{"id":342869,"date":"2025-12-14T00:33:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T00:33:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/happy-anniversary-celebrating-10-years-of-wining-with-mel-wining-with-mel\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T00:33:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T00:33:42","slug":"happy-anniversary-celebrating-10-years-of-wining-with-mel-wining-with-mel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=342869","title":{"rendered":"Happy anniversary! Celebrating 10 years of Wining with Mel \u2013 Wining with Mel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>On July 18, 2015, I published <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/hello-world\/\">my very first blog post<\/a>. I was late to the blogging party, but I had just finished my Sommelier Fundamentals courses, and I didn\u2019t want that to be the end of my wine journey. So, Wining with Mel was born! And with it, this mission statement:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u2026I do hope to answer these types of questions here, in a way that anyone can understand, even if wine isn\u2019t your thing. For me, the point of this blog is simply to share my love of wine, and introduce you to the fabulous range of delicious wines available at reasonable prices. All too often, we get into wine habits, such as my aforementioned Malbec obsession of 2007. I hope this blog will inspire you to break those habits and try new things, whether you are a seasoned oenophile or your idea of a fine wine is Baby Duck.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span id=\"more-13121\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ten years later, I find myself asking some very existential questions about this blog: why am I still pouring time and energy into it? Blogging has become a thing of the past, ushering in the age of influencers, memes and TikTok trends. I am fairly certain I would be considered over-the-hill for TikTok, and I have always rejected the notion of being an influencer, because it feels like selling out (that said, I will never say no to wine samples or wine event invites). Also, when you\u2019re an influencer, your passion becomes an obligation, which really takes all the joy and creativity out of it.<\/p>\n<p>This isn\u2019t the first time I\u2019ve had an existential wining crisis. I wrote about this very topic in this <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/back-to-basics\/\">Back to Basics<\/a> post, less than a year after I started blogging. However, in the end, I reminded myself:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The point of Wining with Mel is a) to write for the fun of it, because it\u2019s such a great outlet for me, and b) to keep thinking critically about wines, even though my wine courses finished almost a year ago now. Maybe I won\u2019t blog about every wine I drink. But I also need to give myself permission to not\u00a0<em>taste<\/em>\u00a0every wine, and to just\u00a0<em>enjoy\u00a0<\/em>some.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In this spirit, this post is a <strong>celebration<\/strong> of this fun wine blog\u2014a highlight reel, if you will, of an entire decade of Wining with Mel.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WWM HIGHLIGHTS<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certified somm<\/h3>\n<p>After a year without any wine courses, I really missed it, so I went back and completed ALL the somm courses, becoming a<a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/somm-reflections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/somm-reflections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Certified Sommelier<\/a><\/strong> in 2017. I wrote about the experience, comparing the trade of the somm to that of a translator (my day job). Appropriately, I won the Monthly Wine Writing Challenge on the theme of <em>translation<\/em> for that post! Here is a nice summary:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Now if only I could find some way to combine my passion for words and wine. Well hang on a minute. Isn\u2019t that what I\u2019m doing on\u00a0this very blog? Isn\u2019t that what Wining with Mel is all about? Here,\u00a0I can take\u00a0the wonderful, complex and oftentimes incomprehensible world of wine, and make it fun, fresh, and maybe even somewhat informative. That\u2019s the\u00a0intention at least. So in the end, I guess\u00a0I didn\u2019t really need a little pin to get me to do my part in making wine accessible to all\u2014I\u2019ve been doing it all along!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=676%2C521&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13166 jetpack-lazy-image\" style=\"width:546px;height:auto\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?w=850&amp;ssl=1 850w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=300%2C231&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=768%2C592&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=676%2C521&amp;ssl=1 676w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=676%2C521&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=676%2C521&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13166\" style=\"width:546px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?w=850&amp;ssl=1 850w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=300%2C231&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=768%2C592&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somm.png?resize=676%2C521&amp;ssl=1 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Algonquin somm class of 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wine tasting events <\/h3>\n<p>A major perk of starting this blog is that I have been invited to countless wine tasting events (featuring wines from <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/new-zealand-wines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Zealand<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/savour-australia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Australia<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/california-love-ish\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/taste-ontario-2016-part-one\/\">Ontario<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/tre-bicchieri-italian-wine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Italy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/albarino-rias-baixas-2\/\">R\u00edas Baixas<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/centre-loire\/\">Loire Valley<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/alsace-a-riesling-rekindling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alsace<\/a>\u2026the list goes on and on!). There was even that one time I flashed my Wining with Mel business card and got us into a Soave wine tasting in Verona, Italy for free!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"569\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Smell.png?resize=569%2C592&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13164 jetpack-lazy-image\" style=\"width:434px;height:auto\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Smell.png?w=569&amp;ssl=1 569w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Smell.png?resize=288%2C300&amp;ssl=1 288w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 569px) 100vw, 569px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Smell.png?resize=569%2C592&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"569\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Smell.png?resize=569%2C592&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13164\" style=\"width:434px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Smell.png?w=569&amp;ssl=1 569w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Smell.png?resize=288%2C300&amp;ssl=1 288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 569px) 100vw, 569px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the Savour Australia tasting at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner to Canada \u2013 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_20170903_214652648-576x10241230143340-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13206 jetpack-lazy-image\" style=\"width:278px;height:auto\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_20170903_214652648-576x10241230143340-1.webp 576w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_20170903_214652648-576x10241230143340-1-169x300.webp 169w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_20170903_214652648-576x10241230143340-1.webp?