“The popularity of the European Wine Bloggers Conference is growing so fast I am expecting it to be leading the voting on X-Factor next week. [...] Yet it is going through something of an identity crisis. … All fair enough, but if it is not in Europe, attendees come from all over the world and are not exclusively focussed on wine, blogging forms only 10% of content, and it is not really a conference, don’t we have a problem with nomenclature?”

To answer the question, I need to explain a little about the genesis of the event and the thinking behind it.

THE STORY BEGINS …

The European Wine Bloggers Conference was born out of discussions started on a Facebook group for Wine Bloggers in 2007. It was through this that I met Ryan & Gabriella Opaz (we are true “facebook friends”). To cut a longer story short, we decided that Facebook was not a good way to actually MEET bloggers, so we should organise an event to give us a chance to talk & drink together. Thus, the concept of the “Wine Bloggers” conferences was born. This is where our brand story begins.

The EWBC stands for …

EUROPEAN

We hoped to find a way to bring people together from more than one country. We were writing in English, but we wanted this to be international, but also close to the wine regions we are familiar with. The obvious, though maybe not far-sighted, solution was to call the event the “European” conference because it sounded more inviting to the people we were mainly trying to attract – the neighbours we had never met.

It was never the intention to limit either locations, participants or wines to Europe, and in fact the first event had participants from 11 countries including outside Europe. It should, in hindsight, really have been the “International” event from the start.

What defined the “European” event was that we had to deal with participants with multiple languages, from different countries, and an industry unaware of social media. This made it important that we focus on building COMMUNITY first. We couldn’t jump straight to wine tastings, or talking about communication tools without first finding ways to bring people together. This helped to lay a strong foundation for the event.

In 2012 this is particularly of interest since we will, in essence, be taking the event to Asia. One can argue whether Turkey is European, Asian or both (or neither), but the location will be an exciting blend of both worlds; taking place on the Asian continent, but in a modern city such as Izmir, while enjoying the foods, sights and sounds of a cultural legacy important to both Asian and European history, and on the subject of wine, a product arguably seen as more “European”. Turkey is certainly close enough to Europe to be in accession discussions with the EU.

After five amazing years, the community is what makes the EWBC so much fun, and it is a global community, so the “European” moniker is misleading.

WINE

Everyone who comes to the EWBC is passionate about wine. Wine is what brings us together, what we share in common despite differences in everything else we might do; professions, language, culture, communication channel, etc.

Yet, the event is not just about wine. This is not a Wine Tasting event with content tagged on.

The EWBC has always been a conference about “digital communications” where the common topic is wine, and as such there are many ways to achieve this. Few bloggers were exclusively wine writers. There have always been food bloggers, travel bloggers, marketers, consumers, developers, archaeologists, producers who also make olive oil, and so on. In fact, as organisers we strongly believe that to really promote wine we need to escape the “wine bubble” and get other people talking about wine.

We have been incredibly lucky to find sponsors in Rioja (Dinastia Vivanco), Lisbon (Wines of Portugal), Vienna (Austrian Wine), Brescia (Franciacorta) and now Turkey (Wines of Turkey) that understand this and have wanted to participate in this event to give their wine stories a context and to become part of the community so that we can both learn from each other.

In other words, the event has a strong wine message, but it is not JUST about wine.

BLOGGERS

In 2007 and 2008, when the event launched, if you created content online you were a “blogger”. There were other tools, but this was an exciting time to create your own content channel, usually on a blog platform. Facebook was a clunky, limited way to interact with people and build conversations. Twitter existed, but was not yet mainstream. Blogging was “it”.

The event also come out of the “wine bloggers” group, so it was natural that we should use this term to mean “online communication”.

However, we recall discussing this issue even at the first conference in 2008 in Rioja. There were other ways to communicate about wine and we started thinking that we wanted to ensure we also included those without blogs or those considering starting one. The event was started by bloggers, much of the conversation was about blogging tools, but it not was a condition of entry.

In 2011 using this term is almost quaint. There are many ways to create content, and blogging is only one part, but there is no easy all-encompassing alternative term. That is why we now use the tag “Digital Wine Communication”.

CONFERENCE

The main event has always been a 2 or 3 day “conference” programme including presentations, tastings, parties, unconference sessions, lectures, performances and more. However, the “C” in EWBC should always have been “Community” because the days of the event were really as much about the opportunity to meet face to face and share stories and wines as they were about traditional conference content.

