Enobytes Wine Blog

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at harvest time, welcome to the 21st century! Only now will you have the exclusive opportunity to view a new relationship between winemakers and wine consumers.

This is happening now, solely on the expansion of technology. It’s exciting to be in an age where we, the consumers, have such an exclusive opportunity to interact with the viticulturists and winemakers prior to wine fermentation.

The endeavor, headed by Titus vineyards, will use technologies like Ustream and Talkshoe to broadcast what goes on behind the scenes during harvest.

A number of wineries have used Ustream technology to broadcast harvest activities but most seem to approach it in a somewhat static manner by pointing a camera down a row or at a piece of equipment (e.g. a sorter, press, etc.) as the viewer watches the activity. Chat is usually accessible, but many times viewers spend the majority of their time talking amongst themselves as they view the live feed.

Titus will kick it up a notch by integrating conference call technology, allowing users to interact with Eric and Philip Titus and other crew members. Titus intends to integrate Talkshoe so that online viewers will be able to dial in and listen to questions and answers as if they are sitting in a live audience. Initially, this number will be given out to wine club members, media, and trade, however, it will later be opened to the public.

What’s really cool about this venture is that they are going beyond the simple "chat" model. Interacting with consumers is where it is at, and conference call technology will definitely raise the bar. If that wasn’t enough, Titus plans on going a step further by mobilizing their camera; they realize that not all questions are easily answered by simple "chat" or conference call replies. In this case, they will move the camera to "show" viewers the "what’s and how’s". How cool is that? Titus is definitely kicking it up a notch!

Check out the shows, which begin regular programming (twice daily) 9/29 – 10/3. Talkshoe capabilities will begin the morning of 9/30 (TODAY!) Be a part of this first hand one of a kind experience watching as the fruit goes from the grape to the glass. Join the visionaries at Titus and revel in their ability to connect with the consumer.

Connect to the video stream here or here.