Posted June 27 2008
Gary Vaynerchuk is a Real Mentch!
Last night I had the unique opportunity to hear from and talk to web personality, wine expert, and tremendously nice guy, Gary Vaynerchuk, of Wine Library TV. I first “met” Gary online some months ago. After hearing his name for almost two years, it was highly recommended to me by a few friends to watch his wine shows. For my interests, I typed in “Kosher” to the search window to find out about reviews on wines that I might have had and to learn more about the host. To my surprise, I found a whole list of specail episodes, one-offs tossed in to larger shows, and a general positive attitude towards something that is extremely niche and under appreciated - Kosher wine. As Gary puts it quite well, [paraphrasing] “Kosher wine sucked until about 36 months ago.” Now, Kosher wines have come into their own and, because of stigma towards them, are often the best value in wines anywhere.
I commented on an episode that Gary should try a certain wine. I became part of the community. Later, I followed his Twitter account and began messaging him directly. Gary, it turns out answers between 500-1000 every day! So when I heard he was coming to DC and throwing a party, I was there. Wednesday night, I strolled into 1223 in Dupont circle. The first person to greet me (as well as all 500 people who showed up) was Gary. Just before I left I had the chance to chat with Gary about his upcoming trip to Israel. I offered Jewneric’s help… but our conversation was cut short by a waiting reporter.
The next day I sent Gary a quick reply on Twitter, which he immediately responded to. He asked me to come out to Rockville for his book signing.
Last night, I heard from Gary talk about his pallet, about how American’s drink only 9 out of 200 varieties of wines(or maybe grapes…), and about how he loves people and wants them to learn to love wine and not be ashamed of not knowing enough. He answered dozens of questions and talked warmly about his family and him humble beginnings. Needless to say I bought a copy of his new book.
I waited until the hordes of fans thinned and got the chance to talk to Gary about his plans to see Israel and visit its famed wineries. Without saying too much, Gary is in for a great trip, with great hosts, and might even put in a special moment for us (but no promises).
Gary Vaynerchuk owns Wine Library in Springfield, NJ and his daily wine show was just picked up by Revision3, a huge internet video content producer with an audience well into the millions. Good luck Gary, we will be watching!
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