Say Goodnight, Gracie
I don’t know about you, but I will sorely miss two wine journalists that had a huge impact on my desire to write about wine. After 12 years and 579 articles written, John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter, authors of the Wall Street Journal’s popular Friday wine column called “Tastings”, wrote their last column.
I’m not sure if this was a planned retirement by the couple or a forced one, but all I can say about the wine writing couple is that they achieved what so few wine writers and critics ever do: Making wine accessible, comfortable and fun for readers. Dottie and John had a remarkable ability to cut through the stuffiness and intimidation that still plagues the wine world, and made their wine experiences very intimate and personal for readers. I, like so many folks that write about wine, have read numerous books and taken plenty of classes that give one lots of “wine smarts”, but the wonderful writings and warm relationship that came through week after week in their column inspired me to just sit back and simply enjoy wine – not over analyze it. Their sole purpose was to enlighten people about all the wonderful things about wine without coming across as “Know it Alls”. I don’t know where the future of wine writing is heading, but I can honestly say that their no nonsense and passionate approach to this topic has left a lasting impression and smile on my face that I will be forever grateful to them for!
If you never had the opportunity to read their weekly column, I would highly recommend checking out The Wall Street Journal “Guide to Wine” New and Improved which reads like an expanded version of their Friday wine column.
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Tags: 9 Responses to “Say Goodnight, Gracie”
Agreed. They created a global community of readers and participants, while still leaving the impression that we were at a small, relaxed dinner party with them talking not just about wine, but about life.
so true
My heart is broken! The snob that they have at the WSJ on wine is terrible. On their recommendation I discovered new wonderful wines. Shame on the WSJ.
Let's cut to the chase: at some time in the near future, will there be a site where we can again read and enjoy your accessible – and wonderful – reviews of all kinds of wine? One assumes that after your successful careers at WSJ (which treated you shabbily – thank you, Mr. Murdoch), it's only reasonable to expect that your unique capabilities will be in demand at some other printed and/or online resource. I've lost count of the number of times I've Googled your names, in hopes of finding that your current writings are available somewhere. I remain hopeful1
I've stopped reading the WSJ since they left. I keep hoping they'll turn up somewhere. They encouraged me to try some wines that have become favorites, and their approach to life always reminded me to enjoy daily life.
Does anyone know what they are doing now? Writing a book, writing a column elsewhere. I still miss them. The replacement doesn't begin to replace them.
Great question! I’ve been wondering myself if the couple has officially retired or is working on another project. I will do my best to hopefully get an answer. As for their replacement, Mr. Jay McInerney’s columns are certainly far different from Dorothy and John’s once intimate and very personable wine columns. But, as much as I enjoyed reading the couple’s weekly column, I sometimes wondered if they were a good “fit” for WSJ readers. Whatever the reason for their departure – I, like you, also miss them!
They are sorely missed. Where are they now?
Great question David that I hope to be able to answer very soon. Have a great Thanksgiving!