Since the beginning the events AROUND the conference were equally important; there’s the amazing ‘United Nations of Wine‘ event that takes place just before the content where participants bring a wine to the “BYOB” to share with friends; there’s the exhibition area where we can meet wineries and wine related businesses and learn about their stories; there are also the post-trips to wineries, regions and tourist locations that are great opportunities to learn about the host venue.

This is not a “conference” in the sense that most people understand the term. It is an annual gathering, a community event, a learning opportunity full of potential to discover great things and make new friends. Does the term do it justice?

AND YET

And yet … even if we are neither just European, nor just about Wine, for more than Bloggers, and not simply a Conference, is there another name that captures the essence of the event that has emerged under the banner of “the EWBC”?

We have been thinking about this a LOT, and we think that the strapline “The Digital Wine Communications Conference” is a more accurate description of what we DO, … but “the EWBC” is who we ARE. We do not want to lose this legacy … and so for the time being we have kept the term even if we no longer think of it as an acronym, but more of a badge we are proud to wear.

So, in summary, for 2012 the event will be branded: EWBC, the Digital Wine Communications Conference

We hope you like it.

However, we are still looking for major sponsors to support the event. If you are interested in having your brand amplified around the world by active wine communicators, we kindly ask that you contact us here.

Countries represented at the 2011 EWBC include: Armenia, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, Ukraine and USA.

We are still accepting registrations, and names will be added to our Waiting List which will be given on a first come, first serve basis. If you have already registered for the conference but cannot make it, please let us know right away, as there are many people who would happily take your place.

The post-conference trips to Chianti Classico and Friuli Venezia Giulia are closed, but more spaces may become available in the coming week depending on interest. If you have registered yourself for the EWBC but have not signed up for the post trip, please do so right away. Pre trips are still in the making, and will be announced in the near future.

For those of you who have not booked your hotel room, there is still space available, please contact the hotels listed on the page for more information. We have also extended the discount price to the 17-19th for those of you coming early or staying later. If you need the price extended further, please ask the hotel directly.

Finally, thanks to all of you who have continued to support the EWBC by making our conference an annual tradition. And for those of you who are new to the EWBC, allow us to welcome you with open arms. We love having new faces, new cultures and new ideas at the EWBC, and we truly hope we can make this conference a memorable and valuable one.

And as always, never hesitate to contact us with any and all questions, because this conference is only as powerful and productive as the community who supports it.

Thanks to all of you and we look forward to seeing you in Italy!

Gabriella, Robert and Ryan

Tip #1: Eating & Drinking

Cafe Culture

The Viennese coffeehouse goes back a long, long ways. And yet, despite its age – or perhaps because of it – the coffeehouse is more alive and diverse than ever before. You can find dozens of traditional cafés in Vienna´s Old City. Here you will encounter Viennese coffee house culture in its most original form. For example: Landtmann Franz Landtmann created a coffee house institution when he opened Vienna´s largest “café locality” in the year 1873. His patrons have included Sigmund Freud, Marlene Dietrich, Romy Schneider, Paul McCartney and Hillary Clinton. Open daily 7.30 a.m. – midnight.

Landtmann, Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring 4 (Public transport: Tram D, 1 Rathausplatz/Burgtheater, Underground U2 Schottentor)

Vienne Cuisine

A true bon vivant will know that Viennese Cuisine is the only cuisine in the world to be named after a city. Viennese chefs draw on influences from various countries to conjure up exciting dishes that never fail to capture the imagination. For example: Zu den 3 Hacken. Open Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer. Open Thurs-Sat 12 a.m.-11.30 p.m.

Zu den 3 Hacken, Singerstrasse 28 (Public transport: Underground U1, U3 Stephansplatz, U3 Stubentor)

Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer, Weihburggasse 4 (Public transport: Underground U1, U3 Stephansplatz)

Tip # 2: Art Exhibitions

Vienna’s Albertina presents the first extensive exhibition on Michelangelo for more than 20 years. Precious works from the Graphic Arts Collection of the Albertina and loans from museums and private collections in Europe and the United States offer an unparalleled overview of the artist´s oeuvre. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Albertina, Albertinaplatz 1,  (Public transport: Tram 1, 2, D, Underground U1, U2, U4 Karlplatz/Oper)

Tip #3: Family Activities

Adventure Parks

Dive into the colourful adventure world of the Prater where 250 different stands and attractions wait for you: from a traditional merry-go-round to the ghost train to ultra-modern highlights. Open daily 10.00 a.m.-midnight.

