Tramin winery, looking out over tramin vineyards
Tramin winery, looking out over tramin vineyards

Technology can be a double-edged sword. Always-on internet and social media allow us to network and broadcast as never before, but that immediacy can sometimes be problematic.

At last year’s European Wine Bloggers Conference, the organisers went to great pains to ensure that we delegates had a near-constant wifi connection, enabling us to blog, tweet, like and share almost everything that happened at the conference in real time. Mostly this was genius, demonstrating an excellent return-on-investment to the very generous conference sponsors in Brescia and beyond. Occasionally when things went wrong (food arriving late or not at all, at the gala dinner), the torrent of carefully tagged and rather barbed tweets (being streamed onto a large screen for all to see) was, one suspects, somewhat embarrassing for the conference organisers.

Still, the high availability of wifi and its concomitant effects possibly reached their zenith on an all-day trip to Italy’s Northerly Alto Adige region. Our coach load of 25 wine nuts had its very own wifi engineer who travelled patiently with us all day, ensuring a high-quality connection on the two hour bus trip, at the wineries and even at our restaurant over lunch (delivered via a 3G-wifi bridge, I believe). This enabled a level of real-time twitter reportage that varied from the useful and well observed, to the plainly absurd and obsessive.

Since others have provided a detailed rundown of this splendid day (Notably Alexandra Corvo, Katie Myers, Andrew Barrow and Paola Tich) , with far more enlightening tasting notes than I could muster, I offer for your delectation instead the day as told to twitter:

The early start was made more painful for some who were overly enthusiastic the night before . . .

@spaswinefood

@spaswinefood #ewbc in Italy today it is Alto Adige : http://t.co/NPl7DGSN
Sun Oct 16 07:37:38

@aleksimehtonen

@aleksimehtonen Okay, with the help of few hours of sleep I move on to Breakfast and then off to Alto Adige! #EWBC
Sun Oct 16 07:42:47

@sipswooshspit Claps as our coach finally leaves for Alto Adige. Yay! #ewbc
Sun Oct 16 08:46:47

@simonjwoolf Would have missed the alto adige trip if it didn’t leave on Gabriella Mean Time #ewbc #lucky
Sun Oct 16 08:50:01

@viniculture_pl Is there anyone surprised we’re 45 minutes late on the bus to alto addige? #EWBC
Sun Oct 16 08:50:33

@LouiseHurren pleased that we’re visiting Tramin on our Alto-Adige outing #ewbc #ewbc2011 http://t.co/UVIA478t
 Sun Oct 16 08:52:43



 
 
Some people were still harking back to the late change in the gala dinner menu the night before:
 
 
 @zone41 Dreaming with Pizza, let see if they got it http://t.co/AP5AKyFt #altoadige #Ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 09:02:09 2011
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC #altoadige Possibly the most scenic gas stop ever. Love this place. http://t.co/8Ef00EDJ
  Sun Oct 16 10:38:48
 
 
 
 
Others were not quite ready for the first wine tasting of the day (11am):
 
 
 @wine_scribbler At border of alto adige… so ten minutes until first wines of the day! #ewbc (but no coffee)
  Sun Oct 16 10:42:10
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC Welcome to South Tyrol! Magnificent. Where’s the coffee?????????
  Sun Oct 16 10:45:59
 
 
 @simonjwoolf The barrista at lunch yesterday was offended when I asked for cafe lungo. Can’t taste the terroir apparently.#ewbc #italy
  Sun Oct 16 10:52:00
 
 @sipswooshspit Given that we are now in a part of Italy that used to be Austria, I imagine everything will now run on time #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 10:46:02
 
 
 @LouiseHurren crazy architecture alert at Tramin #ewbc http://t.co/PJNP2QtV
  Sun Oct 16 11:54:54
 
 
 
Epic tasting at Tramin
Epic tasting at Tramin
 
Anyone who was expecting a quick race through half a dozen wines was in for a shock . . .
 
