I just got back from the first annual Gary Vaynerchuk Thunder Cruise held on the MSC Orchestra this past week.
I’d like to sum up the experience using the information that I absorbed from the 200+ Vayniacs on the ship and of course, Gary himself.
Color: Golden Tan. (That’s me after 7 days of beautiful sunshine in the Dominican Republic, Antigua, St. Martin, Nassau and floating around the Caribbean).
Nose: Filled with scents of Strawberry Twizzlers, Fun Dip Sticks, Bacon, Grandpa’s Cherry Tobacco, Beef Jerky, Old Tennis Shoes, Dirt, Lemon Pledge, Helium Balloon, some Pineapple and Kiwi action, rounded out by a subtle scent of Cow Poop. (I learned that I can describe the aromas exactly how I smell them — and that was fun!)
Taste: New World, with a little bit of Old World class, very focused, absolutely rich with layers of complexity, great acid throughout, polished and balanced.
Missy Ward Rating: 92+
Summary: There was no shortage of wine to be tasted and Gary’s goal of expanding everyone’s palate was achieved. My fellow ThunderCruisers definitely made the experience even more spectacular. Improvements that could be made are based on the venue itself as the food on board was less than mediocre and quite a few staff members who attended to us in the Shaker Lounge, were just downright rude.)
That being said, Gary’s vineyard is solid and I’m sure that the ’10 vintage will be phenomenal.
Below are some highlights of the event:
Pictures:
Señor Sangria Sail Away Party
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Great meeting you. Had such a blast!
Dont forget to add your photos to the Flickr group:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1099393@N23/
Til 2010
My fellow ThunderCruisers definitely made the experience even more spectacular. Improvements that could be made are based on the venue itself as the food on board was less than mediocre and quite a few staff members who attended to us in the ,
Great post! Hope to be better. Better means more features.
Very cool! Congrats on the pairing.
what a bunch of losers… quarter bounce on a wine cruise, how apropriate indeed. when you grow up, maybe you won't need some talkin head on a video telling you how to interpet the wine you are drinking! In the meantime, keep buying that swill ; >)
Where do you supply wine commentary so that I can see how you evaluate wine? Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
From: IntenseDebate Notifications
hi, as my objective was not to intentionally offend anyone, I had to make the comment after seeing the vids (that said, I can only imagine what I would be doing after a week of non stop sampling). Wine is meant to be enjoyed… be it red white or in between and whether with fish, meat, cheese or whatever. What is important is how you like a wine and that it works for you… not the fact that it is described with colorful adjectives; all the verbage in the world won't make a bad wine drinkable. I've had some good and some bad wines from WL. If you get the chance, check out some of NYC's many wine bars and sample the pairings they offer… unusual wines and some damn good food. As I do enjoy Gary's vids now and then, I think there is a lot of good info out there to move beyond the v-yack modality. Eat, drink and enjoy!
Thanks for your thoughts on it Joe. Every Thursday night I attend an incredible dinner with a wine pairing at some exciting restaurant. I also travel across the country and sample hundreds of wines per year at vineyards to restaurants.
I really enjoyed the ThunderCruise because it was a new experience for me. I had never seen a Wine Library TV episode (http://missyward.com/2009/04/27/gary-vaynerchuk-l… and I have to say, I learned a lot from Gary while I was on the cruise. He introduced me to a $12 bottle of wine and a $300 bottle of wine that I now adore and I met many people that I can now share my wine experiences with as well.
I will continue to Eat, drink and enjoy. You do the same
Take care,
Missy Ward
* Co-Founder of Affiliate Summit, FeedFront Magazine and GeekCast.fm
* Affiliate Manager for ThesisAffiliates.com
* Personal Blog: �MissyWard.com
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YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The people: How much fun.. Everyone was so interesting. No, I wasn't there, but I'm a fan of every single one of u.. Much love, loves!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you taste as many beers as I did wine?
I wish! I was only there for an hour or so. Next time- and you have to join us
So jealous I missed the Thundercruise, but we did have a blast at the Affiliate Summit beer garden. Hopefully Gary's next event is planned any time other than a trade show.
Missy, I see exactly what you was talking about with the food accommodations and the rude lady.. Lol
Better venue/catering. It was still an awesome cruise, how fun!!!!!!!! I laughed..
The event itself was awesome because of the people (and of course, the wine). But that being said, I'd go with Princess or Royal Caribbean next year
Aw, when I gave my review I was just a silhouette. Oh well I guess it's what I was saying not how sexy I I looked while saying it. I had a great time on the Cruise it was nice meeting you and anytime you can play quarters with Sangria you know it was a good time.
Yeah — you were totally Witness Protection style in that video
It was great to meet you and I agree – Senor Sangria Quarters was awesome!
Glad you had a good time on the cruise Missy.
I really learned a lot and had a great time, too.
Great meeting you. Had such a blast!
Dont forget to add your photos to the Flickr group:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1099393@N23/
Til 2010
Great meeting you, too! I've added my pictures to the Flickr group and can't wait to see all the rest that will come in.
Missy, I saw some of your Tweets from the cruise and thought of you while at Adtech! Looks like you all had a ton of fun
It's crazy, huh, that people in the tourism industry are rude???
This was the first year that I've missed Ad:Tech San Francisco. I've ruined my perfect attendance record. And… I'd do it again for the same reason