Prater Adventure Tours (Public transport: Underground U1, U2 Praterstern)

Museums for Families

What do children expect from a sightseeing trip? Pretty much the same as the grownups do: variety and entertainment. Many Viennese museums and organizers have therefore created programs that are fun for the entire family … The motto is “hands on.” For example: Schönbrunn Palace, open daily 8.30 a.m.-5 p.m., Maze, Labyrinth & Labyrinthikon, open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Zoo, open daily 9 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Guided zoo tours at night can be booked at: tel. +43-1-877 92 94-500 (business days). Imperial Palace & Sisi Museum, open daily 9 a.m.-5.30 p.m.

Imperial Palace, entrance under the Michaelerkuppel

Public transport: Underground U3 Herrengasse, Tram 1, 2, D Burgring or Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring

Tip #4: Hip and Trendy

Motto am Fluss lies right on the Danube Canal at Schwedenplatz like a racy speedboat. The new hotspot doubles up as a mooring station for the Twin City Liner and is an architectural highlight. At first sight, the building could be confused with a boat. The heart is the restaurant on the first floor. The bar and a shop adjoin the restaurant. On the second floor is the Motto Café, together with a large terrace. Open daily 6 p.m.-2 a.m. (restaurant), 6 p.m.-4 a.m. (bar), 8 a.m.-2a.m. (café), 8 a.m.-7.30 p.m. (shop)

Motto am Fluss, Franz-Josefs-Kai/Schwedenplatz, (Public transport: Tram 1, 2, Underground U1, U4 Schwedenplatz)

Café Drechsler on the Naschmarkt is open 23 hours a day. Clubbers as well as market stallholders appreciate that fact. The legendary café has been given a stylish makeover by famous British designer Sir Terence Conran. It still retains its popularity as a place to meet, and enjoy Viennese cuisine and excellent coffee. Open daily 3 a.m.-2 a.m.

Café Drechsler, Linke Wienzeile 22, Public transport: Underground U4 Kettenbrückengasse

MuseumsQuartier is Vienna´s exciting art complex near the Imperial Palace offers that contains not only renowned museums such as the Leopold Museum, with its numerous works by Schiele, the Museum of Contemporary Art, but also the Kunsthalle: a lively array of restaurants, cafés and bars make this museum district even more attractive. See and be seen is the motto – and above all: enjoy …

MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1 (Public transport: Underground U2 MuseumsQuartier, U3 Volkstheater)

Tip 5: Vienna Music

Opera

Open-air opera “Oper Live am Platz“ is back in October with live broadcasts of selected performances on a giant outdoor screen – entry is free of charge. October 22^nd, 8 p.m.: “L´elisir d´amore”, Gaetano Donizetti.

Vienna State Opera, Herbert von Karajan-Platz, (Public transport: Tram 1, 2, D, Underground U1, U2, U4 Karlplatz/Oper)

Experimental Music

House of Music In the musical adventure world in the heart of the city, music can be experienced with all of the senses. Giant instruments, computers and state-of-the-art electronics are great for playing, experimenting and discovering. Open daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

House of Music, Seilerstätte 30 (Public transport: Tram 1, 2, D, Underground U1, U2, U4 Karlplatz/Oper, U1, U3 Stephansplatz)

Tip #6: Nightlife

Dancing and “chilling” of the highest quality – after all, Vienna´s electronic music scene is world-renowned. Clubs such as Flex at the Danube Canal were selected as one of the best locations worldwide. The program there varies as much as it does at other party locations in the city. The Gürtel establishments in the City Rail Arches such as Chelsea, B72, Rhiz have been permanent fixtures on Vienna´s nightlife scene for years. A new party strip is developing in the Prater with Fluc, Planetarium and Pratersauna. For Example:

The Passage, Burgring/Babenbergerstrasse (Public transport: Tram 1, 2, D Burgring)

Platzhirsch, Opernring 11, open Fri/Sat from 10 p.m. (Public transport: Public transport: Tram 1, 2, D, Underground U1, U2, U4 Karlplatz/Oper)

Tip #7: Sightseeing

Tours & guides Learn about the many faces of the city. Discover her secrets. During guided walks or with your own personal guide, during sightseeing trips by bus, boat, streetcar, bicycle or during torchlight tours through Vienna´s underworld …

Medieval quarters and hidden courtyards: Sun, October 24^th, 2010, 2.30 p.m., meeting point Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse (Tourist Info), EUR 14, as of 3 people, no booking required.