 
 @viniculture_pl #ewbc time to taste some wine! (@ Cantina Tramin Kellerei) http://t.co/uFh2JKiR
  Sun Oct 16 12:02:33
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen Tastiiiing! #ewbc (@ Cantina Tramin Kellerei w/ @viniculture_pl) [pic]: http://t.co/xkCJvAA0
 
 Sun Oct 16 12:12:14
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler And a tasting… train, alto adige http://t.co/FX6E9P5f http://t.co/t0yGA3oH #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 12:13:29
 
 
 @Diane_Letulle View from the Tramin winery tasting room #EWBC http://t.co/CGWSh11c
  Sun Oct 16 12:17:42
 
 
 
 
@WineCoMN #EWBC Drinking some 2002 Pinot Grigio and loving it. #acidityrocks
  Sun Oct 16 12:35:31
 
 
 
 
 @Diane_Letulle 2006 Tramin Stoan: Chard, SB, Gewürz & Pinot Bianco blend – delicious minerality, lychees, great acid – love this #EWBC #AltoAdige
  Sun Oct 16 12:36:02
 
 @wine_scribbler Tramin unterebner pinot grigio… ummm, not bad… #ewbc 🙂 even at 30US dollars…
  Sun Oct 16 12:39:53
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Tramin Stoan is pretty remarkable, particularly 2006 and 2004. Chardonnay-dominated blend (60ish%). High acid. Love Alto Adige! #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 12:41:48
 

 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC 2010 Montan Sauvignon Blanc is like Austria meets Italy … Yum!!!
  Sun Oct 16 12:47:01
 
 
By wine #20, some of us were beginnning to flag . . .
 
 sipswooshspit Five flights of Nussbaumer Gewurtz next at Tramin. @simonjwoolf is hanging in there.. #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 12:52:35
 
 @simonjwoolf @sipswooshspit by a thread. Reds and sweets are helping.#ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:26:06
 

 
 
 @LouiseHurren Tramin logo: a triumph of clarity over clutter #ewbc #mostdesignsavvycoopiveevervisited http://t.co/oOJu0gxa
  Sun Oct 16 12:52:51
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine @sipswooshspit For sure! Super-impressed with wines at Tramin so far. #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 12:54:00
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler Goodness this mix of honeysuckle, sweet pea & violets can only be a gewurz… tramin nussbaumer 2010… #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 12:54:53
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine And now for 2010, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2001 Nissbaumer Gewürztraminer (Tramin’s most important wine) #EWBC #getready
  Sun Oct 16 12:56:38
 
 
It wasn’t only the wines that were grabbing people’s attention
 
 
 @sipswooshspit @KatieDrinksWine the winemaker’s quite dashing too… #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 12:56:47
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine If I could bottle this and wear it… I’d probably be followed by a swarm of bees. Extolling the virtues of gewürztraminer… #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 12:59:16
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler Diane is getting giggly… someones tired… #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:01:13
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler Think I prefer them younger… I’M TALKING ABOUT THE WINE (nussbaumer gewurz 2010/2009/2006/2003/2000) #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:03:39
 
 
 
 
 
 @Diane_Letulle @wine_scribbler double entendres x 2 = nearly losing the mouthful of wine #EWBC #giggles
  Sun Oct 16 13:04:01
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine @wine_scribbler @sipswooshspit Well when the wines match the beauty of our surroundings… 😉 #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:04:11
 
 
 @LouiseHurren ok, I confess: I’m swallowing a little bit #ewbc #gewurzvertical http://t.co/0gqzzHUT
  Sun Oct 16 13:04:41
 
 
 @simonjwoolf Such fine finishes on the tramin white wines #ewbc http://t.co/EwfLnH4u
  Sun Oct 16 13:10:00
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine @KatieDrinksWine @wine_scribbler But there is a suppleness that comes with age… #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:10:55
 
 
 
 
 
 @Diane_Letulle Nussbaumer label of Gewürztraminer from Tramin is their most important wine – tasting thru 5 from last decade, I’m really impressed #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:12:14
 
 
 
 
 
 @Diane_Letulle Now cut that out you two @wine_scribbler @katiedrinkswine #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:14:35
 
 
 
 
 
 @winedefenders With @zone41 and @andrerib tasting Pinot Noir en #Tramin ! #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:14:50
 
 
 
As we moved to reds and sweet wines, stomachs began to rumble
 
 
 @simonjwoolf I’m so hungry I may have to munch the tannins in the Tramin pinot. Too delicate to be filling… #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:15:34
 
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen @simonjwoolf pizza? #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:16:36
 
 
 
 
 
@viniculture_pl Is it the time, we should start using #PIZZA tag? #EWBCplease… Correct me if I’m wrong;)
  Sun Oct 16 13:18:32
 
