Vintages: A Manifesto

Mon, Aug 26, 24

Vintages: A Manifesto

Wines have been humbly made and enjoyed for thousands of years – in celebration of a completed harvest, as medicine in treatment of an elusive ailment, in worship of some lost deity, or (more relatable) simply to soften the edges of a hard day. At its core, wine is collaborative…from working shoulder to shoulder amongst the vines, to the shared bottle passed around the table. It’s very natural, and very human.

With time and technology, all good things can become great things, and wine is no exception to that. I truly believe winemaking is an art form, and I’m grateful to be able to experience the work of so many living masters. But high art is rare, and scarcity comes with a price tag. It’s the one character flaw I can think of for wine, and it may be unavoidable, but I believe it’s the reason that the wine industry is often so at odds with its true identity. When something becomes a luxury, it becomes inaccessible – and that’s antithetical to a simple pleasure that is meant to be shared.

The mission of Vintages has always been the same – to connect you with the great wines of the world. That will never change. But I’d like to expand upon that mission, and I believe the following:
- Greatness and price do not need to correlate, and they often don’t. Finding those outliers, and sharing them with you, is the most satisfying part of the adventure for me.
- Great wine is made by great people, and exists beyond the ever-changing tides of trends and labels. “Is this wine made with integrity by people who are stewards of their land?” is the question we should be asking – organic and biodynamic labels should serve as a testament to that quality, instead of unilateral judge & jury.
- Wine should not be intimidating. Vintages is a place for everyone to taste, and learn, and try something new. Asking a question shows that you care – and anything we aren’t sure of, we’ll learn together! That’s what it’s all about.

Stay tuned for more thoughts on the industry, spotlights on favorite producers, and the occasional peek into what I’m drinking these days. Remember…every bottle is an adventure, and you don’t know what’s on the other side of that cork unless you pop it!

By Meghan Elwell