Remarkable sights of Vienna in 2 hours: Fri, October 22^nd, 2010, 2.30 p.m., meeting point Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse (Tourist Info), EUR 14, as of 3 people, no booking required

Tip #8: Shopping

Flea Market & Food

Vienna Naschmarkt Vienna´s best-known market has around 120 market stands and restaurants for a colourful culinary offering ranging from Viennese to Indian, from Vietnamese to Italian. The Naschmarkt has developed into a meeting point for young and old. The Flea Market on Saturday is already a cult event.

Naschmarkt, Wienzeile, between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse (Public transport: Underground U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz/Oper, U4 Kettenbrückengasse)

Clothing

Trend shopping around Naschmarkt Close to Vienna´s famous Naschmarkt market and not far from an established fashion quarter – the Freihausviertel – a small yet fine shopping treasure trove is emerging.

Around Kettenbrückengasse, Schleifmühlgasse, Margaretenstrasse, (Public transport: Underground U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz/Oper, U4 Kettenbrückengasse, Bus 59A Schleifmühlgasse, Pressgasse, Ziegelofengasse or Margartenplatz)

Chocolate

Confectionery from Vienna Vienna is a Mecca for chocolate lovers. Sweet treats are hand-crafted in small factories: from flowering confectionery to exotic truffles. For example: Xocolat Manufactur, open Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Xocolat Manufactur, Servitengasse 5  (Public transport: Tram D Schlickgasse, Underground U4 Rossauer Lände)

Tip #9: Sports

Danube Island The 21-km Danube Island offers fun and relaxation for the whole family. The U1 and the U6 stations are convenient points of access to this oasis for skaters, cyclists, joggers and walkers.

Danube Island (Public transport: Underground U1 Donauinsel, U6 Handelskai or Neue Donau)

Tip #10: Vienna, Wine & Design

From September 15 – November 15, 2010 the Vienna, Wine and Design promotion provides the perfect opportunity to see, sample and experience Viennese wine and design. There is also a competition with a star prize of 999 bottles of Viennese wine to be shared between three lucky winners. There are also instant prizes to be won at the tourist information office in the city center. Open daily 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tourist Info, Albertinaplatz, (Public transport: Tram 1, 2, D, Underground U1, U2, U4 Karlplatz/Oper)

For More Information!

Tourist Info Vienna Our Vienna experts are happy to advise you and help you plan your stay in Vienna.

Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse (close to the Vienna State Opera), open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

info@vienna.info

media.rel@vienna.info

www.facebook.com/ViennaTouristBoard

Twitter Account Coming Soon!

Tel. +43-1-24 555

Vienna Card

Vienna Card More than 2010 discounts and unlimited free travel by underground, bus and tram for 72 hours – with this card for only EUR 18,50. Available in your hotel and at the tourist information centre on Albertinaplatz

Please feel free to leave your questions in the comments below.

However, what is interesting is the way in which we are supporting the conference. We have chosen to sponsor Zev Robinson, a video artist, who is currently creating a film on social media and its impact on the wine industry. Infovini will help Zev attend the conference, conducting interviews, attending sessions, and generally collecting as much information as possible to weave together the impact of social media in wine. And as we believe that social media will play an ever increasing role in wine promotion, what better way to support the conference than through continuing research into the field.

As for our attendance to the conference, we are very excited to share experiences and ideas with others regarding the most effective ways in which we as a community can promote wine through the use of web 2.0 technology, whether that be through social networks or web marketing. Additionally, we’re eager to meet all of you, as wine bloggers have been the catalyst to a massive change in the wine industry. We are eager to chat with you, garner from your experiences, and learn how we can not only improve Infovini, but Portuguese wine promotion as a whole.

If you should need anything from us in the future, please don’t hesitate to contact us at infovini@infovini.com.

• 85 euros for a single
• 95 euros for a double

If you have any questions, or are interested in booking a room, please contact me at gabriella at catavino dot net.

Additionally, please check out this post for information on discounted apartments!