QUICKVIEW: I find myself thinking a lot lately about the whole concept of social media (which has become integral to modern day marketing). It is widely acknowledged that as companies build up their reputations in the virtual world, branding is both more complex and more important than ever before. But what really intrigues me is the way that virtual personalities are becoming brands in themselves and, in the process, promoting whatever company or larger umbrella that they write about or for. Continue reading Social Media & Marketing: Personal or Impersonal?
TOSS-UP: Having been born in Britain, where highfalutin traditions abound, my brother received several cases of vintage port from family and friends when he was born. As the practice goes, the port becomes drinkable around the time you can legally raise a glass (at least in the U.S.) and so is typically brought out of storage on one’s 21st birthday. As far as traditions go, I think this is a great one. There is nothing better than giving a toast on your birthday with your own personal birthday booze—and the stuff only gets better as the years go by. After we had polished off a few of the dusty bottles though, I began to wonder just how much the stuff might be worth today. 
FEATURE: The current economic climate has forced the majority of wine consumers to look to less expensive options when grabbing wine off the shelf or sorting through restaurant wine lists. The recession hit the wine industry at a time when businesses were booming and shamelessly increasing markups. Grape growers subsequently followed by increasing the cost of buying fruit by the ton for top vineyards. Pricing was getting out of control, as consumers displayed their willingness to spend excessive amounts on their go-to bottle of Chardonnay. Still, even as consumers are forced to pinch their pocketbooks and save their pennies, overall consumption has remained level. However, the 
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