On July 27th 2009, I embarked on a journey with this blog trying to talk about the wine region I love so much.

My first post was a review of Shinn Estate Vineyards  2006 Wild Boar Doe.  And from there my journey of mostly wine reviews continued.  While I tried to move away from those reviews, I found it difficult, which I still do.  I am in comfort zone with reviews.

Sure, I got to work a day or two during the 2009 harvest.  Sure, I attended barrel tastings and events.  Sure I got to meet winemakers and get to know the region a bit better.  This was all done to introduce the Long Island Wine Country to a bigger audience.  I hope that I have in some way done that.

When I hit my 100th post on March 31, 2010, I wrote about taking things up a level, moving away from the reviews and trying to take steps to do less “safe” blog posts.  I tried to push myself and push the envelope and make this more of journey as opposed to a log of tasting notes.

Needless to say, as I look at my 205 posts to date, I failed at what I wanted to do from March 31, 2010 moving forward.

On July 27, 2010, I hit the one year anniversary of my first post.  That day marked the birth of my son, Gabriel.  I remember my wife sleeping and I trying to sleep in a hospital chair as we wait in Stony Brook Hospital as the slowly started to induce labor.  I typed that post on my blackberry and posted it early that morning, waiting for my son to be born.

The year since then you have seen less blog posts thanks in part to my son and my role as President of the Medford Chamber of Commerce.  Two roles I am proud to have.

One year later, two years into this blog, a father, a leader and a husband.  All wonderful.  However, blogger, I think I have failed miserably.

This is not where I wanted to take Undertaking Wine.  I have done very little undertaking on the blog.  I have done alot of tasting though.  There are times I sit and think that I have failed, you my readers.  That I can do better.  I want to do better.

Where will this blog go in the next year — probably down the same review driven path,  but for your sake and my sake, I hope not.

Please be patient with me while I work through these “growing pains”.  I really want to do more with this, and I know I can, I just need time to figure it out.

I know that this post may seem like I am beating myself up, and I might be a little.  It is my way of pointing out my flaws and critiquing myself.  I love blogging and talking about wine.  I just need to do a better job of writing and posting and undertaking wine.

Keep reading this blog and keep drinking the local wine that I love so much.  I will find that niche and the itch again, but for now, things may stay things as they are on a limited basis.

Thank you to my readers, you know who you are.  Thank you to my wife Melissa, who allows me to follow my passion and keep this hobby.  Thank you to my son Gabriel who is the best thing I ever made.  Thank you to all who inspire me, whether you write, tweet or talk about wine, you help me.  Most importantly, thank you to all the Long Island wine makers, you inspire me and make the best wine.  Continue to grow this region.

Sláinte!