“Excellent, interesting and well-written wine blog.” —Tom Wark, Fermentation
“Solid blog there! Keep up the great work.” —Jason Lett, The Eyrie Vineyards
Having resided in both Washington and Oregon, my reflections and insights begin with the vines and wines of these two states (Wa—gon). However, I never limit my creaky wagon to this corner of the world, as impressive as it is.
Time has led both to an appreciation for nuance and balance, as well as a greater opportunity to explore wines beyond the Mass Market veil. As a youngster, my Mother, an advocate of libatious living, introduced me to Riesling from Washington and Pinot Noir from California. A simple seed sprouted within me. When the economics of my mid-twenties forced my hand to Big California and similar locales globally, I enjoyed the wine at face-value, an evening pleasantry with friends and family. Years later, my first trips to wine country in Washington, Oregon, and California fertilized my love. Producers such as Heitz Cellars, Brian Carter Cellars, Domaine Drouhin, and De Ponte Cellars sent me tumbling down the rabbit hole. I’m still falling.
After teaching writing and literature for five years, I leapt fist first, glass in hand, into the land of bottled history, culture, and yes, poetry. I spent seven years working for Willamette Valley producer Fullerton Wines, while continuing my writing ventures at Wagon Wine and Growler Magazine. I also studied and received the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine (Advanced Course) with merit. Today, I work as a Content Marketing Manager for a software company in Minnesota.
History, art, science, and grit, bottled and ready to explore. Onward.
Wagon Wordsmith,
Matthew J.H. Wieland
Email: wagonwine (at) gmail.com
Vivino: Profile
Facebook: Wagon Wine
Twitter: @wagonwineblog
