http://catavino.disqus.com/Spanish Wine, Portuguese Wine, their foods, and culturesenSun, 15 Apr 2007 03:18:03 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417464I couldn't agree more. I believe that part of learning about any subject is to make sure one gets their hands dirty. Therefore if time permits this year, I would absolutely love to get down south and actually see sherry being made, experiencing the sights and smells of the vineyards while hearing about both the history and cultural elements first hand. Coming from such a young country as the USA, I sometimes feel as if we have a huge disconnect between the history of the wine and the wine itself, unable to conceptualize how something could possibly be made for hundreds of years lasting through war, famine and birth. By experiencing the process I honestly believe we have an opportunity to bridge that gap between factual and experiential knowledge.Gabriella OpazSun, 15 Apr 2007 03:18:03 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417477I couldn&#039;t agree more. I believe that part of learning about any subject is to make sure one gets their hands dirty. Therefore if time permits this year, I would absolutely love to get down south and actually see sherry being made, experiencing the sights and smells of the vineyards while hearing about both the history and cultural elements first hand. Coming from such a young country as the USA, I sometimes feel as if we have a huge disconnect between the history of the wine and the wine itself, unable to conceptualize how something could possibly be made for hundreds of years lasting through war, famine and birth. By experiencing the process I honestly believe we have an opportunity to bridge that gap between factual and experiential knowledge.Gabriella OpazSun, 15 Apr 2007 01:18:03 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417465Hi Gabriella, to be honest I only know the books "Sherry" and "Wines of Spain". I think the last time I read the books was around 1995. I used to have more time back then. I don't know how many bottles it took me to finish the book, but after reading it, drinking sherry is even more enjoyable. There's only one thing better you can do after reading the book. That's going to Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar de Barrameda.emilioSat, 14 Apr 2007 18:10:50 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417466Emilio,<br><br>Thanks so much for your willingness to join me on my adventure, and you can expect that I'll happily take you up on your offer! Out of curiosity, have you read any of Julian Jeff's other books, and if so, did you enjoy them?<br><br>Jose,<br><br>I am a woman on a mission! Hopefully, this ever so dedicated woman can actually apply what she'll learn. As for the order of the books, I have begun with "The Wines of Spain" and you can expect the first entry bright and early tomorrow morning. If you are interested in joining me Jose, please know that my arms are open to any and all whom are willing to join in my crusade!Gabriella OpazSat, 14 Apr 2007 16:30:40 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417476Hi Gabriella, to be honest I only know the books &quot;Sherry&quot; and &quot;Wines of Spain&quot;. I think the last time I read the books was around 1995. I used to have more time back then. I don&#039;t know how many bottles it took me to finish the book, but after reading it, drinking sherry is even more enjoyable. There&#039;s only one thing better you can do after reading the book. That&#039;s going to Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar de Barrameda.EmilioSat, 14 Apr 2007 16:10:50 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417475Emilio, <br></br><br>Thanks so much for your willingness to join me on my adventure, and you can expect that I&#039;ll happily take you up on your offer! Out of curiosity, have you read any of Julian Jeff&#039;s other books, and if so, did you enjoy them? </br><br></br><br>Jose, </br><br></br><br>I am a woman on a mission! Hopefully, this ever so dedicated woman can actually apply what she&#039;ll learn. As for the order of the books, I have begun with &quot;The Wines of Spain&quot; and you can expect the first entry bright and early tomorrow morning. If you are interested in joining me Jose, please know that my arms are open to any and all whom are willing to join in my crusade! </br>Gabriella OpazSat, 14 Apr 2007 14:30:40 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417470Wow! You sound like a woman on a mission! Are you proceeding in the order you've displayed the books above?Jose LeandroFri, 13 Apr 2007 07:38:55 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417474Wow! You sound like a woman on a mission! Are you proceeding in the order you&#039;ve displayed the books above?Jose LeandroFri, 13 Apr 2007 05:38:55 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417469Hi Gabriella, as soon as you get to the sherry book, I will start reading with you. And let's hope more sherry lovers will. I know the book from some 10 years ago (former edition). I want to read the book again. Let me know when you start. And of course I will follow you wrestling your way through the other three books as well. Good luck and have fun tasting the wines...<br>EmilioemilioThu, 12 Apr 2007 18:19:11 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417473Hi Gabriella, as soon as you get to the sherry book, I will start reading with you. And let&#039;s hope more sherry lovers will. I know the book from some 10 years ago (former edition). I want to read the book again. Let me know when you start. And of course I will follow you wrestling your way through the other three books as well. Good luck and have fun tasting the wines...<br></br><br></br><br> Emilio </br>EmilioThu, 12 Apr 2007 16:19:11 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417468Hey Bill,<br><br>Thanks for the support and I hope to keep up to the task. If you feel up to joining me, I am starting with The Wines of Spain this week. It would be great if you feel like chatting about it along the way.Gabriella OpazThu, 12 Apr 2007 14:00:05 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417472Hey Bill, <br></br><br>Thanks for the support and I hope to keep up to the task. If you feel up to joining me, I am starting with The Wines of Spain this week. It would be great if you feel like chatting about it along the way. </br>Gabriella OpazThu, 12 Apr 2007 12:00:05 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417467It sounds like a good start. Just remember that the quest is a journey, not a destination. <br><br>I think your approach, vis-a-vis the "conversation piece" is a great idea because it fits your personality and writing style. Personally, I connect more with the finished product and the encompassing aura (good food and friends) than I do with the process, although it's good to have some knowledge of how wine is made. <br><br>I will be looking forward to your articles.Bill B.Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:35:41 -0000http://www.catavino.net/blog/the-quest-for-iberian-wine-knowledge/#comment-2417471It sounds like a good start. Just remember that the quest is a journey, not a destination. <br></br><br>I think your approach, vis-a-vis the &quot;conversation piece&quot; is a great idea because it fits your personality and writing style. Personally, I connect more with the finished product and the encompassing aura (good food and friends) than I do with the process, although it&#039;s good to have some knowledge of how wine is made. </br><br></br><br>I will be looking forward to your articles. </br>Bill B.Thu, 12 Apr 2007 07:35:41 -0000