 
 
 
 
 @winedefenders @simonjwoolf I need some mangables too! #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:19:11
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine All I can smell is a black cherry cobbler in the Lagrein. Much more structure and tannins on the palate, though. #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:20:29
 
 
 
 
 
 @Diane_Letulle Drinking Lagrein as I look out at the Dolomite mountains of Alto Adige…content #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 13:20:55
 
 
 
 
 
 @simonjwoolf Loving the Tramin lagrein. Dark fruit, crunchy but v well managed tannins. Mineral finish. #ewbc http://t.co/cMifFvNh
  Sun Oct 16 13:21:45
 
 
 
 
 
 @simonjwoolf @viniculture_pl you are not wrong.#ewbc #pizza
  Sun Oct 16 13:23:20
 
 
 
 
 
 @LouiseHurren Gewurz late harvest 2009 Terminum: utterly Crunchy bar #honeycomb #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:23:24
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler Late harvest terminium gewurztraminer? Well, I don’t mind if i do… 2009 and 2006 you say? #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:23:46
 
 
 
 
 
 @viniculture_pl Yay! Sweets are on the table :] woot!!! #EWBC #ilovehoney w / @aleksimehtonen @LouiseHurren @KenPayton http://t.co/5KAYtyD0
 Sun Oct 16 13:23:50
 
 

 
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen The 06 late harvest traminer by Tramin is quite good. #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:27:22
 
 
 
 
 
@sipswooshspit Audible sounds of pleasure as @AlexandraCorvo tastes the Tramin Terminum late harvest 09 #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:27:27
 
 
 
 
 
 @viniculture_pl @simonjwoolf thank you!;) that’s why they gave us dessert;)))) #ewbc #nopizzatoday #pizza
  Sun Oct 16 13:27:28
 
 
 
 
 
@AlexandraCorvo http://t.co/nuWbG9fY tasting in tramin winery in alto adige #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:28:10
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler I am swallowing not spitting – THE WINES!! #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:28:38
 
 
 
 
 
 @Diane_Letulle I always swallow the stickies RT @wine_scribbler: I am swallowing not spitting – THE WINES!! #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:30:52
 
 
 
 @AlexandraCorvo Sorry guys RT @sipswooshspit Audible sounds of pleasure as @AlexandraCorvo tastes the Tramin Terminum late harvest 09 #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 13:31:40
 
 
 
Lunch at Seehofkeller
Lunch at Seehofkeller
 
Lunch at the Seehofkeller proved to be rather a hit . . .
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler Lunch in the glorious sun overlooking a beautiful lake. It’s quite nice…#ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 14:35:58
 
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC Life is good. Really good. http://t.co/tKwbh51Y
  Sun Oct 16 15:05:15
 
 
 
 
 
 @sipswooshspit Lunch at Seehofkeller. Stunning views, great wine, colourful food http://t.co/2r6E9rnx #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 15:10:58
 
 
 
 
 @simonjwoolf @Diane_Letulle is in a strudel coma 🙂 #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 15:16:47
 
 
 
 @viniculture_pl I’m sorry to say that, but #AltoAdige #EWBC trip is just having the best food during the conference 😛 #nopizzaplease
  Sun Oct 16 15:21:41
 
 @KatieDrinksWine This is really nice #EWBC http://t.co/8FV2Lbnf
  Sun Oct 16 15:51:46
 
 
 
Vineyards at Terlan
Vineyards at Terlan
 
Somewhat exhausted, we drove to the day’s second winery – Terlan, near Bolzano. And only two hours behind schedule.
 
 
 @viniculture_pl Vertical tasting is about to begin #ewbc #altoadige (@ Terlano) [pic]: http://t.co/EsP1eczV
  Sun Oct 16 16:13:01
 
 
 @wine_scribbler A wine tasting? What now? Ok then… let’s get it going.. #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 16:15:54
 
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC interesting (and wonderful): Terlan tastes it’s crisp whites from Riedel Vinum Burgundy stems (my favorite).
 
