bloggers', and as time would have it, only a handful remain. To these great people (you know who you are), I salute you! It's a passion, we don't get paid to write reviews (fact), but the reward is in the exploration.
My exploration has opened some incredible doors beyond wine reviews, and for that, I am most grateful. Ten years ago I would have never thought I would have been published by leading wine magazines and websites, written regular columns, had a weekly radio spot to discuss wine, been able to host numerous wine dinners, MCed the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup day for 730 guests in the VIP tent, I've even had the opportunity to get my hands dirty and work vintage with some incredibly talented winemakers. This is all very humbling.
A big shout-out goes to you though, my readership. Thank you! You're the flicker in the flame. I've enjoyed the interactions, made some great friends and engaged in some wonderful conversations, all as a result of this wonderful thing called wine. Every bottle tells a story and it creates a memory for years to come.
Here's cheers to what the future holds. There are some exciting things in the pipeline and I look forward to what the days, weeks and years ahead hold.
Cheers,
Steve 🍷
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