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_20170903_214652648-576x10241230143340-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13206\" style=\"width:278px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_20170903_214652648-576x10241230143340-1.webp 576w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_20170903_214652648-576x10241230143340-1-169x300.webp 169w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Very pleased with myself at the Soave wine tasting in Verona, Italy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13167 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4.webp 1024w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4-676x380.webp 676w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4.webp?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4.webp 1024w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9258_moment4-676x380.webp 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Private tasting at <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/bertani\/\">Bertani<\/a>, in Valpolicella, Italy \u2013 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?fit=676%2C507&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13202 jetpack-lazy-image\" style=\"width:559px;height:auto\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=676%2C507&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?fit=676%2C507&amp;ssl=1&amp;is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?fit=676%2C507&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13202\" style=\"width:559px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?resize=676%2C507&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/20210427_135852-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attending a virtual tasting of Spanish wines during COVID lockdown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winery visits<\/h3>\n<p>I\u2019ve travelled far and wide, and toured wineries around the world\u2014some close to home, like in Prince Edward County, the <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/kin-vineyards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ottawa Valley<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/first-time-niagara\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Niagara<\/a>, some further afield, like <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/spotlight-on-benjamin-bridge-nova-scotia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nova Scotia<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/end-of-vacation-whining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Finger Lakes<\/a>, and even overseas, including in <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/aoc-palette\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Provence<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/beaujolais-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beaujolais<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/bertani\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Veneto<\/a> region, etc.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"451\" data-id=\"13168\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/BB.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13168 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/BB.webp 676w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/BB-300x200.webp 300w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/BB.webp?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"451\" data-id=\"13168\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/BB.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/BB.webp 676w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/BB-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Benjamin Bridge, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia \u2013 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"13169\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13169 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2.webp 1024w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2-676x380.webp 676w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2.webp?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"13169\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2.webp 1024w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/mvi_9248_moment2-676x380.webp 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Barrel Room at Bertani, in Italy \u2013 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"13170\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13170 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara.webp 1024w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara-676x507.webp 676w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara.webp?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"13170\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara.webp 1024w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/niagara-676x507.webp 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Admiring the vines in Niagara \u2013 2022<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meeting new people<\/h3>\n<p>This blog has allowed me to meet so many wine people! From other wine writers and somms like me, to salt-of-the-earth grape growers and passionate winemakers, these are the people who bring this beloved elixir to our glass. And I am so grateful to them.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New opportunities<\/h3>\n<p>Do you remember that time I was a celebrity judge at a <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/taste-community-grown\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Taste Community Grown<\/a> event in Prince Edward County?<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"451\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_5802.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13189 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_5802.webp 676w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_5802-300x200.webp 300w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_5802.webp?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"451\" src=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_5802.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_5802.webp 676w, https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_5802-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With my fellow judges, <em>Rebecca Mackenzie (left) and Dyan Perry (right)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Happy hours<\/h3>\n<p>And who can forget <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/happy-hour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wining with Mel Happy Hours<\/a>! When the world shut down, I ramped up, bringing us all together on Zoom to sip and talk wine together. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=676%2C380&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13165 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=676%2C380&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=676%2C380&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=676%2C380&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?resize=676%2C380&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/zoom_0_Moment.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wining with Mel Happy Hours proved you can still have fun in lockdown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In-person events<\/h3>\n<p>Since then I\u2019ve started pouring at Savvy Company events and have even hosted my very own in-person wine tasting events.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"901\" data-id=\"13196\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690.jpg?resize=676%2C901&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13196 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690.jpg?resize=676%2C901&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"901\" data-id=\"13196\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690.jpg?resize=676%2C901&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_0690-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ros\u00e9 event with the Savvy ladies 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"901\" data-id=\"13197\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT.jpg?resize=676%2C901&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13197 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT.jpg?resize=676%2C901&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"901\" data-id=\"13197\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT.jpg?resize=676%2C901&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20230804_202444851.