The knowledge difference

The difference between knowledge and information spans every subject, but when it comes to certain subjects like wine, the gap between the two is even more important. In today's environment, information is everywhere and can be accessed at any time via most any electronic device, but in many cases is of little value. Knowledge, information with understanding and explanation, is a bit harder to come by.

A great example in the wine world is ratings. The information of knowing that a particular wine writer at a publication rates a wine 95 is everywhere. Without the knowledge, though, of knowing what is important to that writer - what his/her palate preferences are, how many wines he/she is tasting and rating at any one sitting, and how he/she judges and comes up with the score - the information is much less meaningful. For wine consumers, the most important piece of knowledge, when it comes to ratings, is knowing if the rater's palate agrees with their own.

As wine professionals, we take every opportunity to spend time with winemakers and other folks in the industry who are truly knowledgeable. It helps us understand wines better and ultimately helps us better direct our customers to wines they are more likely to enjoy. Our time working at wineries, too, was a great way to learn more about what winemaking and grape-growing tactics contribute to the wines we enjoy most. It was quite simply invaluable to our understanding of the end product.

This coming Friday from 4:30-7 p.m., wine consumers here in North Idaho have the opportunity to add to their knowledge base by spending time with Bryan Hirschberger from Amphora Distributing/Bon Vivant Imports, when he will be at the shop for a tasting. Bryan is an extraordinarily knowledgeable wine professional who communicates all he knows in an impactful manner. He oversees a portfolio of domestic and imported wines that spans the appellations of the Western US, Europe and South America. With this geographic span, Bryan has multiple choices in most every major varietal and some lesser-known varietals that were new to us.

During his time in the wine industry, he has visited the lion's share of the wineries he represents, spending time with the winemakers and getting to know how they approach their craft and therefore understanding why the end product tastes the way it does. This gives him the knowledge, then, to pair each of the wines in his portfolio to his customers that are most likely to appreciate them.

During the tasting on Friday, we will be sampling one domestic wine from Copain Winery and four imported wines from the old world appellations of Europe. Here is where Bryan's knowledge really makes an impact. We have known the wines from California producer Copain for a long time, dating back to before we opened the shop. When we were enjoying them, though, it was before the winemaker spent time working at several wineries in France. As you can imagine, this time overseas changed his approach and winemaking style quite a lot. Tasting the wines from Copain now is very different - just as delicious, but stylistically they have changed. Similarly, we will be trying a Cabernet-based wine from a winery in Spain. The proprietor's son spent time working in California wineries and when he returned home to Spain, he wanted to make wines more in the American style. Since Bryan knows these background details, he is able to communicate those so wine consumers know why they taste what they taste, providing them with the knowledge they need to choose additional wines they are likely to enjoy.

Wine drinkers of all experience levels can build their knowledge reservoir by spending time with professionals like Bryan. They can also gain knowledge by visiting wineries to taste or by attending tasting events that are held with the actual winemakers or grape growers in their local community. When visiting wine country, go when it is easier to have time with the production folks. Avoid barrel tasting weekends and spring or fall release weekends, opting for times of year that will be less crowded. Talking directly with the folks, whether it is growers or winemakers who actually have their hand in the process, will give each consumer the ability to avoid the crush of information, instead gaining the knowledge that will allow for better wine purchasing decisions, leading to a more enjoyable wine experience.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party - a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo and is the wine editor for Coeur d'Alene Magazine (www.cdamagazine.com). You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles, as well as other great wine tips, by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.