Wine Writers Taking on World Affairs

Now there's a really bad idea

Is there an obligation for a commentator like me or any of the dozens of wine-related content creators on Substack or elsewhere to address hot-button political issues? Am I engaging in dereliction of duty by not commenting on the 2024 election, Donald Trump, or the Middle East conflicts? One reader thinks so. Consider the following email I received:

Tom,

How is it possible that you keep on using your substack to rail against alcohol regulations and “antialcohol” boogymen when the world is burning? By ignoring the 1000s of deaths of Palestinians supported by the US and the threat of a dictator in waiting taking over the government and by your continued diatribes over the 3 tier system and taxes on wine you are showing the ultimate act of privilege.

You clearly have an audience of readers, but you could make a much bigger difference in the world if you spent your time on the topics the wine industry should be exposed to. You have instead adopted a reactionary personality and continue to go on about the things that matter the least. A voice like yours working on behalf of justice would be put to better use.

This is why younger people are ignoring you and wine.

This is an attitude born out of political frustration. It’s a feeling many of us understand whether or not we identify as reactionaries or revolutionaries…or even just as moderates.

Over the years I’ve been taken to task publically and otherwise for my thoughts and opinions, but usually by those who take a different perspective on issues of the three-tier system, wine shipping, or any other industry-related issue I’ve written about. It has never been suggested that I abandon my focus on the wine and alcohol industry and focus on world affairs. That isn’t to say I’ve not strayed into issues of politics and world affairs, but those are rare instances here at Fermentation.