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In my somm attire before a tasting at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club in 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"898\" data-id=\"13199\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=676%2C898&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13199 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=771%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 771w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=226%2C300&amp;ssl=1 226w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=768%2C1020&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=1157%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1157w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=676%2C898&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=676%2C898&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"898\" data-id=\"13199\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=676%2C898&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=771%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 771w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=226%2C300&amp;ssl=1 226w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=768%2C1020&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=1157%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1157w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?resize=676%2C898&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250529-WA0003.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pouring Nova Scotia wines at the Savvy Oh Canada event May 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>And I\u2019ve had this blog to help me document it all, so that I will always remember these amazing experiences, even when I am having an existential crisis.<\/p>\n<p>Looking back on my mission statement above, I can recognize that I have fulfilled it\u2014and more! I am excited to see where Wining with Mel will take me next!<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p>In the past ten years, I have written 120+ posts. Some were fun <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/once-upon-a-time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">creative writing <\/a>exercises, some were <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/category\/educational\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">educational<\/a>, and some were simply an outlet for <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/category\/whining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">whining<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Now just for fun, let\u2019s look at some stats.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top-viewed posts<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1: <a href=\"http:\/\/Grape varieties: to capitalize or not to capitalize?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grape varieties: to capitalize or not to capitalize?<\/a><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wining-with-mel wp-block-embed-wining-with-mel\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This one just made so much sense for me to write, combining my grammar obsession with my love of wine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2: <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/cotes-du-rhone-villages\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What the heck is C\u00f4tes du Rh\u00f4ne Villages?<\/a><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wining-with-mel wp-block-embed-wining-with-mel\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trying to decipher what all the different C\u00f4tes du Rhone labels really mean.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3: <a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/ten-year-anniversary\/Touraine: spotlight on my latest sauvignon blanc obsession\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Touraine: spotlight on my latest sauvignon blanc obsession<\/a><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wining-with-mel wp-block-embed-wining-with-mel\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can never go wrong with sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Through the archives \u2013 some of my favourite posts:<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wining-with-mel wp-block-embed-wining-with-mel\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wining + scuba diving is not usually recommended, but in this case it made a perfect pairing!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wining-with-mel wp-block-embed-wining-with-mel\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Definitely one of the most frequently asked questions about wine (usually: why is Canadian wine so expensive?)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wining-with-mel wp-block-embed-wining-with-mel\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The coolest wine experience we had in Europe was a personal tour and tasting of one of the Veneto region\u2019s most well-known producers, Bertani.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gratitude<\/h2>\n<p>I am so grateful to everyone who has joined me for this oenological adventure, in all its iterations. Thank you for not giving up on me, even when I disappear for months at a time. This blog wouldn\u2019t still be here if it weren\u2019t for your encouragements along the way. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20240228_220905660.jpg?w=676&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13194 jetpack-lazy-image\" style=\"width:287px;height:auto\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20240228_220905660.jpg?w=676&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PXL_20240228_220905660.jpg?w=676&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13194\" style=\"width:287px;height:auto\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/winingwithmel.com\/cheers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cheers<\/a> to another 10 years! Happy wining!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mel-edited.jpg?resize=500%2C490&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8978 jetpack-lazy-image\" style=\"width:128px;height:auto\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mel-edited.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mel-edited.jpg?resize=300%2C294&amp;ssl=1 300w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mel-edited.jpg?resize=500%2C490&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mel-edited.jpg?resize=500%2C490&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8978\" style=\"width:128px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mel-edited.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/winingwithmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mel-edited.jpg?resize=300%2C294&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded\" id=\"like-post-wrapper-179371927-13121-693e05e56c74c\" data-src=\"https:\/\/widgets.wp.com\/likes\/#blog_id=179371927&amp;post_id=13121&amp;origin=winingwithmel.com&amp;obj_id=179371927-13121-693e05e56c74c\" data-name=\"like-post-frame-179371927-13121-693e05e56c74c\">\n<h3 class=\"sd-title\">Like this:<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"button\"><span>Like<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"loading\">Loading&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"sd-text-color\"\/><a class=\"sd-link-color\"\/><\/div>\n<p><h3 class=\"jp-relatedposts-headline\"><em>Related<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On July 18, 2015, I published my very first blog post. I was late to the blogging party, but I had just finished my Sommelier Fundamentals courses, and I didn\u2019t want that to be the end of my wine journey. So, Wining with Mel was born! And with it, this mission statement: \u2026I do hope [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":342870,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[109761,109784,126098,201,166290,124763,136811],"tags":[3108,4711,1868,56940,107735,542,166291,132851,136814,132780,1003],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-342869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anniversary","category-celebration","category-sommelier-2","category-travel","category-wine-events","category-wine-tasting-2","category-wine-writer","tag-anniversary","tag-celebrating","tag-happy","tag-mel","tag-sommelier","tag-travel","tag-wine-events","tag-wine-tasting","tag-wine-writer","tag-wining","tag-years"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Happy anniversary! Celebrating 10 years of Wining with Mel \u2013 Wining with Mel - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=342869\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Happy anniversary! Celebrating 10 years of Wining with Mel \u2013 Wining with Mel - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On July 18, 2015, I published my very first blog post. I was late to the blogging party, but I had just finished my Sommelier Fundamentals courses, and I didn\u2019t want that to be the end of my wine journey. So, Wining with Mel was born! 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