 Sun Oct 16 16:19:31
 
 
 @zone41 Cantina Tralan -tasting view – #ewbc http://t.co/mrUE0sLm
  Sun Oct 16 16:25:27
 
 
Terlan’s speciality is its library of older vintages – of white wines . . .
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Terlan 2006 Pinot Bianco Reserva from MAGNUM. Never had Pinot Biancos like this before. Chalky nose. #acid #character #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 16:29:36 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler http://t.co/P3aDLSSA terlan tasting these old pinot biancos in magnum 2004 & 1999 are rather special… #ewbc
 
 Sun Oct 16 16:34:23
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen Amazing tasting coming up. Vintages from 1959 to 2011 with @winedefenders #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 16:34:25
 
 
And when we say old
 
 sipswooshspit We’re on the 1987 Terlan Vorberg Pinot Bianco http://t.co/uafj6n0y #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 16:46:54
 
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC This is what an amazing 52 year old Alto Adige Pinot Bianco looks like! http://t.co/PyBPwgTj
  Sun Oct 16 16:48:25
 
 
 
 
 
 @zone41 Terlano Pinot Bianco 1987 #ewbc #altoadige http://t.co/N7Wz0i6f
  Sun Oct 16 16:48:30
 
 
 
We mean *really* old
 
 
 
 
 @simonjwoolf Here comes the 1959 terlano pinot bianco #ewbc http://t.co/qKUR7wNt
  Sun Oct 16 16:49:04
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Terlan Pinot Bianco 1987 smells like marmalade on toast #EWBC http://t.co/TMNxS2VO
  Sun Oct 16 16:50:45
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine 1959 smells of candied mangoes, butterscotch, mushroom. Oxidative on the palate, almost like a sherry. Oldest wine I’ve tasted. #EWBC
 
 
 Sun Oct 16 16:51:56
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Only 220 bottles of the 1959 left in stock. #crazy #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 16:51:56
 
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Terlan Pinot Bianco 1959 so old there’s no label! #EWBC http://t.co/mhGBGQoK
  Sun Oct 16 16:55:05
 
 
 
This tasting wasn’t just about vintage Pinot Bianco though
 
 
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC At Terlan …. Oh, there’s more! Thought the 1959 was the end. Another 12 to go! #lovewater
  Sun Oct 16 16:55:41
 
 
 
 
 
 
 @viniculture_pl #AltoAdige trip has just started swallowing;) throw out spittoons! #EWBC #FTW #Terlan
  Sun Oct 16 16:56:36
 
 
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen The 59 pinot bianco Terlano was purely amazing!! #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 16:57:57
 
 
 
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBCdid anybody dump the 1959? Hope not.
  Sun Oct 16 16:58:53
 
 
 
 
 
 @andrerib Terlano Pinot Bianco 1959 is an EPIC wine! #humbled #ewbc #fb
 Sun Oct 16 17:00:30
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine @WineCoMN Hanging onto it to see what it tastes like just before we leave. #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 17:00:58
 
 
The Chardonnays also had considerable staying power
 
 
 
 
 
 @zone41 Terlano Chardonnay 1994 and 1996 #altoadige #ewbc #tasting http://t.co/Cpuw7S9A
  Sun Oct 16 17:01:15
 
 
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen Down to my throat. RT @WineCoMN: #EWBCdid anybody dump the 1959? Hope not.
  Sun Oct 16 17:02:43
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Perfecting obnoxious aeration sounds and spitting techniques. #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 17:03:19
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 @zone41 Terlano Chardonnay 1994 and 1996 #altoadige #ewbc #tasting http://t.co/Cpuw7S9A
  Sun Oct 16 17:01:15
 
 
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen Down to my throat. RT @WineCoMN: #EWBCdid anybody dump the 1959? Hope not.
  Sun Oct 16 17:02:43
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Perfecting obnoxious aeration sounds and spitting techniques. #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 17:03:19
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler I say old boy that terlano chardonnay 1996 is rather pleasant… #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:04:50
 
 
 
 
 
 @AngelaKallsen #EWBC #Terlan great photos on the handouts, too!
  Sun Oct 16 17:19:40
 
 
 
And the Sauvignons weren’t too shabby either
 
 
 
 
 @AngelaKallsen Green pepper & cumin in a 91 sauv blanc. Huh. Who knew? #EWBC #Terlan
  Sun Oct 16 17:23:11
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine @WineCoMN I LOVE your wife’s tasting notes. And they’re dead-on. #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 17:23:13
 
 
 
 
 
