Top 10 Takeaways: WTC 2014

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by. L.M. Archer, FWS

Top Ten Takeaways: WTC14 – Paso Robles, CA.

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Drum roll, please! Check out binNotes’ top ten (10) takeaways from the Nov 12-14 2014 Wine Tour Conference in Paso Robles Wine Country:

1. Paso Robles Wine Country | Grow Wild

Paso Robles Wine Country – Grow Wild in California’s Central Coast premium wine region, home to the Garagiste Festival and other wine, food and arts events. " data-orig-size="228,103" data-image-title="PRWC Grow Wild" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/grow_wild_paso_robles_logo.png" height="67" width="150" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/grow_wild_paso_robles_logo.png?w=228" alt="PRWC Grow Wild" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/grow_wild_paso_robles_logo.png?w=228" />

Grow Wild or Go Home! Paso Robles Wine Country wins out as Host Wine Region with the Most, serving up sunshine, smiles, succulent artisan fare, and stellar California Central Coast premium wines.

2. Living Roots Tours | Pheasant’s Tears Wines | Georgia, Caucasus

Pheasants Tears crafts clay-urn fermented artisan wines from indigenous varietals in the world’s oldest wine region, Georgia. The wines are meant to be paired with Georgian mezza-style foods and polyphonous local music. " data-orig-size="161,92" data-image-title="Pheasants Tears" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo-1.png" height="85" width="150" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo-1.png?w=161" alt="Pheasants Tears" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo-1.png?w=161" />

Living Roots offers multi-layered tours of the Georgia region, including exclusive access to local wine, food and cultural venues, and is owned and operated by the wine maker of Pheasants Tears, John Wurdeman. " data-orig-size="100,109" data-image-title="Living Roots Tours" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo.png" height="109" width="100" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo.png?w=100&h;=109" alt="Living Roots Tours" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo.png?w=100&h;=109" />

Pinch me! binNotes suffered a massive case of star-struckness meeting wunderkind John Wurdeman – an Alice Feiring favorite.

John poured out his Pheasant’s Tears wines – qvevri (clay-urn) fermented artisan wines from Georgia in the Caucasus region - while touting his Living Roots tours, tours geared towards travelers eager for an intimate glimpse into ancient Georgian terroir and culture through its wines, cuisine, and music.

A true Renaissance man – painter, musician, wine maker, restaurateur, and raconteur, John and his partner Ia Tabagari collaborate regularly with a host of international experts in the food, wine and art communities.

3. CANVAS | concierge alliance napa valley sonoma

Canvas – Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma consolidates the areas movers and shakers in the wine and hospitality industries. " data-orig-size="277,70" data-image-title="Canvas" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo21.png" height="37" width="150" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo21.png?w=277" alt="Canvas" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo21.png?w=277" />

Dynamo doyen and CANVAS co-founder | Executive Director Colby Smith spread her boundless enthusiasm, expertise, and laser-like insights to those within gold-dust sprinkling range.

CANVAS (concierge alliance of napa valley and sonoma) consolidates Napa and Sonoma area movers and shakers in the regional wine and hospitality industries.

4. Touring & Tasting | The Premier Guide to Food. Wine. Travel

Touring and Tasting Magazine offers insights for those who love food, wine and travel. " data-orig-size="160,90" data-image-title="Touring & Tasting Magazine" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/search.jpg" height="84" width="150" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/search.jpg?w=160" alt="Touring & Tasting Magazine" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/search.jpg?w=160" />

Touring & Tasting Marketing and Media Editor-in-Chief Wendy van Diver and freelance writers Michael Cervin and Jada Helm generously dished up wine, food and travel wisdom to attendees hungry for a glimpse behind the glossy media curtain.

Touring and Tasting is the premier guide for those who love food, wine and travel.

5. Vintank | Napa Valley

Vintank revolutionizes wine industry technology for the Napa Valley and beyond. " data-orig-size="205,53" data-image-title="Vintank" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo-2.png" height="38" width="150" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo-2.png?w=205" alt="Vintank" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/logo-2.png?w=205" />

Vintank Chief Strategic Officer Paul Mabray schooled WTC14 attendees on geo fencing, data mining, and more.

Vintank revolutionizes wine industry technology for the Napa Valley and beyond.

