By GENE KIZHNERMAN -JULY 25, 2019
We spoke to Isabel Freeman the wine lover and founder of Napa Valley Tip blog that shares her love and all the wonderful attractions in Napa, California. Everyone has their own take on being an influencer and what role social media plays in brand recognition. Please follow our journey. Please follow her on Instagram @NapaValleyTip.
Isabel, everyone starts their journey somewhere. You began your journey in Brazil and then migrated over to California. How did you find your love for wine? What inspired the journey?
IF: My journey to wine love began when I moved from Brazil to California in 2015. I met my husband, who was born and raised in Napa, and he introduced me to world-class wines. How could anyone resist a quality Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley? You could say I was called to Wine Country and I was more than happy to answer the call!
There are so many Social Media accounts, why did you decide to use Instagram as your sharing platform? What did it offer that others lacked, in your opinion?
IF: The trends in social media, the past few years reveal Instagram is the hottest platform right now, and that’s where I was already following many people who I look up to. So, I decided to put most of my energy into Instagram. Facebook and Twitter used to be the social media leaders, but now they have fallen behind.
Everyone remembers their most memorable wine experience. Can you share yours with us? What made it stand out?
IF: I’ve had so many wonderful wine experiences, so it isn’t easy to choose just one. That said, Cardinale Estate Winery in the Napa Valley stands out for me because the wine is so good that it blew my mind, and their hospitality is as good as it gets. It was a fairy tale experience and I was treated like royalty. Also, their views of the Valley are simply breathtaking.
Wine is a global phenomenon, but do you think there is one country over another has it locked down to coming out with some of the best expressions wine has to offer?
IF: All countries have something unique and spectacular to offer in the world of wine, so there is no one country that has it locked down. That said, I really must say Napa Valley wines are the best I’ve tried, but I’m always impressed when I discover something new from another region. Long story short, all wines from planet Earth are invited to my parties!
What are your favorite varietals and why?
IF: For reds, I’m spoiled here in the Napa Valley with the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. For whites, I’m loving Sauvignon Blanc as an approachable and refreshing option that I consider a breakfast wine. For Rosé, my favorites are made with Grenache grapes, which I can drink all day #roseallday!
The greatest lesson you learned in this business is…
IF: Wine introduces us to people and brings us closer together. In the end, it is all about the people and passion for amazing wine.
What advice would you give wine brands and wineries who are looking to work with an influencer such as yourself? What questions should they be asking themselves?
IF: Influencers make the difference, so it is wise for wine brands and wineries to make these connections. Influencers make deep and meaningful connections with real people from all over the world, not just our local regions, so our audience is diverse. Wine brands and wineries should dedicate more time and a budget to discover talented influencers and establish relationships with us. Some good questions to ask are “what can an influencer bring to my brand?” and “how can an influencer help connect us to our target demographic and increase our business?”
Please tell us about Napa Valley Tip and what the site is all about?
IF: Napa Valley Tip is about sharing all kinds of information about the California Wine Country. My blog highlights the very best experiences you can find in this region, including wine, food, scenic beauty, and lifestyle. You can book tours through my website in which I create a custom itinerary to fit your needs and preferences.
What do you think is the most important quality for the influencer to possess?
IF: Leadership. Influencers can only be effective if we can be the type of person who others want to follow, which means we must be strong leaders to be successful. Going one step further, we can only be strong leaders if we have a natural love of people and want to share our treasures with others.
On a personal note, what are some of the most important things in your life?
IF: Family first, always, since I owe everything I have to my family for bringing me into this world and supporting me every step of the way. Health, including mental health, come next since we can’t enjoy our experiences if we’re sick or feeling bad.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
IF: I would like to share an open invitation for anyone and everyone to contact me to ask questions about the Napa Valley, and you’re certainly welcome to book a tour with me through my website so I can show you the Valley first hand. Napa is a magical place that is so easy to fall in love with, and everyone goes home a winner. Finally, you should know the culinary scene in the Napa Valley is phenomenal and underrated because wine justifiably gets the spotlight.