 @simonjwoolf Now a 1991 sauvignon from terlano. Still fresh, creamy, gunflint. V v long.#ewbc http://t.co/rOc1843R
  Sun Oct 16 17:23:17
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler The older vintage terlano sauvignon 1991 not really to my taste but the 2008 in magnum is wonderful #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:25:10
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC Group at #Terlan starting to lose it. Long day lots of tasting and sudden jibberish in the room. #holdittogether
  Sun Oct 16 17:26:43
 
 
 
 @sipswooshspit Like the Duracell bunny the acidity in Terlan’s wines lasts for years, based on evidence in today’s tastings #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:29:46
 
 
 
 
 @WineCoMN #EWBC best flight of the week … Yum.
  Sun Oct 16 17:34:07
 
 
Terlaner is the classic white blend of the region
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Terlaner tastes and smells like perfume. In a good way. 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chard, 10% Sauvignon Blanc. #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 17:35:29
 

 
 
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen My year up next, 1986 Tarlaner #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:37:52
 
 
 
 
 
 @viniculture_pl I’m really impressed by the knowledge of people leading tastings about each and every bottle tasted. Kudos! #omg #EWBC #AltoAdige
  Sun Oct 16 17:39:14
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine @aleksimehtonen You’re such a young one! #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 17:39:37
 
 
 
 @AngelaKallsen #EWBC we gonna party like it’s 1999! (Nova Domus Terlaner Riserva, magnum, to be exact)
  Sun Oct 16 17:40:18
 
 
 @aleksimehtonen If you have ever wondered how I smell and taste, try the 86 Terlaner. #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:42:47
 

 
 
 @simonjwoolf Another vintage terlano.1986 terlaner (traditional blend of p bianco, chard, sauc). We brits love decreptitude #ewbc http://t.co/uvS9LxSI
  Sun Oct 16 17:44:21
 

 
 
 
 
@WineCoMN #EWBCAcidity is king. Proven today.
  Sun Oct 16 17:50:02
 
 
 
The Terlan tasting was without question the standout flight of the whole three day conference
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Man, this is the big league. #almostthere #eversoslightpalatefatigue #EWBC #AltoAdige
  Sun Oct 16 17:50:14
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Here come the Lagreins! #EWBC #AltoAdige #Terlan
  Sun Oct 16 17:51:27
 
 
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler This lunare gewurztraminer 2009 with just a touch of sugar – 4.5g – gets a huge thumbs up from this end of the room. #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:51:38
 
 
 
 @sipswooshspit I think it’s safe to say, we won’t be back by 7.30. But what a FABULOUS day at Tramin and Terlan #ewbc #altoadige
  Sun Oct 16 17:52:05
 
 
 
 
 @winedefenders #ternaler whites are like a time machine #EWBC
  Sun Oct 16 17:55:01
 
 
 
Tasting notes for such venerable wines were frequently imaginative
 
 
 
 
 @AngelaKallsen #EWBCParents: when I say a wine has a slight “diaper genie” undertone on the nose, do you know what I’m talking about?!?
  Sun Oct 16 17:55:31
 
 
 
 
 
 @KatieDrinksWine Agreed! RT @wine_scribbler lunare gewurztraminer 2009 w/ touch of sugar – 4.5g – gets a huge thumbs up from this end of the room. #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:56:34
 
 
 
 @wine_scribbler What an excellent tasting! hand claps all round for opening such a great range of vintages for such stunning wines #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 17:56:57
 
 
 
Coffee and Painkiller
😮
 
All that was left was a final summing up on the coach trip back to Brescia . .
 
 @spaswinefood #ewbc a perfect day wine tasting in Alto Adige
  Sun Oct 16 19:49:57
 
 @sipswooshspit Love the fact we had our own wifi guy with us today to keep us connected everywhere #ewbc
  Sun Oct 16 20:16:46
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
———
 
We were the guests of Tramin and Terlan. Judith Unterholzner was our gracious guide/tour manager for the day.
 
Many thanks to all the authors of the tweets, namely:
 
@aleksimehtonen
 
@AlexandraCorvo
 
@AngelaKallsen
 
@Diane_Letulle
 
@KatieDrinksWine
 
@LouiseHurren
 
@simonjwoolf
 
@sipswooshspit
 
@spaswinefood
 
@viniculture_pl
 
@WineCoMN
 
@winedefenders
 
@wine_scribbler
 
@zone41