Simple Hedonisms

Post by returning guest Writer, Deborah Kravitz

In reading wine blogs recently, I keep running across the term “taste tribe.” (See example blog post by Vintuba. )  A taste tribe is basically a group of people (on-line or IRL (In Real Life)) who share similar tastes (for food, or wine, or music, or whatever), to whom one would look for advice or recommendations that may guide future purchases.  I was intrigued.  I like the word tribe.  I like to taste wine.  But then, I got to thinking (always a dangerous proposition) and questions arose, unbidden, to my mind.  My first question (to myself) was:  Self, who would you select as wine tribe members?  That question quickly morphed into:  How would you (I mean “I”) select my wine tribe members?

The Conundrum: Hang with people who like what I like, or people who are into other stuff?

photo by Eric Hwang

When one lives within close proximity to hundreds of wineries, and is (achem) under-employed, it is easy to spend an inordinate amount of time tasting and exploring wine.  And so, I do.  While I frequently venture to wineries solo, I most enjoy tasting with friends.

But here is the dilemma:  the more I taste with my friends (many of whom are “respected” wine bloggers) the more apparent it has become that we do not share the same palate.  From my perspective, the more I refine and evolve my palate (a constant and never ending process), the more I happen to enjoy tasting with friends whose palates differ from my own.  It makes the whole experience – and obligatory wine-geek discussions – so much more interesting.[1]

Yet, it also can spark a crisis of confidence.  Do these so-called friends/bloggers think that I am a Philistine because I raved about a wine that they thought was “meh”?  Am I a troglodyte because I don’t “get” what they “get” out a particular swirl ‘n sniff?  Yes, even in the midst of such a purely sensual and hedonistic endeavor as drinking wine, ego and insecurity can raise their ugly twin heads.

The truth is, I fear JUDGMENT

photo by Eric Hwang

Will my friends remain friends if we don’t share a love for the same wines?  Can I continue to dine with a friend who eschews all my Russian River and Anderson Valley Pinot choices because he prefers Willamette Valley?  Can I continue to ramble along the Wine Road with a self-proclaimed Rhone hound, when I long for a bold Zinfandel?

Were you never really a true friend to begin with if you won’t sit near me at a picnic when I bust out a bottle of Lambrusco?[2] Is wine (like politics, religion, or sports fandom) a good litmus test for friendship?  For me, the answer to the last question is a resounding “no.”

Perhaps, one day, I will find my tribe of wine lovers whose palates approximate my own.  But until that day, I look forward to tasting wine with folks possessed of divergent palates – people who will challenge me, who will push the boundaries of my palate, and further my wine horizons, and maybe – if I’m very lucky – they’ll not only continue to want to drink with me, but will become life-long friends.

[2] And no, I am not talking about Riunite here, but about dry Italian Lambruscos; but yes, I might judge YOU (just a little) if you bring Ruinite.

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Deborah Kravitz lives (and occasionally works) in Sonoma County, CA.   When not on a horse, she can be found visiting wineries in the Russian River, Dry Creek, Alexander and Anderson Valleys, or sharing her  passion for food and wine with friends.  You may also spot her pouring  wine at Michel Schlumberger Wine Estate or for Cartograph Wines during events.  You may follow her exploits on Twitter. (I hope to convince her to join as a more regular writer! )

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