Comments on: Column: Arbor Vinous

By: Tom Brandt

Tom Brandt — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:11:46 +0000

I have had the pleasure of meeting Joel a couple of times, and I can say that he really know his stuff, and that he is the least pretentious wine expert I know. This column is an honest assessment of Spotted Dog’s products, and I would rather read a well-reasoned, solidly researched critique than some happy-clappy article that is little more than a warmed-over press release.

The Olsens have found a business model that works, and good for them. I hope they grow and thrive. But being a small, locally-owned business does not immunize them or any other business from honest criticism.

By: Bill M

Bill M — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:51:32 +0000

Linda: This so called “wine snob” has done a lot to promote Michigan wineries, both large and small. I feel the article was well written and presented the facts accurately. Spotted Dog is not trying to be the next Robert Mondavi winery. It is what it is. Try to keep an open mind.

By: Jack F.

Jack F. — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:52:55 +0000

“Editor’s note: On Sunday, Sept. 19, Joel Goldberg will be leading a tour of southeast Michigan’s wine country, with stops at Glaciers Edge Vineyard, Sandhill Crane Vineyard and Chateaux Aeronautique.”

I shutter to think of the “condescending or elitist’ hours of conversation on THAT bus too, after this article. And several glasses of wine. Maybe I’ll sign up and write a one act play on the experience. Lol.

By: Jack F.

Jack F. — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:49:50 +0000

“Is this condescending or elitist? Perhaps.”

Bingo.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:44 +0000

It seems like a shame to send out a wine snob to critique this kind of business. Maybe the next reporter who comes out could be someone also interested in how small businesses and their owners contribute to quality and vitality of community life.

By: Bill M

Bill M — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:40:20 +0000

Wow! It’s very hard for me to believe that these wines are available in so many retail establishments. John Olsen must be one hell of a salesman. The consumer has so many very good wine choices available in this price range, including several Michigan wines, why would anyone choose a “kit” wine? That being said, I support local businesses and I believe a make your own wine facility serves a purpose. It is a good opportunity to learn the basics of the wine making process and have some fun. However, to consider these serious wines is a mistake in my opinion.

By: Joel Goldberg

Joel Goldberg — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:35:26 +0000

Patti, thanks to you and the Brewers Guild folks who helped with background for this column by pointing me toward several brewpubs that also use kit products — and invariably receive poor-to-mediocre notices on the beer rating websites.

Vivienne, to me “local” is one consideration among many when you consider a product or business. Local gets a vote, not a veto (used with apologies).

Bill, that’s a valid point; kit wines can be effective “training wheels” to help people ease into learning about wine in a non-intimidating way, and encourage them to explore other options as their tastes change.

But so can advice from the staff at a good local wine retailer, who will usually have suggestions at similar prices and styles that may be better overall quality.

By: Bill Hendricks

Bill Hendricks — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:34:59 +0000

As I look out my back window an see our Vinyard I wonder how the consumer likes wines from Kits. But I am proved wrong again. There is a consumer that wants to be apart of it some how. I would think the local winery is a big part of it. I also think it appeals to the new consumers that have just started enjoying wine. In the Big picture of things it is good to have our consumers get introduced to wines. I think as their tastes evolve they will probably move to the wine made fresh grapes.
Another Great article Joel.
Bill
Glaciers Edge Farms

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:43:11 +0000

Very informative. It reminds us that the “local” label still needs some informed examination, for everything really.

By: TeacherPatti

TeacherPatti — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:20:26 +0000

I’m sure you’ve heard of Mr. Beer beer kits. We got one for our wedding (in 2000, years before we ever started brewing ourselves). It actually okayed putting the beer in empty pop bottles. Being clueless, we put them in Jeff’s empty Diet Mountain Dew bottles. Needless to say, it tasted about as appealing as I would imagine goat piss would.

Something about this article kind of reminds me of how the big breweries (In Bev, etc.) make everything in a paint by numbers way. That crap is brewed all over the place, yet is always tastes the same. The water is different in all the places where it is brewed, yet it still tastes the same. Should be no surprise that these places employ many chemists….