Media Kit


About Vino-Sphere

Vino-Sphere is a blog focused on wine, food, and travel. Articles range from wine tasting notes and winery reports to stories on events, interesting travel destinations, and restaurant experiences. The editorial philosophy is that wine, food, and travel make life a celebration. We share our experiences and knowledge in an entertaining format. Articles include original photography.

Vino-Sphere is the successor of Toledo Wines and Vines, which began publishing in 2009. More than 1,900 blog posts are accessible via Vino-Sphere. In 2020, Feedspot named Vino-Sphere one of the top 100 wine blogs, and Dave was named one of the top 101 wine writers for 2020 by Corking Wine.

About Publisher Dave Nershi, CSW

Dave Nershi is the publisher of the Vino-Sphere blog. A former newspaper and magazine editor, Dave is an award-winning writer with a focus on wines, wineries, and related travel. Currently based in North Carolina, he travels extensively for stories (South Africa, British Columbia, Spain, and even locations closer to home).

A career in association management and meeting planning provides him with a unique perspective on hotels, restaurants, and special events. When not writing, taking photos, or traveling, Dave enjoys playing tennis.

He is a Certified Specialist of Wine (a certification of the Society of Wine Educators) and has served as a wine judge at a number of competitions including being a guest judge for the Indianapolis International Wine Competition. He has completed the Napa Rocks certification and is a board member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association and the Wine Century Club. In addition to his wine writing, he presents wine education classes and webinars.


What We Cover and What We Don't

We regularly review wine, wine accessories, wine-related books, wine regions, and wine destinations. We don't review spirits or beer (except as it may be part of a dining or travel story). Our travel stories focus on destinations or unique events. Helpful travel products are also within our editorial focus. Our food writing focuses on restaurants, culinary events, and cooking.

Sample and Review Policy

If you are interested in sending wine, books, or products for review, please contact us at publish@vino-sphere.com for a shipping address. We accept samples and press/media kits from wineries, distributors, marketing, and public relations firms and retail shops. If you send products, please note the following:

  1. No guarantee is made that your product will be reviewed.
  2. We typically review products we are enthusiastic about, but a decision to review your product does not guarantee a positive review.
  3. All products, including wine, that are received as a press sample will be clearly indicated as such on the blog.
  4. You will receive an e-mail with a link when the review is posted.

Thank you in advance for the opportunity to sample and blog about your wine or products.

What Can You Expect?

We typically review wine or products within 14 days, but this can vary depending on travel schedules and other projects. We will acknowledge receipt of your shipment. When the article is published, we'll send a link to the story. We'll also provide social media support through Twitter, Instagram, and/or Facebook pages. We usually have three or more tweets. If you provide a Twitter handle, we'll include that in the tweet.

Press Trips, Food and Wine Events, Twitter Tastings

Participation in trips, events, and tastings will be considered based on schedule availability and fit with our editorial focus. All efforts will be made to maximize the benefit to the host of the trip, event, or tasting. This includes amplification through social media channels as well as published articles. You can expect us to be a polite, professional, courteous, and appreciative participant who helps you achieve your goals.
















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