ABG Goes to Camp - aka TEXSOM

ABG Goes to Camp - aka TEXSOM

Rebecca Hopkins
Hospitality, Leadership, Meditation, event

Few professional wine conferences cause a collective level of pre-arrival anxiety, excitement and post-camp blues like the annual TEXSOM gathering.

Held in Irving, Texas, and now in its fifteenth year, TEXSOM is undoubtedly the most professional educational and evaluative opportunity for US wine professionals. In three days, 1400 attendees from all experience levels gathered to hone tasting skills, learn from accomplished professionals, sit test exams, and connect with mentors, future tasting group friends and global wine professionals.

So with more than 15,000 wine bottles now empty and in recycle bins, here’s some of what has changed since my recap from last year’s event.

A Favorite Vintner Made History:
Napa Valley luminary Cathy Corison made TEXSOM conference history as the first vintner to be part of the volunteer team. With her fit-bit regularly clocking more than 13,000 steps by the early afternoon, Corison joined more than 200 volunteers in executing the mandatories of wine service – no mean feat for 15 hours a day on your feet.

The Community is Diversifying:
It was encouraging and noticeable to see efforts toward opening more doors for the wine community. A more diverse attendee and volunteer base was evident, and on the shift, Cathy Corison commented: “It’s beyond women in wine, it’s way more important. A huge undercurrent is the way the event and the industry are changing.”

Women Are Taking Up Space:
Austin TX occupied all three Top spots in the 2019 Texas Sommelier Competition with Christina Walther of Jeffrey’s of Austin taking top honors. Elaine Chukan Brown lead the speaking charge of more than 18 women in the line-up. Respected for her encyclopedic knowledge of California wine, Chukan Brown hosted, moderated or participated in six seminars across the program in her intelligent, warm and inclusive manner, putting her Philosophy background to great use.

While women have always attended the conference, Accendo Cellars Partner Jaime Araujo recounted sitting with a young male sommelier who commented on the “badass mix of women sitting around the table” during hospitality hours. Without missing a beat, Araujo quipped back, “The difference is that now you notice.”

The Presence of “Non-Somm“ Pins:
In my wine career I have never seen a Master of Wine pin up close, but this year the number of gold MW pins adorning lapels of various Masters-deserving recipients was in plain sight. And that’s a good thing.

In the session on the future of wine education, both Peter Marks MW and Devon Broglie MS agreed that while education will not replace experience, the event more than ever is giving space to the four key global educational and testing bodies.

It’s Wine, But Not as We Know It:
Petnats, fruit ferments, and canned wine took center stage alongside the classical flights of red Burgundy and sparkling wine to push attendees to challenge pre-conceived ideas of what comprises great wine. Philosophical discussions on the beauty of wine faults, and adapting to the new realities of a temperance movement had palates tested and assumptions challenged. And yes… White Claw was spotted in tasting glasses.

The Gym Is a Hot Meeting Spot:
If you want a peek into people’s wellness hacks, step into the Four Seasons gym at 6am. There you will spot speakers, guests, sponsors, and attendees running, cycling and working out alongside locals to get the early morning fitness hit complete. A special shout to out to the Wine Australia contingent, all of whom were spotted hitting the treadmill at a bleary-eyed hour.

We had our own ABG tea(sane) break:
Replacing wine glasses with tea cups, we held an ABG gathering to further connect the community. Our “Tea(sane) break” was an opportunity for current and new Tribe members to meet in person and discuss the topics of interest for the community outside of a glass. And the new ABG pins were a hot item and conversation starter.

Finally, as a participating Sponsor through my day-job with Folio Fine Wine Partners, I couldn’t ask for better consideration and respect for our wine portfolio. And as a wellness advocate, I’m more confident that the conversation around helping our community maintain physical and mental health is headed in the right direction.

So as we hang up lanyards, unpack camp bags and return to the reality of wine life, tribe member and Master of Wine, Peter Marks sums it up: “Wine education has never been more critical than it is now. It’s important to have staff with global knowledge, and able to intelligently talk about wine, so that we can grow this wonderful business that we are part of.”

I’m looking forward to what 2020 may bring.

Namaste,
Beck

What We're Reading:

There's no shortage of wine stories and media inundating our IN Boxes. Here's what has piqued our interest this week.

5 Popular Diets That Allow Wine – WineSpectator.com
Here's how to stick to an eating strategy without giving up your favorite alcoholic beverage.

3 Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself Before a Performance Review -- Inc.com
How to take the ancient Buddhist concept of "right speech" off the meditation cushion and off to work, to put it to good use.

Meet the Tribe!

Our community is only as strong as the company we keep, and here we meet some of the folks who make our profession so dynamic.

Imagen+Sergio+Gonzalez.jpg

Sergio E. González, CMS Certified Sommelier, Commercial Director of The Key Company Beard, Riedel Brand Ambassador, Educator, and Founder - Sotol Flor del Desierto (Mexico)

Years In Industry:
My career started in California in 1998 under the mentorship of Dennis Overstreet at The Beverly Hills Wine Merchant. I am currently the Commercial Director for The Key Co. Beard, a wine importing and marketing company, and the exclusive distributor for Riedel glassware in Mexico, for which I am the brand ambassador. I also ventured into the production of Sotol, one of the most emblematic craft spirits in Mexico by creating the brand Sotol Flor del Desierto and founding Noa Norte Spirits and Products, a distribution company whose sole mission is the rescue and preservation of ancestral distillation techniques in Mexico. 
 
My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:
A constant in my everyday life is lack of time. In a hectic place such as Mexico City, traveling long distances among the city’s more than 21 million inhabitants, traffic jams can be a nightmare! Thankfully, everyday there are more bike lanes and micro-mobility services like electric scooters and mopeds, so I have that fun option when needed.

Also, while running from one tasting or class to another, it is difficult to sit down and have a proper meal, so I have to be on the look out for eateries where I can grab a quick bite and go; because as much as I would like to, I can’t make an everyday meal out of our delicious tacos and street food.   
 
How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:
I love sharing my passion and endless appreciation for wine through teaching and have been doing it for eight years, such a therapeutic effect!

I also love mountain biking and try to ride at least once a week to let off some steam. A bit of meditation and yoga now and then allows me to slow down, breathe, and recharge. Listening to good music is a must, along with eating and drinking well, but most of all, spending as much time with my family and loved ones as possible. 
 
You can connect with Sergio on Instagram at @drinkmx

  

Let's Meet Up!

As work life has it, we are traveling over the next few months and would love to see you.  

Drop a line to rebecca@abalancedglass.com or cathy@enolytics.com if you are interested in getting together for practice, a chat or a great glass together.

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