Plovdiv, 24.10.15

BDWAbyWIM Winners Announcement Reception

Opening Speech

Dear Friends in Wine,

Authority as we’ve known it and as it still exists in many cases today is obsolete.

We, all together are shaping the reality whether it is digital or not

The web has given us unparalleled freedom, the freedom of knowledge.

While freedom to many of us provides myriads of opportunities to shape the future, To others freedom brings fear, a fear of the unknown.

….and fear, fear brings extremeness.

Extremeness is indeed on the rise, asking for control and restrictions bringing oppression.

When fear grows, we need strong values and principles to lead our way, to light our steps

We believe that in a time of extremeness, we need to be moderate, transparent and accountable and to respect, celebrate and protect diversity

Wine culture is an ever evolving culture of diversity and of appreciation. Appreciation of life, of earth, of the people.

We need to take responsibility to safeguard moderation and diversity, to protect wine from the extremes.

It is each and every one of us that has to take responsibility.

Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre has a vision where wine culture will always inspire healthy lifestyles and well-being.

We believe that we have to encourage moderation and responsibility in wine drinking as a cultural and social norm.

To protect the central place of wine in the gastronomy and the culture of our societies, while reducing alcohol misuse and abuse and its related harm.

Alcohol has risk, moderation is key

All of us, with our actions and especially you the digital wine communicators with your stories, your narratives, your interaction, are shaping today’s wine culture and passing wine to the next generation.

We believe that by highlighting quality content about wine culture and its moderate consumption, we defend a heritage of millenia.

Wine is indeed one of the most sustainable products of human kind.

It acts as a magnifier of our societies; it follows us to our best and to our worst.

We are proud to support an award and the people that are trying to bring out the best of us.

Congratulation to all those that have been shortlisted and passed a strict selection procedure from renowed experts.
I am looking forward as all of you to hearing the names of the winners of the categories.

Dear friends in wine, the Born Digital Wine Awards brought to you by Wine in Moderation is here to stay and to grow with your support, your quality content, your strong values and your responsibility.