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1. I am Dr. Elizabeth Smith, a former community college professor of French and Spanish, and a Napa Valley and Sonoma wine club manager turned award-winning writer, copywriter, marketer, and brand ambassador. It was my Hungarian Wines Web Wine Writing win in August 2022 that led me to Hungary for the first time, where my passion for Central European wines was born.

This fortuitous turn of events has led me to Hungary six times – as well as Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Serbia – to discover and share untold stories that make Central European, people, places, and wines unlike no others in the world. In October 2024, I moved to Zagreb, Croatia to immerse myself in the region I love. I continue to serve as a brand ambassador for Croatian Premium Wine Imports in the U.S. I am a freelance writer for my own Substack websites, as well as other media like the American Wine Society Wine Journal.

 

2. Some might say the greatest challenges facing the industry are the latest health news about no amount of alcohol being good for us, how to reach a younger generation, and the glut of wine on the market. However, from my perspective as a writer and marketer, it is making one's wineries/wines stand out from the crowd. That's where people like me (marketers, writers, content creators) are essential – to help one tell and sell the story and assist in creating and maintaining meaningful connections with consumers.

 

3. I most admire the viticultural areas of Central European countries. After so much political strife and wars across generations, producers have had the fortitude and passion to replant their vineyards and start over – recreating their family winegrowing and winemaking businesses from scratch. It is wonderful to see them beginning to be recognized as quality producers that can compete with more well-known regions.

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After so much political strife and wars across generations, producers have had the fortitude and passion to replant their vineyards and start over

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4. I am still trying to figure out what my average day is like since transitioning from living in the U.S. to living in Croatia. My life the past five months has been focused on the process of applying to be a digital nomad resident and relocating. It is my first time living in another country, so a steep learning and cultural curve. At the moment, I spend a lot of time attending key wine events in Croatia, writing, and traveling back to the U.S. to co-host Croatian wine tasting events.

 

5. You are buying me vintage Champagne, preferably zero dosage rosé (but I would be happy with traditional method sparklings from around the world).

 

6. I don’t have a traditional job – I am an independent contractor and writer – so the freedom that comes with being my own boss and setting my own schedule is the best. What I dislike is the inconsistency– and sometimes lower pay and/or lack of income. I only have a few steady clients – others come and go.

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7. I am in awe of the high quality of wines I have discovered in Central Europe at a fraction of the cost of those from more famous regions like Napa, Sonoma, Champagne, Bourgogne, Bordeaux, etc. For example, I love traditional method sparkling and I’ve enjoyed wonderful examples under 20-25 EUR from producers in Croatia’s Plešivica region. Hungarian native-variety wines like Furmint, Juhfark, Kadarka, etc. are some of the best I’ve ever had and are also excellent values. The same can be said for wines from other regions in Croatia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, etc. High

quality at affordable prices allows more people to enjoy wine.

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8. I won’t say I no longer enjoy ‘big California red wines’, but I drink fewer of them and prefer the restraint and balance of European reds.

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9. I don’t have a favorite varietal wine, but I prefer traditional method sparkling wines, whites, and ‘dedicated’ rosés – those made from grapes that are picked early and pressed just for making rosé.

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10. The most overrated aspect of the wine world is that price is an indicator of quality.

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11. The single two pieces of advice I would give myself is don’t try to be perfect and don’t take anything personally. I was an overachieving perfectionist who was easily hurt by criticism. I am in recovery, and it is so freeing.

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12. Adapting to climate change means being open to changing what one grows and makes experiment with different varieties that lend themselves to a variety of climatic conditions.

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13. Writing – journaling – relaxes me. So does being in sunlight – whether it be sitting at an outdoor café or walking in the city or country. Spending time and chatting with friends is a great way to wind down. I also enjoy being around animals. About five years ago, I began a pet and house-sitting business, which is a perfect side gig for someone who works remotely most of the

time.

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14. The best view of wine in the world is through the eyes of an underdog – a grower, winemaker, and/or region that overcomes the odds to achieve success – while remaining humble, appreciative, and enthusiastic about the craft. I have discovered this view throughout Central Europe.

The best physical view of wine in the world is Somló, Hungary, which I have visited twice. Last year I wrote, Somló, sweet Somló – one of Hungary's top destinations for those in the know. Its slopes and sights are not to be missed. Whether it be sunrise, sunset, or anytime in between, its spectacular views and vibrant wines will reel you in and win you over. You'll find yourself drawn

to the hills in all their splendor – time and time again.

Upon my return home from Hungary in October 2023, I could not stop thinking about my September 2023 day trip to Hungary’s smallest wine region – Somló-hegy, a hill that used to be an underwater volcano – an area where winegrowing and winemaking date back to the 11th century. The idyllic setting, warm people, and volcanic-soil wines stole my heart. I knew I would visit again; it was just a matter of when.

(Story: https://easmith.substack.com/p/somlo)

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15. The one question I wish I’d been asked: Why did you move to Zagreb, Croatia?

          It has always been a dream of mine to live in a major city and internationally. I never imagined it would be Zagreb that ticked both                those boxes – nor would it happen so quickly.

          A year ago, I was living in Napa, California, and had a wonderful copywriter role with a major wine retailer. The company was not                  only supportive of my international wine travel, but rather, encouraged it by allowing me to use PTO (paid time off) and work

          remotely. So, it came as a shock when the positions of 30 of my colleagues and I were suddenly and unexpectedly eliminated due to a            budgetary reduction in force in mid-January 2024.

         After a couple of months applying for jobs without success, I decided to apply instead for wine trade events in Europe – Vinitaly, the             Hungarian Wine Summit, and the London Wine Fair – plus a wine festival in Austria. Croatian Premium Wine Imports invited me to           Croatia – a weekend in Zagreb and a three-week wine tour across all four major wine regions that included 20 wineries

         and Vinistra, Istria’s wine trade show. It would be my first trip to Croatia – and it changed my life

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