Fifty Seven Channels (and Nothing On)
Remember when there were only four television channels in Australia?
Actually, that was in the capital cities. Down in Margaret River
there were only two channels. Life was so much simpler then.
Now, as Bruce Springsteen once lamented, there are “Fifty seven
channels (and nothing on).” That, however, was before Wine TV.
Wine Network, Inc. headquartered in California (where else?), is the
parent of Wine TV - the world‘s first and only TV channel dedicated
solely to wine.
Viewers are drawn from the rapidly growing consumer base of wine
lovers worldwide. Wine TV offers a wide range of programming, in
different national languages, about all things pertaining to wine
and wine lover‘s lifestyle.
The International launch of Wine TV was 17, September 2004 in
Germany in German where it was called Wein TV on Kabel Deutschland
(Europe‘s largest cable operator) and KabelVision.
In November that same year, Wine TV was launched in November 2004 in
the UK and Ireland as Wine TV on BskyB (Europe‘s largest digital
direct-to-home satellite operator).
In 2005 and 2006 the Wine Network expanded its European reach to
serve subscribers in Russia, Portugal, Switzerland, The Netherlands,
Malta, Hungary, Estonia, Bosnia and Slovenia. The official publicity
says that, “it also expanded its reach into the Asia/Pacific
region to subscribers in Australia, Indonesia, and The Philippines.”
Well, I am rather an accomplished watcher of cable TV, and I haven’t
seen Wine TV on Foxtel, but I hear that it is on SelecTV. Looking
through the programming list, it is rather delicious. Here’s a
sample:
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THE WINE ROUTE
A comprehensive series that
explores the globally acclaimed wine regions of the world.
Each program explores the diversity of wine growing
countries, from Europe to Oceania passing through Africa,
the Middle East, Asia, and America. Over 500 vintners share
the same passion, skills, and attitudes for good wine, from
the smallest winery to the largest. The series will also
provide advice on how to enjoy a good wine tasting, savoring
typical dishes prepared by accomplished chefs.
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WINE 101
Narrated by David Hyde Pierce
of the popular US sitcom “Frasier”, Wine 101 is designed to
educate the wine enthusiast with a light hearted approach to
the complex world of wine. Viewers go on a journey to the
wine making regions of Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, and
the United States – meeting a mix of wine and food experts
through informal conversation.
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A TASTE OF BRITTANY
A funny series host brings us
on a cuisine trip to the Western France, Celtic, Brittany
region. The audience discovers in Brittany a very special
place in each episode from a local chef’s point of view.
During a quick local tour to purchase ingredients and the
right wine, he reveals to us his secret places where he
picks up the best aliments for his cuisine and then cooks
for us a local special culinary dish. Viewers will
experience why France, and Brittany in particular, is the
best place to travel and eat.
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OFF THE VINE
Hosted by wine expert of
Australia, Stephen John, along with food expert Chris Jarmer,
a third generation chef who has worked for the Hyatt in
Sydney and represented Australia in the Work Skill Olympics.
Viewers get a real behind the scenes look at the people
involved in all aspects of the Australian wine industry.
Each episode also contains modern recipes that require
minimum effort to cook – but allow for maximum flavor to
complement wine. It is as good as a long trip throughout
Australia’s best wine regions.
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WINE TELEVISION
The basic wine show. A stylish
presentation combining wine features with stories of food
and travel. Viewers get a special look at cellars, kitchens,
vineyards and the most exclusive events and happenings all
over the globe. Various episodes include intriguing
personalities, experts, and celebrities enjoying fine
cuisine, rich history and lush landscapes. Each episode
serves as both a comprehensive overview for the novice and
as an update on the latest inside scoop for the aficionado.
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I hear that Wine TV will be shown on some airline inflight
entertainment systems on Australian bound aircraft. Stay tuned!
Ben Killerby |
