An Influencer Spotlight from Joe of SierraWineGuy

We were interested to learn more about the minds and passions behind some of our favorite wine accounts. The following are a few pieces of insight gathered from wine influencer, Joe, of SierraWineGuy

Read below to find out what we asked him!

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1) What gets you most excited about wine?

I’m excited to see post-pandemic how the wine industry transforms itself from a brick and mortar industry into a more mobile operation where technology becomes streamlined and accessibility to smaller artisan producers becomes more of the norm.

2) Do you consider yourself an Enthusiast? Connoisseur? Recreational? Other?

Advocate- I am an ardent supporter of small producers and the fight for the survival of the family farm.

Writer- I do freelance contribution features on primarily small west coast producers and try to do my part to get their stories out there.

Enthusiast- As a consumer, I primarily am drinking wine in my backyard of the Sierra Foothills of Northern California trying to support the local wine economy and do my part.

3) What do you look for when selecting new bottles to try?

As a consumer it is usually a combination of quality-for-price ratio as well as something different in my region. Last week, I was on a scavenger hunt for an elusive Albarino in the Sierra Foothills.

4) Are you loving any particular varietals lately?

Where I am located I think Rhone varieties have probably the biggest upside over the next 5-10 years. Some of the Syrahs and Mourvedres coming out of the Foothills— I would argue— are some of the best wines in the United States.

5) What experience cannot be fully enjoyed without the right bottle of wine?

Movies- sitting back in your living room watching a good flick requires a decent bottle of wine.

6.) When do you serve Malbec and why?

When I think Malbec, I envision a warm Sunday afternoon with a little breeze in the air. Steve Miller Band’s Jet Airliner is playing in the background while a couple of Porterhouse steaks are cooking on the grill.

Images provided by Joe of SierraWineGuy