Blogger Spotlight: Grape Experiences
Cindy Rynning runs her blog Grape Experiences from her home in Wheaton, Illinois. If you want to know more about wine, then this is the blog to read!
Cindy covers a wide variety of wine-related subjects, from wine reviews and people you should know to recipes that include wine pairings. There is even an entire section that categorizes wine by region to help you find stories all about the wines you love. Explore the blog and discover wineries, wine events, and posts from guest bloggers.
Founded in 2011, Grape Experiences has won several awards, including Best Wine Blog (U.S.) from Lux magazine's Food and Drink Awards in 2016. The site was also a finalist in the 2017 Millesima Wine Blog Awards.
The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?
Cindy Rynning: My wine blog is meant to be an entertaining, insightful, and inspirational way to help guide readers towards their next wine purchase, food and wine pairing, or wine country destination.
How'd you get started?
Once I decided to explore the world of wine, I completed Levels 2 and 3 of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust wine certification program, which is internationally recognized as one of the top wine programs in the world. Once I passed my Level 2 certification, I began Grape Experiences and soon thereafter passed Level 3. I've been writing for over five years; my blog began in the fall of 2011.
What is your philosophy of cooking or baking?
I love pairing wine and food! My philosophy with cooking or baking is to enjoy the process, and while I'm cooking, to find a fabulous wine that complements the flavors — and vice versa, to find a delicious food to pair with a wine.
What are some of the foods you can't live without?
I absolutely crave vegetarian pizza, popcorn, brie cheese, and fried chicken!!
Are there foods you can't stand?
Liver and onions. No, thank you!
What is your proudest post?
My post "Livermore Valley Wine Country – A Side Trip Becomes a Destination" was a finalist for the Millesima Wine Blog Awards in 2017 in the Wine Travel category!
Do you have a blogging blunder?
I hate to find typos or grammatical errors in published posts! Fortunately, my husband subscribes to my blog, and if he finds any, he'll call me. I edit like a crazy person before posting, so there aren't too many blunders.
What is your most memorable comment from a reader?
I have plenty of memorable quotes, but my favorites are from the winemakers whose wines I review. They are always appreciative and thrilled that their wines are receiving accolades.
What do you like to listen to while in the kitchen?
I like to listen to Motown or watch Netflix movies while cooking.
What are some other blogs you love?
Vindulge; Foodwineclick; Taste 52; The Pioneer Woman.
What is the best thing about blogging?
The social aspect of connecting with others is the best part. I love it when someone emails me thanking me for a wine suggestion, lets me know that they followed a recommendation I've made, or asks me for advice.
What is the most challenging thing about blogging?
A challenge is simply keeping up with writing! I have so much content to share... It's difficult finding the time to post! However, I publish an article about twice a week.
What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?
I don't drink as much wine as everyone thinks I do!! I taste, not drink!
Anything else you would like to share?
We can never learn enough about food and wine, so we have to keep educating ourselves.
What are five of your all-time favorite posts?
— Livermore Valley Wine Country – A Side Trip Becomes a Destination
— Chicago Sips: Orange Wine at Autre Monde
— Jordan Sager of Winesellers, Ltd – Relationships Matter
— Scotto Cellars' Masthead: A Lodi Wine Blended by Wine Bloggers
— Learn in Luxury – Chateau de Jalesnes Offers WSET 2 in April 2017