6. Lunabean Media | Willamette Valley

Luna Bean Media targets wineries and wine growers in premium pinot wine region Willamette Valley and beyond. " data-orig-size="160,160" data-image-title="LunaBean Media" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/images.jpg" height="150" width="150" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/images.jpg?w=160" alt="LunaBean Media" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/images.jpg?w=160" />

Lunabean Media co-Founder Jeremy Schubert slashed and burned through social media strategies for fine-tuning Facebook audiences.

Lunabean Media targets corporations and wineries in premium pinot wine region Willamette Valley and beyond.

7. Eventbrite | Second Press Wine Bar and Eatery

Eventbrite brings people together through live experiences. Discover events that match your passions, or create your own with online ticketing tools. " data-orig-size="129,40" data-image-title="Eventbrite" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/eb-logo.png" height="40" width="129" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/eb-logo.png?w=129&h;=40" alt="Eventbrite" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/eb-logo.png?w=129&h;=40" />

Second Press Wine Bar and Eatery serves up artisan food and wine in the heart of downtown Paso Robles Wine Country. " data-orig-size="247,135" data-image-title="2nd Press" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2plogo3.png" height="81" width="150" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2plogo3.png?w=247" alt="2nd Press" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2plogo3.png?w=247" />

Eventbrite facilitated WTC 14′s fine Wine Pairing dinner at Paso Robles’ famed Second Press Wine Bar and Eatery.

A well-paced and thoughtful event, Second Press even offered food options fit for vegans like binNotes, including a tasteful polenta and portabello mushroom main.

Eventbrite uses technology to bring people together through live experiences.

Second Press Wine Bar and Eatery serves up artisan food and wine in on the square in downtown Paso Robles, CA.

8. San Luis Obispo (SLO) Wine Country

San Luis Obispo Wine Country includes many Central Coast wine regions, including Paso Robles Wine Country and Santa Barbara, the American Riviera. " data-orig-size="129,125" data-image-title="SLO Wine Country" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/slo_wine_country_logo.png" height="125" width="129" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/slo_wine_country_logo.png?w=129&h;=125" alt="SLO Wine Country" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/slo_wine_country_logo.png?w=129&h;=125" />

San Luis Obispo Wine Country emerged as a serious seaside contender, showcasing a variety of varietals, wine styles, and wine makers from this wine region nestled along the Santa Lucia range.

9. Mutineer Magazine | Fine Beverage Redefined.

Mutineer Magazine, founded in 2008, redefines how you read about fine beverages, including wine. " data-orig-size="120,120" data-image-title="Mutineer Magazine" class="attachment-thumbnail" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/photo.jpg" height="120" width="120" data-comments-opened="1" data-large-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/photo.jpg?w=120&h;=120" alt="Mutineer Magazine" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/photo.jpg?w=120&h;=120" />

Talk about tooting your own horn! Alan Krofp, kick-ass founder and President of Mutineer Magazine and bad-boy drinkologist closed the conference with his trademark Horn Blast of Fury.

The millennial old soul reminded us all that life is short, technology is good, and buying a fine bottle of wine beats out buying designer jeans always!

10. Zephyr Adventures | Taste Vacations

Zephry Adventures, host of Wine Tour Conference 2014, also brings you Taste Vacations.

" data-lage-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/imgres-1.jpg?w=400" data-orig-size="400,91" title="zephyradventures.com" data-image-title="zephyradventures.com" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/imgres-1.jpg" style="width: 492px; height: 112px;" height="112" width="492" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/imgres-1.jpg?w=300" data-original-height="112" alt="" data-original-width="492" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" />

Taste Vacations is a wine tour destination tour company affiliated with Zephyr Adventures, host of the Wine Tour Conference and Wine Bloggers Conference.

" data-lage-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/imgres.jpg?w=373" data-orig-size="373,135" title="Taste Vacations" data-image-title="Taste Vacations" data-orig-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/imgres.jpg" style="width: 310px; height: 112px;" height="112" width="310" data-medium-file="http://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/imgres.jpg?w=300" data-original-height="112" alt="" data-original-width="310" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" />

Allen Wright, whirlwind mastermind behind Wine Tour Conference 2014 and founder of Zephyr Adventures, talked up his new Taste Vacations, a world-wide destination wine tour company.

Allen combines keenly-honed business savvy, cutting edge industry leadership connections, and technical mastery to create must-attend beverage, food and travel conferences and tours.

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